Brexit ‘changed everything’ in the EU, says Orbán

STRASBOURG — Viktor Orbán misses the United Kingdom being in the European Union.

The Hungarian prime minister told reporters in Strasbourg that “the EU was always about balance between those wanting a federalized EU and on the other side those who wanted more sovereignty and independence.”

Orbán argued that the U.K. leaving the bloc “changed everything” as before then there was an “internal, natural balance” between France, Germany and other founding member countries who wanted greater European integration on one side, and the U.K. and Central European countries pushing against more powers for Brussels on the other.

“There was no rule of law procedure, conditionality was unthinkable. Can you imagine the U.K. accepting that? There was a natural balance,” he added, referring to some EU funds being withheld from Hungary over rule of law concerns.

“This unbalanced situation created more confrontational situations. Not because we want to be confrontative, but because we want to keep the previous balance.”

Perhaps trying to fill in the hole left by the U.K.’s departure, Orbán created the Patriots for Europe group in the European Parliament. It’s now the third-largest force in the Parliament — and its member parties have recently scored major wins in elections in EU countries, such as in Austria, Netherlands, and Czechia.

“I can’t serve Hungary without getting involved in international politics,” Orbán said, expressing he would prefer to focus on his own country than spearheading Patriots for Europe.

Orbán will on Wednesday speak to the entire European Parliament — with his speech being followed by an address by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.