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 said the U.K.’s leaving the bloc had “changed everything,” as there had previously been an “internal, natural balance” between France, Germany and other founding member countries who wanted greater European integration on the 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 confront[ational], but because we want to keep the previous balance.”

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

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

Orbán will speak to the entire European Parliament on Wednesday. His speech will be followed by an address by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.