The European Parliament has called for urgent measures to boost the EU's economic competitiveness and defence capabilities as lawmakers seek to bolster the bloc's resilience against escalating trade tensions with the US and wider global challenges.

At the April 1 session, MEPs underscored the need for strategic autonomy, while also issuing sharp criticism of Viktor Orban's government and the perceived shortcomings in safeguarding EU fundamental values.

Hungary also came under renewed scrutiny for its repeated use of vetoes for obstructing the EU's ability to respond effectively to crises. Concerns were also raised over democratic backsliding in the country, with calls for stronger protections of fundamental rights and EU values.

Hungary has intensified its opposition to Ukraine's EU membership, blocking key negotiations and vetoing EU financial and military aid, writes Polish based OSW Centre for Eastern Studies. 

Prime Minister Viktor Orban has announced a "national consultation" on the issue, a move seen as mobilising Fidesz voters ahead of the 2026 elections.

While Hungary remains isolated in its stance, the unanimity requirement in EU decision-making allows it to stall progress, particularly on Ukraine's accession process. Budapest cites concerns over the Hungarian minority in Ukraine, but critics argue this is a pretext for obstruction.

According to the report, Viktor Orban's position has clearly hardened since Donald Trump's return to the White House as Hungary aligns with a broader push for Western disengagement from Ukraine. Meanwhile, Kyiv continues efforts to bypass Hungary's veto by consolidating support within the EU.

At the debate on Tuesday, April 1, MEPs accused Budapest of failing to defend European interests while actively undermining EU unity.

Manfred Weber, leader of the centre-right European People's Party (EPP), said Hungary's obstructionism has forced EU institutions to adapt.

"The Orbán problem has been solved through new forms of cooperation," Weber told lawmakers, pointing to the emergence of the "Coalition of the willing" among member states that bypass Hungary's ability to block decisions at the European Council.

In Tuesday's session, a key point of contention was Hungary's refusal to approve a new EU loan for Ukraine, part of a broader support package for Kyiv's war effort. Hungary's State Secretary for Communication, Csaba Dömötör, dismissed the debate as an attempt to pressure Budapest over its opposition to further joint borrowing by the EU.

Manfred Weber accused the Hungarian leader of putting personal and ideological alliances above European interests, referring to Budapest's stance on US tariffs on the European automotive sector, amongst others.

"He doesn't stand up for Europe. He just goes to Washington to take pictures with Trump instead of fighting for our common future," Weber added.

At the EP session, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that the EU is ready to retaliate against US tariffs. Europe seeks a negotiated solution, but it has a "solid plan" with firm countermeasures to respond to Washington's actions, she added.

MEPs will debate the amendment of the Hungarian right of assembly on Wednesday.