Paris: Hungary's far-right Prime Minister Viktor Orban spoke of the need for European "unity" over the Ukraine war during a dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace on Monday, according to the president's office.

Orban, unlike most European leaders, has been vocal in his criticism of the bloc's position on the conflict, calling for a ceasefire and denouncing what he called a "proximate war" against Russia.

According to the president's staff, at Monday's dinner, Macron "reaffirmed the need for the unity of European countries, especially in their support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression, through the strict application of sanctions".

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The two also discussed Finland and Sweden joining NATO.
The only two members of the 30-nation alliance that have not ratified both countries' bids are Hungary and Turkey.

For more information on upcoming events, click here. Additionally, he has been critical of sanctions imposed on Moscow, although Hungary eventually agreed with its EU partners on the issue. There is also a long-running dispute between Hungary and the European Union over corruption concerns in Brussels.

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In December, Brussels froze billions of euros in funding while awaiting anti-corruption reforms from Budapest.

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The topics of industrial competitiveness and migration were also discussed at the dinner on Monday, which was held ahead of the European Council meeting later this month. Orban has previously come under fire for his anti-European refugee policies.