A slim majority of Hungarians support Ukraine’s accession to the European Union, according to a survey conducted by the Republikon Institute and published this week.
The survey, conducted between March 26 and April 1, shows that 47% of respondents agree with Ukraine’s accession to the European Union, while 46% oppose it. Excluding the undecided, the result changes to 51% in favor and 49% against accession, as reported by Kyiv Independent.
Among supporters, 32% stated they would support Ukraine's accession if it followed the standard procedures applied to other candidate countries, with a membership term of 7-10 years. Only 15% expressed support for an accelerated accession process, allowing Ukraine to join in 3-4 years.
The results come in a context where Hungary is considered one of the most pro-Russia EU member states. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has consistently blocked sanctions against Moscow and military aid for Kyiv, while opposing Ukraine's accession to the European bloc.
State media in Hungary spreads anti-Ukrainian narratives, with headlines like "Even cholera has not completely disappeared in Ukraine" and "Ukraine's accession to the EU could bring disaster for pensions in Hungary."
In a recent government campaign titled "Voks 2025 - vote for Ukraine's accession to the EU," President Volodymyr Zelensky, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and German politician Manfred Weber were portrayed in front of a red cross. The title read: "We will not let them decide for us!"
Support for Ukraine's accession to the EU in Hungary shows a clear political division. Among pro-government Fidesz-KDNP voters - the ruling conservative alliance - a large majority (82%) are against accession. Voters of the far-right party Mi Hazank are also mostly against (73%), but 27% would accept Ukraine's accession if it follows EU's standard procedures.
In contrast, voters of the centrist opposition movement Tisza are strong supporters - 79% support Ukraine's accession, including 52% in favor of the usual 7–10-year process and 25% supporting the acceleration of procedures.
Among voters of other opposition parties, 71% support Ukraine's accession.
On March 7, Orbán announced the intention to hold a referendum in Hungary on Ukraine's accession to the EU, although a date has not been set yet.