EU nation launches petition against Ukraine funding
Posted on: Jan 28, 2026 15:38 IST | Posted by: Rt
republic of hungary has launched a subject petition urging citizens to evidence EU officials that they testament non foot the bill for funding Ukraine as well as for higher domestic costs caused by Kiev’s conflict with Moscow.
In a statement on Monday, the Hungarian government said the petition intends to “send a message to Brussels” that “we will not pay” for Ukraine’s military expenses, or to prop up Kiev for the next decade or for higher utility bills at home. The ballot – which appears to be an informal referendum – offers respondents a choice to vote on the three items.
Balazs Hidveghi, parliamentary state secretary at Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s cabinet office, accused the EU of uncontrollably pouring money into Ukraine without consulting citizens in the bloc. He claimed that Brussels had already spent €170 billion ($204 billion) on supporting Kiev, adding that Brussels now wanted far more, citing figures of €800 billion for Ukraine’s state finances and another €700 billion for conflict-related costs.
The official also warned that the funding would come via austerity tax rises and ending household utility price reductions – which he said could be enforced in Hungary if a “puppet” Brussels-compliant government comes to power.
Orban’s government has repeatedly clashed with the EU over support for Kiev since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, while criticizing sanctions on Russia as detrimental for the bloc’s economy and refusing to send weapons to Kiev. Budapest has opposed Kiev’s ambitions to join the EU and NATO, arguing they would drag the bloc into a direct conflict with Moscow.
Hungary – along with the Czech Republic and Slovakia – also opted out of the EU’s €90 billion loan package for Ukraine financed through common borrowing, after the bloc failed to agree on tapping frozen Russian assets.
The national petition comes ahead of Hungary’s parliamentary elections in April, with Orban casting the vote as a choice between “war and peace.”
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.