Skip to main content
Work with the NEU
Central Europe in revolt as Hungary and Slovakia defy Brussels
With both nations blasting Brussels for failing to secure their energy needs and mishandling first the Ukraine war and now the US tariff crisis, this joint statement signals trouble ahead for the EU’s geopolitical aims, reports RAINER RUPP
JOBS AT RISK: Magyar Suzuki in Esztergom, Hungary, part of the nation’s highly valuable automotive industry, producing hundreds of thousands of vehicles annually

HUNGARY and Slovakia have launched a scathing attack on the European Union. The two nations, growing increasingly frustrated with Brussels policies, have slammed the EU’s handling of the Ukraine war, its energy security failures and its perceived incompetence in negotiating trade terms with the US.

The joint condemnation delivered at the press conference in Komaram, a small town at the joint border, by Hungary’s Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto and Slovakia’s National Council vice-president Peter Shiga signals a deepening rift within the EU as Budapest and Bratislava refused to toe the block’s line on key geopolitical and economic issues.

Szijjarto did not hold back tearing into Brussels’ approach to international diplomacy, calling out what he described as serious “Trump-phobia” and failed leadership. The Hungarian minister’s fiery remarks came amid growing EU infighting over support for Ukraine with Hungary and Slovakia becoming the loudest critics of the bloc’s strategy.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
A Ukrainian flag waves in the centre of the frontline town of Druzhkivka, Donetsk region, Ukraine, August 10, 2026
Eyes Wright / 13 August 2026
13 August 2026

Andy Burnham offers unconditional support for Zelensky but no solutions to the underlying conflict between the Nato/EU bloc and Russia, says NICK WRIGHT

Firefighters put out the fire in the ruins of an apartment building following Russia's missile attack in Kharkiv, Ukraine, March 7, 2026
Features / 8 March 2026
8 March 2026

SEVIM DAGDELEN asks why the European Union is targeting the Swiss academic Jacques Baud, cutting off his access to banking services

US President Donald Trump meets with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, May 13, 2019
Central Europe / 26 September 2025
26 September 2025