Hungary's PM Orbán Rejects Euro Adoption Amid EU 'Disintegrating' Claims

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has reiterated his stance against adopting the euro currency, citing his belief that the European Union is "disintegrating" and warning against Hungary tying its future more closely to the bloc. Despite Hungary's economic modernization aided by billions in EU funds and its significant trade reliance on the 27-member union, Orbán emphasized that adopting the euro would deepen Hungary's link to an unstable EU, which he criticizes for eroding national sovereignty and pushing globalist and woke policies. Hungary currently does not meet the EU's criteria for euro adoption, unlike some neighbors, and does not have a legal opt-out, unlike Denmark. Orbán's position contrasts with that of his opposition rival, Peter Magyar, who advocates unfreezing suspended EU funds and moving towards euro adoption ahead of the 2026 parliamentary elections. The EU has suspended billions in funds to Hungary due to Orbán's rule-of-law reforms, reflecting growing tensions between Budapest and Brussels. Additionally, Orbán commented on domestic monetary policy, noting that the central bank's interest rate is higher than necessary, which has helped strengthen the forint against the euro amid efforts to prevent capital flight.