Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has outlined a clear vision for Hungary's presidency of the Council of the European Union, with a strong focus on peace and competitiveness. In a recent interview with M1, PM Orbán emphasized that the primary goal of Hungary's EU presidency will be to bring Europe closer to peace, particularly in light of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
A focus on peace and European interests
During his interview, PM Orbán highlighted that Europe's most significant challenge is the Russia-Ukraine war. He stressed the importance of preparing for eventual negotiations between the Americans and Russians, questioning where Europe will stand in these discussions and who will represent its interests. This, he noted, will be a key focus for Hungary during its presidency.
"We must ensure that Europe has a clear and unified stance in these negotiations. The future of Europe is intertwined with this conflict, and our presidency will actively engage in every crucial situation," he said, adding that Hungary's presidency would involve preparing comprehensive reports for European leaders to facilitate informed decision-making.
Strengthening European competitiveness
PM Orbán also underscored the need to strengthen European competitiveness, calling for a reevaluation of international taxes and economic policies that hinder growth. He advocated for policies that support economic actors to drive prosperity and called for a reform of green energy policies to avoid the negative consequences seen in recent years, such as increased coal usage and higher energy prices.
Migration and security
On the topic of migration, PM Orbán was critical of the current EU migration pact, advocating for the adoption of Hungary's stringent migration controls across Europe. He emphasized that the current policies have led to increased terror threats and crime, suggesting that stricter policies are necessary to ensure security.
"We cannot continue with policies that jeopardize the safety of our citizens. Hungary's approach has proven effective, and we believe it should be adopted more broadly across the EU," Orbán stated.
A new political alliance
PM Orbán also introduced the new Patriots for Europe group, formed by Hungary, Austria, and the Czech Republic, which aims to promote peace, order, security, and development. He highlighted the rapid growth of this group, with new members expected to join soon, including an Italian party.
"The Patriots for Europe group will quickly become one of the largest in Brussels, advocating for national sovereignty and strong European cooperation without creating a centralized European state," Orbán explained.
Critique of EU leadership
In his interview, PM Orbán did not shy away from critiquing the current EU leadership. He expressed dissatisfaction with Ursula von der Leyen's performance as President of the European Commission, particularly on issues like the war, migration, and the green transition. He also criticized Manfred Weber as "anti-Hungarian" and supported Antonio Costa for his fair dealings with Hungary.
Challenges and optimism
Despite the challenges ahead, PM Orbán remains optimistic about the future. He pointed out that the recent European Parliament elections showed a clear desire for change, with 20 out of 27 countries electing parties that believe "things can't go on like this in Brussels."
"Brussels must listen to the people. The desire for change is strong, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that this change happens," PM Orbán concluded.
Overall, Hungary's presidency of the Council of the EU aims to address some of the most pressing issues facing Europe today, with a focus on peace, security, and economic competitiveness.