Strasbourg, 9 October 2024
Viktor Orbán at the EU Parliament: The European Union must change, and the Hungarian presidency intends to be the voice and catalyst of change
(e-translated from the Hungarian Government website)
Strasbourg, 9 October 9, 2024
The European Union must change, and the Hungarian presidency aims to be the voice and catalyst of that change, declared Viktor Orbán at the plenary session of the European Parliament on Wednesday. He identified increasing competitiveness as the most important element of change.
“I have come to sound the alarm,” the European Union must change, Viktor Orbán declared in Strasbourg at the European Parliament session while presenting the program for the upcoming Hungarian EU presidency.
The Prime Minister recalled that Hungary is now holding the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union for the second time since 2011. He added that this is also his second time personally assuming this responsibility. The previous presidency was not easy, but today’s work is much more difficult because the EU’s situation is far more severe than it was in 2011 and perhaps more severe than at any other time in its history, he said. Among the difficulties, he mentioned the war in Ukraine, i.e., Europe, serious conflicts raging and impacting Europe in the Middle East and Africa, all of which carry the risk of escalation. He also noted that the migration crisis threatens the disintegration of the Schengen area. Meanwhile, Europe is losing its global competitiveness, Orbán Viktor added, emphasizing that the EU is facing decisions that will determine its fate.
Presenting the program of the Hungarian EU presidency, the Prime Minister highlighted that decisions must be made by the member states and institutions of the EU, not by the Hungarian presidency. The Hungarian presidency raises problems and makes proposals for the peace, security, and prosperity of the union.
Addressing the issue of competitiveness, Viktor Orbán said that the EU’s economic growth has been consistently slower than that of the United States and China over the past two decades, with EU productivity increasing more slowly than that of its competitors, and its share of global trade decreasing. In the EU, companies face electricity prices that are two to three times higher than in the United States, and natural gas prices that are four to five times higher, Orbán Viktor listed.
The Prime Minister emphasized that half of European companies consider energy costs the main obstacle to investment, and in energy-intensive industries, production has decreased by 10-15%. “Let’s not delude ourselves into thinking that the green transition alone will solve this problem!” he stated. Even if the goals for the installation of renewable energy sources are met, by 2030 – according to all analyses – the proportion of operating hours during which fossil fuels will determine energy prices will not significantly decrease, he said. He pointed out that the foundation of the European Green Deal was to create new green jobs. However, the initiative’s rationale is called into question if decarbonization leads to a decline in European production and job losses, Viktor Orbán assessed, pointing out that the automotive industry is one of the most glaring examples of the lack of EU planning, where climate policy is applied without industrial policy.
He said that member states expect quick and decisive action from European institutions in this area. They expect a reduction in administrative burdens, a reduction in overregulation, affordable energy, green industrial policy, strengthening the internal market, a capital markets union, an expansion of trade policy, and a trade policy that enhances connectivity rather than blocking it, declared Viktor Orbán.
Source – Hungarian Government
Speech by President von der Leyen at the European Parliament Plenary on the presentation of the programme of activities of the Hungarian Presidency
Thank you very much President Metsola,
Prime Minister Orbán,
Honourable Members,
We meet three weeks later than planned because of the floods that ravaged Central Europe. Five months’ worth of rain fell on Central Europe in just four days. Extreme weather events are the new normal of climate change. At the same time, its destructive power is too big for any country to fight on its own. The water reached the gates of the most iconic landmarks in Budapest. It destroyed crops and damaged factories. But in these three weeks, we have seen the people of Hungary rolling up their sleeves and helping one another. Europe wants to be at their side. Hungary requested the support of our Copernicus satellites, and we stepped in, and it helped coordinate the rescue teams and map the damage. We are also ready to mobilise our Civil Protection Mechanism, and the Solidarity Fund, for all countries in the region, including Hungary. Hungary can request our support, as others plan to do. The European Union is there for the people of Hungary. In this emergency and beyond. The Hungarians deserve the full benefits of membership and access to the European funds.
Honourable Members,
Today I would like to stay focused on some of the most pressing issues that we are facing during this Presidency of the Council. First, Ukraine. Second, competitiveness. Third, migration. Our Ukrainian friends are heading into the third winter of war. And Russia is trying to make it the hardest winter yet. Last month, Russia sent over 1,300 drones against Ukrainian cities. Throughout the summer, hundreds of missiles have rained on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Countless Ukrainians have been killed or wounded. Families have been separated. Cities have been destroyed. The world has witnessed the atrocities of Russia’s war. And yet, there are still some who blame this war not on the invader but on the invaded. Not on Putin’s lust for power but on Ukraine’s thirst for freedom. So I want to ask them: Would they ever blame the Hungarians for the Soviet invasion of 1956? Would they ever blame the Czechs and Slovaks for the Soviet repression of 1968? Would they ever blame the Lithuanians for the Soviet crackdown of 1991? We Europeans may have different histories and different languages, but there is no European language in which peace is synonymous with surrender. And sovereignty is synonymous with occupation. The people of Ukraine are freedom fighters, just like the heroes that freed Central and Eastern Europe from Soviet rule.
There is only one path to achieve a just peace for Ukraine and for Europe. We must continue to empower Ukraine’s resistance with political, financial and military support. Last month in Kyiv, I announced that we will provide up to EUR 35 billion in loans to Ukraine, as part of the USD 50 billion pledged by the G7. This loan will be repaid by the windfall profits of the immobilised Russian assets. And it will flow directly into Ukraine’s national budget. We are making Russia pay for the damage it caused. And we will stand with Ukraine through this winter and for as long as it takes.
