Hungary Plans to Reduce Aid for Ukrainian Refugees

• Hungary plans to reduce aid for Ukrainian refugees.
• Prime Minister Viktor Orbán emphasizes the balance between aid for refugees and Hungarians.
• In 2023, 34,300 Ukrainian refugees were registered in Hungary.

This is reported by Interfax Ukraine, RBC Ukraine.

Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orbán stressed the importance of maintaining the interests of Hungarian citizens in the matter of aid to refugees from Ukraine. He noted that Ukrainians should not receive more aid than unemployed Hungarians. Orbán added in a video statement: "There are no unconditional funds. If a Hungarian receives aid for unemployment for three months, and then is encouraged to participate in community work, then, my dear Ukrainian friend, you can also receive benefits depending on how much I have." In 2023, 34,300 Ukrainian refugees were registered in Hungary, and in 2024 their number is expected to decrease to 31,000. Orbán added that Hungary, having accepted thousands of refugees, has always sought to maintain a balance between aid and the interests of its citizens. He emphasized that the country is "one that provides Ukrainians with such aid as it does to Hungarians." However, according to Eurostat data, 40,000 Ukrainians may have temporary protection status in Hungary. Meanwhile, Orbán raised the issue of whether Hungarian aid to refugees exceeds the aid that Hungarians receive, which has caused concern in some circles. The Prime Minister also noted that Hungary blocked negotiations regarding Ukraine's accession to the EU, which has caused a negative reaction from both Ukrainian and European politicians.

Tags: Europe/Politics