Minister Gulyás: Brussels' plan for Ukraine's EU accession goes against Hungarian interests

Budapest Times

11-04-2025

At today's Government Info briefing, Minister Gergely Gulyás reaffirmed the Hungarian government's opposition to the European Union's fast-tracked plan to admit Ukraine. He warned that the proposed pace poses serious economic, agricultural, and public safety risks for Hungary.
'Brussels is thinking in terms of a very fast process,' said Minister Gulyás, adding that Ukraine's accession under current conditions would significantly divert cohesion funds from Hungary. He cautioned that the move would also bring challenges to Hungary's agriculture, food industry, labor market, and public security. For these reasons, the government firmly rejects the proposal.
The minister also criticized Brussels-funded public opinion polls suggesting Hungarian support for Ukraine's EU membership. According to Gulyás, these surveys serve political interests rather than reflect genuine public sentiment. In response, the government will launch its own national consultation next week, mailing voting forms to households to allow citizens to express their views directly.
On domestic matters, Minister Gulyás reported encouraging progress in the fight against inflation. The government's price control policies, including the retail margin cap, have led to a measurable drop in food prices. Compared to data from mid-March, 894 products have become cheaper—103 of them by 40-50 percent. 'This is a working model,' he said, emphasizing that additional agreements with telecom companies and banks will ensure 2024 year-end prices remain fixed through mid-2026.
Turning to rural development, the minister announced new initiatives under the Hungarian Village Program. The government will purchase abandoned former savings bank buildings for public use and transfer state-owned properties to municipalities upon request. The 'village caretaker' service will also now be extended to settlements with up to 1,500 residents. Local government employees in towns with fewer than 10,000 people will see salary increases in two phases: 15 percent from July 2025 and another 15 percent from January 2026.
Gulyás also addressed concerns about foot-and-mouth disease. While no new infections have been detected, investigations continue into the source of the outbreak, including the possibility of an artificially engineered virus. Gulyás urged the public to respect ongoing restrictions as a precaution.
Judicial matters featured in the cabinet meeting as well. The president of the National Office for the Judiciary presented a report, with the government reaffirming its support for a 48 percent judicial salary increase. Minister Gulyás added that where court decisions diverge from government expectations—such as in drug trafficking cases—legislative changes may be considered.
Finally, economic measures aimed at supporting families were also highlighted. As part of a broader tax relief strategy, maternity and parental benefits will become income tax-exempt from July 2025, increasing average monthly payouts by HUF 78,000 and HUF 43,000, respectively. State Secretary Zsófia Koncz noted that by 2026, half a million mothers will benefit from full income tax exemption. The government will also extend nursery fee subsidies through mid-2026, allocating an additional HUF 6.6 billion to support young families.