26 yes, 1 abstention: Hungary alone did not support the EU’s new defence programme
On Monday, the governments of the European Union formally adopted the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP), aimed at joint defence development, procurement, and technological cooperation among member states.
The European Council’s approval marks the end of the legislative process, allowing the programme to be implemented. Between 2025 and 2027, EDIP will provide €1.5 billion in funding, including €300 million dedicated to modernising Ukraine’s defence industry and integrating it into the European ecosystem.
With the defence industry programme, Europe seeks to strengthen its own defence capabilities and reduce long-term dependence on external arms suppliers. However, the Hungarian government approached the programme with reservations and abstained from the vote, making it the sole country not to endorse it.
The war was a stark wake-up call for Europe
Since the outbreak of the war, it has become clear that Europe’s peacetime defence industry cannot rapidly scale up to meet the demands of a prolonged conflict. Ammunition and weapons stockpiles are depleting quickly, and industrial capacity can only be expanded gradually.
In many cases, EU countries have had to rely on American or other external suppliers. EDIP is designed to address this challenge by boosting European production and reducing vulnerability.
- Member states can undertake joint procurement with at least three participants
- Expansion and development projects can receive funding
- European defence “Flagship Projects” can be launched
- A dedicated €300 million fund supports the modernisation of Ukraine’s defence industry
Through these measures, Europe has clearly decided not to remain a dependent purchaser in future conflicts.
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Hungary’s abstention from the EU defence programme
Twenty-six member states supported the decision; Hungary alone abstained. While abstention is not a veto and does not block the programme, it signals political distance.
This is notable because the Hungarian government has long been strengthening its domestic defence and military technology industry: the Lynx production line operates in Zalaegerszeg, and a munitions factory is being built in Várpalota. Hungary had previously appeared to aspire to a regional role in security.
Yet now it seems that, while Europe moves into a new phase, Hungary remains on the sidelines.
Hungary’s political caution regarding EDIP was reflected by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on his Facebook page, where he indicated that the programme could be perceived as a prelude to war, especially in the context of Ukraine’s EU integration.
“Dark clouds are gathering over Europe. Brussels is preparing for war with Russia. (…) The EU accession of a Ukraine at war would immediately oblige member states to participate in the conflict. This means that next year may be the last Hungarian election where we can truly decide on the issue of war and peace.” – wrote Viktor Orbán.
At the same time, Hungary has applied for substantial funding under the EU’s SAFE programme, which could be used for defence investment, arms procurement, and industrial development. The contrast is striking: politically, Hungary abstains from the EU’s joint defence programme, yet financially, it seeks to leverage EU resources to strengthen its domestic defence sector.
The EDIP still needs to be formally implemented through the usual EU legislative procedures, and any blocking minority would require the support of at least four member states, meaning the programme is unlikely to be halted despite Hungary’s abstention.
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