Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban called for a "change" in Europe during a headline speech at the European Parliament on Wednesday, but his message was overshadowed by strong criticism from EU leaders.
Lawmakers accused him of backsliding on democracy and siding with Russia over Ukraine, deepening the divide between Hungary and its European partners.
Known for his nationalist and hard-right policies, Orban has been at odds with the EU on several issues.
His government has stalled aid to Ukraine and has been criticised for undermining the rule of law at home.
In his speech, Orban declared that the "European Union needs to change" and that he would try to "convince" the parliament of that.
However, he quickly faced pushback from EU leaders.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen took the floor right after Orban’s speech and responded sharply to his stance on Ukraine.
"There is only one path to achieve a just peace for Ukraine and for Europe," she said.
"We must continue to empower Ukraine’s resistance with political, financial and military support."
Von der Leyen’s message was clear: the EU’s support for Ukraine is non-negotiable, and Hungary’s hesitation to contribute is a problem.
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Ukraine tensions
Orban’s government has long been criticised for its close ties with Moscow, with Hungary often seen as the EU’s most Russia-friendly member.
This has led to tensions over Hungary’s reluctance to join broader EU efforts to support Ukraine.
Since the war began in 2022, Hungary has resisted sending weapons to Kyiv and has delayed decisions on financial aid.
Von der Leyen did not hold back in criticising Orban’s stance, particularly his push for an early peace deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
She took aim at those "who blame this war not on the invader but on the invaded, not on Putin's lust for power, but on Ukraine's thirst for freedom."
Orban’s speech to the European Parliament was part of Hungary’s presentation of priorities for its six-month presidency of the EU Council, a role it assumed in July.
However, his approach to foreign policy – particularly his uncoordinated trips to Kyiv, Moscow and Beijing earlier this year – has caused friction with Brussels.
These visits were meant to promote peace talks but were widely seen as undermining EU unity.
One critic, Manfred Weber of the European People's Party, dismissed Orban’s peace efforts, calling them a "big propaganda show for the autocrats".
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'Democratic backsliding'
Orban also faced significant criticism over Hungary’s democratic record. Since returning to power in 2010, Orban has steadily consolidated control, restricting media freedom and tightening his grip on the judiciary.
These moves have sparked multiple clashes with EU institutions, which have frozen billions of euros in funding for Hungary over concerns about the rule of law.
Orban’s speech acknowledged the "most serious period" in the EU’s history, pointing to conflicts on its borders and a "migration crisis" that he said threatened the Schengen zone’s open borders.
He warned that the system could "fall apart" without significant reforms.
However, his remarks did little to calm his critics. Green Party co-leader Terry Reintke was blunt in her assessment: "You are not welcome here. This is the house of European democracy."
Orban’s government has drawn particular criticism over its handling of migration.
Von der Leyen singled out Hungary’s early release of convicted people-traffickers, accusing Orban of "throwing problems over your neighbour’s fence".
She also condemned Hungary’s visa scheme for Russian nationals, calling it "a back door for foreign interference".
Staunch defiance
Despite the intense criticism, Orban remains defiant. He has pointed to the rise of right-wing parties across Europe as evidence that his ideas are gaining ground.
In his view, the political tide in Europe is turning in his favour, with populist movements in Italy, the Netherlands, and Austria echoing many of his views.
Outside the parliamentary chamber, protests underscored the opposition Orban faces in Europe.
Left-wing lawmakers held up banners reading "no cash for corrupt" – a reference to the billions of euros in frozen EU funds that Hungary cannot access until it addresses rule-of-law concerns.
(with newswires)
