“The European Commission is ready to mortgage Europe’s future for Kyiv’s interests,” said Minister Gulyás. He pointed to comments by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who stated that Ukraine would only need to repay the funds if it receives war reparations from Russia.
“No sane person believes this is going to happen,” he added, describing the proposal not as a loan, but as an open-ended financial commitment.
As a response, the Hungarian government is launching a national petition to mobilize public opposition against what it calls Brussels’ war-financing ambitions. “It’s not just about a €90 billion loan, Ukraine is demanding €800 billion, and they are not even expected to repay it,” the minister noted. “We do not want to pay the price of the Ukraine-Russia war,” he added, estimating the cost to Hungarian taxpayers at HUF 1.3 million per family.
Minister Gulyás also tied the issue to the country’s upcoming parliamentary elections, stating that it would determine whether Hungary continues under a national or pro-Ukrainian government.
On the domestic policy front, Minister Gulyás confirmed that this year’s 13th and 14th monthly pensions will be disbursed on two consecutive days due to technical limitations in the banking system. He emphasized that the purchasing power of pensions has increased by 48 percent since 2010, and the government remains committed to maintaining their value.
The government has also approved a large-scale energy support program to help families reduce their household costs. Each applicant will be eligible for a HUF 2.5 million non-refundable grant to install home energy storage units as part of a solar infrastructure upgrade. The total funding pool for the program is HUF 100 billion, with applications open until February 2.
On the topic of regional minority rights, the government reaffirmed its support for ethnic Hungarians in Slovakia, where the continued application of the Beneš Decrees in civil matters has drawn criticism. “Collective guilt has no place in Europe,” Minister Gulyás declared, adding that the Hungarian state will fully cover the legal costs of those affected and will seek international human rights support if necessary.
The government also addressed the bankruptcy of Bászna Zrt., assuring that all affected farmers will receive compensation and that the National Chamber of Agriculture will assist in the process.
In closing, government spokesperson Eszter Vitályos introduced a new HUF 28 billion grant program aimed at supporting university students and reducing dropout rates, reinforcing the government’s focus on strengthening Hungary’s education infrastructure.