JD Vance Campaigns for Orbán as Hungarian Election Nears

‘Destroying the Economy’ — Or Freezing Funds Over Rule of Law?

Vance alleged the EU is “trying to destroy” Hungary’s economy. In reality, Brussels has withheld roughly €17bn in funding over concerns about corruption and judicial independence.

The funds are not permanently cut. They remain on hold pending reforms agreed by all member states — a mechanism previously applied to other countries, including Poland.

Energy Clash Masks Deeper Dependence

Vance also accused the EU of undermining Hungary’s energy independence. The dispute centres on Europe’s push to cut reliance on Russian oil following the invasion of Ukraine.

Hungary, however, still sources the vast majority of its oil from Russia via the Druzhba pipeline. While Russian crude is cheaper, analysts say this has not consistently translated into lower consumer prices, especially as global instability drives costs upward.

Pipeline Disruptions Expose Fragility

Recent damage to the Druzhba pipeline has intensified the row, with Hungary blaming Ukraine and Kyiv pointing to Russian strikes. An EU fact-finding mission is ongoing.

The disruption has highlighted a central tension: Hungary’s reliance on discounted Russian energy may lower upfront costs but leaves it exposed to geopolitical shocks.

Election Interference Claim Falls Flat

Vance’s most explosive charge — that Brussels is interfering in Hungary’s election — appears to hinge on the Digital Services Act.

The law regulates illegal and harmful online content, not political outcomes. EU officials insist it is designed to protect elections from manipulation, not influence voters.

Fact-checking JD Vance's claims that Brussels is 'harming Hungary'

9 hours ago, RayC said:

Hope that this helps you in your quest to keep abreast of EU politics.

Well, if he gets re-elected the EU might kick Hungary out?

10 hours ago, RayC said:

That's the reward for supporting a despotic regime which invaded a sovereign nation.

The war was started for the same reason the US tries to break up parties in its own neighborhood. If enemies get too close, countries feel threatened.

If more EU leaders would have been like Orban, ie on friendly terms with Putin, AND the EU would have been willing to negotiate with Putin, maybe the war would have been averted. But we don't know everything that takes place behind the scenes. Maybe EU was trash talking Putin and he felt threatened.

Although the war is not technically allowed under international law, international law doesn't account for what your enemies will do to you once the region close to your borders are secured. So countries take the calculated risks of securing their territory.

6 hours ago, save the frogs said:

Well, if he gets re-elected the EU might kick Hungary out?

Unfortunately, there is no way to expell a EU member State. They forgot to put that in the treaties.

6 hours ago, save the frogs said:

The war was started for the same reason the US tries to break up parties in its own neighborhood. If enemies get too close, countries feel threatened.

If more EU leaders would have been like Orban, ie on friendly terms with Putin, AND the EU would have been willing to negotiate with Putin, maybe the war would have been averted. But we don't know everything that takes place behind the scenes. Maybe EU was trash talking Putin and he felt threatened.

Although the war is not technically allowed under international law, international law doesn't account for what your enemies will do to you once the region close to your borders are secured. So countries take the calculated risks of securing their territory.

The EU has no military prerogative. It's not in the treaties. So it cannot really threaten Putin, apart from imposing economic sanctions. The relevant entities are individual States and NATO.

4 minutes ago, candide said:

Unfortunately, there is no way to expell a EU member State. They forgot to put that in the treaties.

4 minutes ago, candide said:

Unfortunately, there is no way to expell a EU member State. They forgot to put that in the treaties.

One analyst claims EU may become multi-tiered in the future.

With some countries being full members and have more privileges and power than others.

And also the possibility of being expelled.

So it may change.

15 hours ago, RayC said:

Marine Le Pen was charged with, and convicted of, the misappropriation of public funds (embezzlement) under French law. In common with most democratic countries, France does not allow convicted felons currently serving their punishment to run for public office. Le Pen is currently appealing against her conviction. If successful, there will be nothing (the EU can do) to prevent her standing as a candidate in the next French Presidential election.

The irony being that Le Pen called for such a tough law. That was part of her campaign against corrupt mainstream politicians! 😃

5 minutes ago, save the frogs said:

One analyst claims EU may become multi-tiered in the future.

With some countries being full members and have more privileges and power than others.

And also the possibility of being expelled.

So it may change.

Again, you should get accurate information before posting.

It's not about giving more prerogative to some countries, it's about giving freedom to member States to participate in initiatives, while others may choose to opt out. It's also about adding a specific layer for potential members, before being ultimately admitted with full status.

In order to add an "expell" clause, a new treaty or amendment must be signed by all member States, including Hungary.

do half of these EU leaders hate each other or what?