Orban slams EU hypocrisy on Russia ties, defends Hungary’s position
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán addresses the plenary on the priorities of the Hungarian Council Presidency European Union 2024 – EP, Oct. 9, 2024 (EP)
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, the current head of the European Union Council, sharply responded to corruption allegations leveled by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and members of the European Parliament regarding his close diplomatic and trade ties with Russia.
Speaking at the European Parliament plenary session in Strasbourg, where his country’s performance as EU Council president since July 1 was under review, Orban took the floor after delivering his opening remarks to defend himself against the criticisms.
“I came here to present the priorities of our presidency, but you have turned this into an internal political confrontation, which I think is very unfortunate. If you attack us, we will fight back. I will defend my country,” Orban said.
He expressed surprise at von der Leyen’s remarks, criticizing her focus on tensions between Budapest and Brussels: “There are undoubtedly disagreements between Hungary and the European Commission. As a prime minister working within Europe, I believe it’s not appropriate to discuss these differences in a forum where we are reviewing Hungary’s presidency. This is simply not right, and it hasn’t been done before,” he remarked.
Orbán criticized the European Commission, stating that in the past, the body was “neutral and focused on upholding treaties” but has since transformed into a “political party, a political weapon.”
Orban accuses von der Leyen of hypocrisy
Orban also rejected von der Leyen’s comparison of the ongoing war in Ukraine to Hungary’s 1956 uprising against the Soviet Union: “I completely reject what you said, Madam President. Any comparison between the freedom fighters of 1956 and what’s happening in Ukraine is a mistake. There is no link between the two, and making such a comparison is entirely wrong.”
Regarding the accusation that Hungary is offering visa facilities and employing Russian nationals without additional security checks, Orban called the criticism “hypocritical,” noting that while Hungary has 7,000 Russian citizens working in the country, other European nations have far more.
“How about Germany? How is it going there? You have 300,000 workers from Russia, yet you blame me? In Spain, 100,000 Russians are working, and in France, 60,000. And then you accuse me of wrongdoing. Is this fair?” Orban questioned.
He also rejected accusations that Hungary released imprisoned smugglers and human traffickers, asserting, “We have saved Europe from over 2,000 human traffickers. Instead of being criticized, we should be commended.”
Von der Leyen leaves early
Von der Leyen left the session shortly after Orban’s remarks, which drew attention and criticism from several MEPs. European Commission Vice-President Maros Sefcovic delivered the closing remarks on behalf of von der Leyen.
Orban’s closing statement received mixed reactions, with both applause and jeers heard in the chamber.
‘We must change our strategy in Ukraine’
In response to criticism that Hungary is supporting Russia in the ongoing war in Ukraine, Orban argued that the EU’s strategy in Ukraine is flawed and called for a shift in approach.
“We are on the brink of losing on the Ukrainian front. The truth is that, with all due respect to the Commission President, the EU has not pursued the right policy on this war. If we want to win, we must change this losing strategy. It was poorly planned and poorly executed. If we continue down this path, we will lose. If we do not want Ukraine to lose, we must change our strategy,” he declared.
He also defended his meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, insisting that diplomacy is essential in any conflict: “In every war, there must be diplomatic efforts. We need communication, direct and indirect contacts. If we don’t do this, the war will deepen, and the situation will become more catastrophic. More people will die – hundreds, thousands. Even as we speak, thousands are dying, and we will not find a solution on the battlefield with this strategy. That is why I believe we must stand up for peace. We must focus on a ceasefire and create a new strategy; otherwise, we will all lose.”
‘German, French, Spanish companies evading sanctions’
Responding to economic criticisms, Orban pointed out that Hungary’s economic growth is twice the EU average and rejected accusations of corruption.
Responding to criticism for using EU funds despite condemning the bloc, Orban stated, “The money you give to Hungary is the money you earn from Hungary. You make money from us and then fail to support us.”
Addressing allegations of corruption, Orbán countered: “When it comes to corruption, I think this body has expertise in the subject, and now it wants to lecture us on corruption in member states. Are you serious?”
The prime minister further accused European countries of evading sanctions against Russia, stating that many countries conduct trade with Russia through Asia to bypass these sanctions. He provided figures indicating that the EU exports $1 billion more each month to certain Central Asian countries than it did before the Russia-Ukraine war, arguing this is a method of sanction evasion. He specifically alleged that German, French, and Spanish companies are involved in this practice.
Orban also called out the hypocrisy of European countries continuing energy trade with Russia: “This is hypocrisy. In 2023, Western countries bought 44% more crude oil from Russia than before. The taxes from these companies’ revenue go into Russia’s coffers, and then you accuse us of being friendly with Russia.”
