Austria-Hungary Political Alliance Threatens EU Unity on Ukraine

Austria’s far-right Freedom Party (FPO) has formed an alliance with Hungarian leader Viktor Orban, which could challenge EU consensus on the Ukraine war. Orban has a history of blocking EU decisions, and FPO leader Herbert Kickl aims to align Austria with Orban's 'illiberal democracy', raising concerns about EU unity.

The far-right favourites to win Austria's next election have joined forces with Hungarian leader Viktor Orban, potentially deepening EU defiance and threatening fragile consensus on the Ukraine conflict if they take power.

Orban, a staunch ally of Donald Trump, has a history of delaying major EU decisions, including sanctions against Russia and aid for Ukraine. Unlike other European hardline nationalists who have moderated their stances, Austrian Freedom Party (FPO) leader Herbert Kickl is aligning closely with Orban's 'illiberal democracy'.

Kickl announced this European alliance in June, signaling a 'new era in European politics' alongside Czech leader Andrej Babis. The alliance quickly attracted other hardline parties, making it the EU's third-largest political bloc. An FPO-led government could further complicate EU efforts to support Ukraine, with Austria potentially joining Hungary in veto threats.

(With inputs from agencies.)