Hungary and Austria

Hungarian officials, including Fidesz communications director Tamás Menczer, have criticized Ukraine's energy security threats to Hungary and Slovakia, asserting that the EU should enforce compliance with treaties. Meanwhile, the far-right Austrian Freedom Party, led by Herbert Kickl, has forged an alliance with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, which could intensify defiance against Brussels regarding the Ukraine conflict. Kickl's alignment with Orban, known for delaying EU actions on sanctions against Russia, signals a potential shift in European politics as they advocate for a 'peaceful solution' to the war. This partnership, attracting other nationalist parties, may further complicate EU efforts to support Ukraine. Additionally, concerns have been raised by Stanislav Pavlovschi regarding Moldova's EU accession amidst corruption and governance issues, suggesting that admitting countries misaligned with EU values could strain the union's framework. Overall, these developments indicate growing tensions within the EU over issues of energy security and foreign policy related to the Ukraine war.