According to "Politico", there are growing concerns in the European Union regarding whether it would be prudent to exert pressure on Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Budapest is currently navigating a politically sensitive landscape as it seeks to convert discussions about a loan to Ukraine into a broader confrontation with the EU, which could potentially weaken Hungary's opposition ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for April. The negotiations concerning the loan are ongoing, with both the European Commission and various capitals within the bloc involved, but progress remains uncertain.

A diplomat quoted in the article pointed out the complex backdrop of negotiations, including crucial factors such as a gas pipeline and the impending elections in Hungary. As stated, it is difficult to predict how these developments will unfold at this time. The dynamics surrounding Orbán's government have made Hungary increasingly unpredictable, which complicates EU efforts to negotiate successfully. EU officials, including the executive branch and European Council President Antonio Costa, are trying to persuade Orbán to unblock the loan, but internal and external political pressures could have significant implications for these negotiations.

Another diplomat emphasized that pressuring Orbán during his election campaign may not be the wisest strategy, as it could reinforce nationalist sentiments and rally support around him. This situation highlights the delicate balance the EU must strike in addressing its financial support for Ukraine while navigating its relationship with Hungary, particularly as concerns about Orbán’s government continue to grow amidst an increasingly polarized political environment.