MEP Andor Deli from Hungary is affiliated with the ruling Fidesz party. His political activities and statements have raised questions regarding his stance on Russia and Ukraine. He frequently voted against anti-Russian resolutions in the EU Parliament and strongly opposed imposing sanctions on Russia.
Recently, in 2024, he voted against two significant EU Parliament resolutions: one addressing new allegations of Russian interference in the European Parliament and upcoming EU elections and another condemning Russia’s undemocratic presidential elections and their extension to occupied territories. He also abstained from the EU Parliament Resolution on the murder of Alexei Navalny and the call for EU action to support political prisoners and oppressed civil society in Russia.
Deli’s party, Fidesz, has been known for its critical stance towards the European Union’s policies, particularly regarding Hungary’s rule of law issues. He has never made any explicitly pro-Russian statement, but his political environment very often reflects disbelief in EU sanctions imposed on Russia and a preference to keep Hungary outside the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
In 2023, he voted against the EU Parliament resolution on the effectiveness of EU sanctions on Russia. He argued that the sanctions had no impact on Russian policy and could harm the EU and its member states more than Russia. He opposed new energy sanctions, including a complete embargo on Russian oil and gas and the cessation of cooperation with Russian energy companies and Rosatom. Consequently, as Fidesz MEPs, they did not support the resolution.
Deli has publicly stated that Hungary will “stay out of the war,” reflecting a cautious approach to the ongoing conflict. This position can be interpreted as aligning with a more neutral or pro-Russian sentiment, especially in contrast to other EU member states that have taken a firmer stance against Russia.
