Hungary Plans to Form an Anti-Ukrainian Alliance Within the EU with Czechia and Slovakia, Raising Concerns Over Regional Stability
Recent reports reveal that Hungary is actively exploring the possibility of establishing a new political coalition within the European Union, aimed at opposing Ukraine support and strengthening pro-Russian factions in the region.
Viktor Orbán’s political advisor, Balázs Orbán, indicated that Czechia and Slovakia might join this alignment to create an anti-Ukrainian bloc ahead of upcoming EU summits.
Leaders of these countries are expected to clarify their stances soon and coordinate joint actions, which could significantly impact the EU’s unified approach to Ukraine, especially concerning financial and military aid.
Though still in the early stages, the potential emergence of this alliance threatens to complicate the EU’s policy on Ukraine.
It recalls the Visegrad Group, established in 2015, which included Hungary, Czechia, Slovakia, and Poland, mainly opposing migrant redistribution policies and border controls.
However, the full Visegrad alliance disbanded after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, as Poland maintained a strict stance against Moscow, while Hungary adopted a more accommodating position.
The proposed new Visegrad trio would include Hungary, Czechia, and Slovakia, raising concerns among other EU member states, notably Poland, which remains a strong supporter of Ukraine.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk continues to reject alliances with Orbán, favoring pro-Ukraine policies.
Meanwhile, leaders like Czech President Petr Pavel and former Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš have expressed their inclination toward dialogue with Moscow and skepticism about further EU assistance to Kyiv, fueling divisions within the bloc over strategies toward Russia and Ukraine.