Hungarian political figure Viktor Orbán has staunchly defended his government’s strategic use of veto power within the European Union, asserting that it serves as a countermeasure to what he perceives as undue political pressure from Brussels. During an international press conference held in Belgium, Orbán emphasized his commitment to bolstering conservative and sovereigntist movements throughout Europe.
Orbán pointed out that despite some electoral setbacks, patriotic and anti-immigration parties are gaining traction. He attributed this rise in influence to growing public dissatisfaction with the EU’s management of key issues such as security, migration, economic competitiveness, and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. According to Orbán, these concerns are driving increased support for parties that challenge the current EU policies.
Addressing the ongoing disputes over EU funding, Orbán recalled how his previous administration interpreted the withholding of funds as a form of political leverage. In response, his government had threatened to obstruct crucial EU decisions, including the approval of the bloc’s upcoming seven-year budget. Orbán indicated that Hungary should continue to wield its veto power if it is necessary to obtain the funds it believes it is rightfully owed.
The former prime minister also criticized EU mechanisms that tie funding to specific political and legal criteria, arguing that these measures could be exploited to exert political pressure on member states in the future. Orbán expressed concern that such conditions might be used as tools for political maneuvering within the union.
Looking forward, Orbán predicted that conservative and patriotic parties would continue to grow in influence across Europe. He suggested that center-right parties would eventually face a choice between forming alliances with leftist factions or fostering greater unity among right-leaning groups. This, Orbán believes, will shape the political landscape of Europe in the coming years.