Ursula von der Leyen pushes big EU budget while praising Hungary's new liberal turn

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is seeking a two‑year EU budget of about two trillion euros for the 2028‑2034 period, a 60% increase over the previous cycle, and plans to add 2,500 new EU civil‑service posts. The proposal also includes ideas for direct EU taxes on tobacco, gambling and carbon emissions, sparking criticism that she is further centralising power and weakening member‑state autonomy.

In a separate social‑media post, von der Leyen lauded recent political changes in Hungary, stating that "freedom is now celebrated on Budapest's streets" and welcoming Pride and LGBTQ+ marches that were previously restricted under former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. The comments have drawn both praise and harsh backlash, with some commentators labeling her actions as betrayals of the Union. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and other critics have warned against expanding EU spending and authority.

The twin narratives highlight von der Leyen's push for a larger, more centralized EU budget alongside a symbolic endorsement of Hungary's shift toward EU‑aligned values, underscoring ongoing debates over sovereignty, spending and cultural policy within the bloc.