Speaking to journalists after the summit, Prime Minister Orbán characterized the discussions as difficult but ultimately decisive. “It was a rough ride,” he said, noting that Hungary faced pressure after revisiting a decision made in December. However, the prime minister emphasized that the legal framework clearly allows for such a move, as the decision-making process had not been fully concluded.
According to PM Orbán, Hungary’s stance was strengthened by what he described as a lack of convincing counterarguments from other member states. “There was not a single argument against us that we could not counter with a stronger one,” he stated, adding that Hungary’s position held firm across legal, moral, and political dimensions.
A key factor behind Hungary’s decision is the ongoing dispute over energy security. Prime Minister Orbán pointed to Ukraine’s actions regarding oil transit, arguing that had the blockade occurred prior to the original agreement, Hungary would never have supported the loan. “They cannot expect us to act as if nothing has happened,” he said.
The prime minister also raised concerns about transparency, particularly regarding the condition of the Druzhba pipeline. Hungary, together with Slovakia, has sought to inspect the infrastructure but has so far been denied access. “We want to go there and see what is happening,” Prime Minister Orbán stressed, calling it unacceptable that an EU-level investigation could proceed without the involvement of the affected member states.
Looking ahead, the prime minister made it clear that Hungary’s position could change if conditions improve. However, the restoration of oil deliveries alone would not be sufficient; Hungary also expects guarantees to prevent similar disruptions in the future. “As soon as the oil arrives and we receive guarantees, the money can go immediately,” he said.
Beyond this dispute, PM Orbán painted a broader picture of Europe’s energy and geopolitical challenges. He warned of a worsening global energy situation and argued that Europe cannot manage the crisis without cooperation with major global players, including Russia, the United States, and China. Without such engagement, he cautioned, the EU risks deepening its isolation.
The prime minister also touched on migration, noting that several member states are increasingly aligning with Hungary’s long-standing position of strict border protection. He suggested that growing migration pressures could force a wider adoption of what he described as the “Hungarian model.”
Concluding his remarks, Prime Minister Orbán reiterated that Hungary’s approach is grounded in national interest and legal rights, adding that recent developments at the EU level increasingly validate the government’s long-held positions.