Orban attacks EU: The real threat to Hungary comes from Brussels, not Russia

2026-02-15 13:32:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

At a campaign rally, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban told supporters that the real threat facing Hungary is not Russia, but the European Union.

In his speech, Orban compared the EU to the oppressive Soviet regime that ruled Hungary for more than 40 years in the last century and rejected the belief of many European leaders that Vladimir Putin is a threat to the continent's security.

"We must get used to the idea that those who love freedom should not fear the East, but Brussels. Raising fear of Putin is primitive and irresponsible. However, Brussels is a tangible reality and a source of immediate danger. This is the bitter truth and we will not tolerate it ," Orban said.

With just eight weeks left until the April 12 vote, Orban and his Fidesz party face their most serious challenge since the right-wing populist leader returned to power in 2010.

Orban has been a staunch opponent of military and economic aid to Kiev since Russia launched its invasion nearly four years ago and maintains close ties with Moscow, while adopting an aggressive stance toward Hungary's EU and NATO partners, whom he describes as warmongers.

"The European Union has decided to go to war by 2030. It is not that it wanted, could or planned to do so - it has decided. The April elections will be the last Hungarian elections before the war. The next government will have to decide on the question of war and peace. Brussels has decided that Russian forces will be defeated on Ukrainian soil. Everywhere, except for Hungary and Slovakia, preparations for a possible war are being actively made. Compulsory military service has already been introduced in nine countries and in some countries it has been extended to women. Instructions are being sent to the population on what to do in the event of war, military spending has increased significantly. Agreements have been signed that military units will later be sent to Ukraine, they will be sent to their deaths ," he stressed.

Hungary’s government has long been at odds with the EU, which has “frozen” billions of euros in funding for Budapest over concerns that Orban has dismantled democratic institutions, undermined the independence of the judiciary and allowed corruption to spread. In return, Orban is increasingly acting as a reactionary element in EU decisions, systematically threatening to veto key policies, such as providing economic support to Ukraine.

As the election approaches, he increasingly portrays Tisza's party as an EU puppet designed to overthrow his government and serve foreign interests, accusations Tisza has vehemently denied. Peter Magyar, the party's leader, has vowed to improve Hungary's strained relations with its Western allies, revive the stagnant economy and put the country back on a more democratic path. /CNA