Prime Minister Viktor Orbán met Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Bratislava on Tuesday for a working lunch focused on energy security and regional cooperation. The discussions were prompted by Ukraine’s recent gas transit halt, a move with significant implications for Central Europe.
Speaking after the meeting, Prime Minister Orbán emphasized Hungary’s commitment to supporting Slovakia’s energy needs, particularly through expanded pipeline capacity. “Hungary’s responsibility towards Slovakia has increased, and we are fully aware of this. We will deliver on it,” said the prime minister, assuring his Slovak counterpart of Hungary’s reliability as a partner.
Prime Minister Orbán also addressed Ukraine’s refusal to engage in negotiations over the gas transit issue, describing Kyiv’s stance as counterproductive. “Aggressive and hostile statements are coming from Kyiv… this issue cannot be resolved with such rhetoric,” he said. He further noted that global dynamics are no longer in Ukraine’s favor.
“Kyiv is no longer as secure in the saddle as it once was; global changes are working against it,” he remarked.
The prime minister highlighted the importance of diplomacy in resolving regional challenges and expressed his support for Slovakia’s mediation efforts. “I fully support Robert Fico’s efforts to find a negotiated solution to the difficult issue of gas transit,” Prime Minister Orbán stated.
Regarding Ukraine’s NATO membership, the prime minister reaffirmed Hungary’s opposition, warning of the risks involved. “Ukraine’s NATO membership is not on the table and will not be,” he declared, adding, “We will not send troops or weapons. We want peace, not war.”
Discussions also included Ukraine’s potential European Union membership. Prime Minister Orbán expressed deep reservations, citing the financial and economic strain such a decision would impose.
“If Ukraine were to join the European Union today, it would devastate Hungary,” he said. “There are no answers today to the question of how we would protect Slovak, Hungarian, or other EU citizens’ living standards with Ukraine in the Union,” he explained, emphasizing that this process would take decades and require unanimous decisions by all member states.
Prime Minister Orbán also highlighted broader regional concerns, including the risks posed by the vast quantities of weapons that will remain in Ukraine even after the war ends. “Even after the war, there will be a huge number of weapons left there, which in itself is a risk for neighbors like Hungary,” he said.
The meeting underscored the strengthening ties between Hungary and Slovakia. Prime Minister Orbán reflected on the growing bilateral relationship, stating, “The Hungarian-Slovak relationship has not been this strong in years, whether in strategic partnership or trade.” He highlighted Slovakia’s new role as Hungary’s second-largest trading partner, surpassing Austria, Poland, and Romania.
“This is a fantastic achievement for our economic cooperation,” said the prime minister, crediting joint efforts such as infrastructure improvements, border crossings, and expanded gas pipeline capacities.
As the prime minister concluded, he extended an invitation to his Slovak counterpart for a visit to Hungary. “You have a standing invitation to Hungary, where you will always be warmly and respectfully welcomed,” he said to Prime Minister Fico.
