Hungary’s Orban Threatens to Block EU Budget Over Frozen Funds, Warns of Election Interference

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has declared he will veto the EU's proposed €2 trillion budget for 2028–2034 unless Brussels releases all frozen funds earmarked for Hungary. The European Commission withheld billions over rule-of-law concerns, LGBTQ rights, and migration disputes. Orban's MOVE exploits the EU's unanimity requirement for budget approval, tying the bloc's economic and defense spending plans to Hungary's financial demands.

In a combative speech, Orban accused EU leaders of meddling in Hungary's 2026 elections by supporting opposition forces. He framed the contest as a battle between his sovereigntist government and Brussels-backed rivals, specifically citing rising opposition leader Peter Magyar. The Tisza party leader countered by affirming Hungary's EU and NATO ties while criticizing the budget draft, leaving the bloc's financial future hanging in the balance.