Hungary's Orbán condemns EU vote on frozen Russian assets as unlawful

Hungary"s Orbán Condemns EU Vote on Frozen Russian Assets as Unlawful

On December 12, 2025, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán expressed strong opposition to a significant vote taking place within the European Union (EU) regarding frozen Russian assets. In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Orbán characterized the vote as a pivotal moment, declaring that "the Brusselians are crossing the Rubicon." He warned that the outcome of this vote would lead to "irreparable damage to the Union."

Key Details

The vote in question pertains to the management of frozen Russian assets, which have been subject to a unanimous voting requirement among EU member states every six months. Orbán criticized the EU"s decision to change this procedure, arguing that it abolishes the requirement for unanimity "with a single stroke of the pen," which he deemed "clearly unlawful." He asserted that this move signifies the end of the rule of law within the EU, suggesting that European leaders are placing themselves above established rules.

Orbán"s statement included a stark accusation against the European Commission, claiming it is "systematically raping European law" to facilitate the continuation of the war in Ukraine. He expressed skepticism about the war"s viability, stating that it is "a war that clearly isn"t winnable." This statement comes just days before a crucial meeting of the European Council, the EU"s primary decision-making body, which convenes heads of state and government.

In his remarks, Orbán characterized the situation as a transition from the rule of law to "the rule of bureaucrats," implying that a "Brusselian dictatorship" has emerged. He emphasized Hungary"s opposition to this decision, vowing that the country would do everything in its power to restore a lawful order within the EU.

Background

The context of Orbán"s comments lies in the ongoing geopolitical tensions surrounding the conflict in Ukraine, which has prompted various sanctions and asset freezes against Russia by the EU and its member states. The EU has historically required unanimous consent for significant decisions, particularly those involving financial sanctions. The proposed change in voting procedure raises concerns about the erosion of democratic processes within the EU framework.

Orbán"s government has often been at odds with EU policies, particularly regarding issues of rule of law, migration, and economic governance. His comments reflect a broader skepticism among certain EU member states about the direction of EU governance and the perceived overreach of Brussels in national affairs.

What"s Next

The implications of this vote and Orbán"s response could have lasting effects on Hungary"s relationship with the EU, particularly as it prepares for the upcoming European Council meeting. As Hungary protests the decision, the potential for increased tensions between member states over governance and legal frameworks remains high. The situation underscores the ongoing debate within the EU about the balance of power between national sovereignty and collective decision-making.

In light of these developments, observers will be closely monitoring how the EU navigates this contentious issue and whether Hungary"s stance will influence future discussions on governance and legal standards within the Union. The outcome of this vote may set a precedent for how similar issues are handled in the future, particularly in the context of international conflicts and sanctions.

For more on related developments, see our coverage on recent developments regarding international governance challenges.