Public opposition to Ukraine’s European Union membership is growing in Hungary, according to a new poll conducted by the Nézőpont Institute. The survey shows that 67 per cent of Hungarians now oppose Ukraine joining the EU, up from 62 per cent in mid-April. Support has dropped from 29 per cent to just 23 per cent over the same period.
The research, based on two rounds of 1,000-person telephone surveys conducted between 14–15 April and 19–21 May, comes amid ongoing political debate in Hungary about Ukraine’s potential EU accession. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán launched a non-binding national consultation in early March, asking Hungarians to express their views on the issue by 20 June.
Tisza Party leader Péter Magyar also gathered public input from his supporters, with both camps taking clear positions. Orbán argues that while Hungarians would support Ukraine’s accession if it benefited the country, in its current form, Hungary would ‘lose out’ on the deal. Magyar, aligned with the European People’s Party, has expressed support for Ukraine’s EU bid.
The statement by the Nézőpont Institute noted an increase in what it described as Ukrainian ‘propaganda activities’ in Hungary following Magyar’s campaign, although no specific examples were provided.
The growing opposition means that an estimated 5.2 million Hungarians now reject Ukraine’s entry into the EU—a rise of over 300,000 compared to April figures.
The ongoing public consultation and rising scepticism reflect how deeply divided Hungarian society remains on Ukraine’s place in the European Union.
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