Honourable Members,
The second priority I would like to touch upon is competitiveness. One year ago, in my State of the Union Address here in Strasbourg, I announced Mario Draghi’s report on the future of European competitiveness. Now we have all heard his call to action. Let me focus on two priority areas. First, on closing the innovation gap with other major economies. Draghi’s analysis is very clear on why we are losing ground, especially on breakthrough digital innovations. Too many of our innovative companies have to look at the United States or Asia to finance their expansion, while EUR 300 billion of European household savings are invested in foreign markets every year. And too many barriers still exist in our Single Market, preventing our companies from scaling up across borders. This is why we have proposed a Savings and Investments Union. We need to lower barriers for companies to grow across borders. And we will propose a new push to complete our Single Market, reduce burdens of reporting in sectors like finance and digital. This is the direction of travel to strengthen our competitiveness.
But what we also see is that one government in our Union is heading in the exact opposite direction, drifting away from the Single Market. I listened very carefully today. How can a government attract more European investments, if at the same time it discriminates against European companies by taxing them more than others? How can it attract more companies if at the same time it imposes export restrictions overnight? And how can a government be trusted by European businesses if it targets them with arbitrary inspections, blocks their permits, if public contracts mostly go to a small group of beneficiaries? This creates uncertainty and undermines investors’ trust. All of this, at a time when Hungary’s GDP per capita has been overtaken by its Central European neighbours. Hungary is at the heart of Europe, and it should also be at the heart of our economy. The Hungarian people should enjoy the full benefits of our Single Market.
Second, the Draghi report calls for a joint plan for decarbonisation and growth. Let me address those who still think that we should stick to dirty Russian fossil fuels. Just a few days after Russian tanks rolled into Ukraine, European leaders gathered in Versailles. And all 27 – all 27 – agreed to diversify away from Russian fossil fuels as soon as possible. So, where are we on that pledge, 1,000 days later? Europe has indeed diversified. We built infrastructures and new ties with reliable partners. We invested in cheap and clean energy that is made in Europe – and with success. In the first half of the year, 50% of all our electricity generation came from renewables that are homegrown, from our own energy which created good jobs in Europe and not in Russia. But not everyone has acted on the Versailles commitments. Instead of looking for alternative sources, one Member State in particular just looked for alternative ways to buy fossil fuels from Russia. Russia has proven time and again, it is simply not a reliable supplier. There can be no more excuses. Whoever wants European energy security, first and foremost has to contribute to it. That is the rule we have to follow.
Honourable members,
Finally, on migration. Everybody understands that migration is a European challenge that requires a European answer. This is why the European Parliament and the Council adopted the New Pact on Migration and Asylum. And now we must implement it. We are already looking at Member States, including those at the external borders of our Union, to help them manage our common frontier.
Prime Minister,
I heard your words over the weekend. You said that Hungary is ‘protecting its borders’, and that ‘criminals are being locked up’ in Hungary. I just wonder how this statement fits with the fact that last year your authorities released from prison convicted smugglers and traffickers before they did their time. This is not fighting illegal migration in Europe. This is not protecting our Union. This is just throwing problems over your neighbour’s fence.
We all want to better protect our external borders. But we will only be successful if we work together against organised crime and show solidarity among ourselves. And speaking about whom to let in: How can it be that the Hungarian government invites Russian nationals into our Union without additional security checks? This makes the new Hungarian visa scheme a security risk, not only for Hungary but for all Member States. And how can it be that the Hungarian government would allow Chinese police to operate within its territory? This is not defending Europe’s sovereignty. This is a backdoor for foreign interference.
Yes, we have to strengthen Frontex. Yes, we have to finalise the legislation on anti-smuggling, reinforce Europol and implement the Pact in full. But this can only be achieved with more European cooperation – not less. And of course, in full respect of our rule of law and fundamental values.
Honourable Members,
This is the second time that Hungary takes the Presidency of the Council. The first time was in 2011. And on that occasion, Prime Minister Orbán said: ‘[We will] follow in the footsteps of the revolutionaries of 1956. And [we] intend to serve the cause of European unity. Europe must stay united to stand its ground.’ I think we all agree. Europe must stand united. This was true back then. And this is still true today. So let me conclude by addressing the Hungarian people. We are one family. Your story is our story. Your future is our future. 10 million Hungarians are 10 million good reasons to keep shaping our future together.
Thank you, and long live Europe.
Source – EU Commission
Statement des EU-Abgeordneten Daniel Caspary (CDU) zu Ungarn Premierminister Orbán und dem ungarischen Ratsvorsitz
Mit Blick auf den Auftritt von Viktor Orbán im Europäischen Parlament erklärt Daniel Caspary (CDU), Vorsitzender der CDU/CSU-Gruppe:
„Viktor Orbán hat als derzeitiger EU-Ratsvorsitzender schon jetzt dem Amt mehr geschadet als genutzt. Statt auf diplomatische Zurückhaltung und Kompromissfähigkeit, was die rotierende Ratspräsidentschaft erfordert, setzt Orbán auf Showpolitik und Ego-Trips. Jetzt nutzt er das Straßburger Europaparlament als große Bühne für die Inszenierung seiner Show, auch um von den Problemen im eigenen Land abzulenken.
Ungarn steht innenpolitisch vor massiven, vielfach hausgemachten Herausforderungen. Der Zustand der Gesundheitsversorgung, die hohe Staatsverschuldung und die alarmierend hohe Korruption zeigen deutlich, dass in Orbáns mittlerweile 14 Jahre währender Amtszeit vieles vernachlässigt wurde. Die Wahlerfolge unserer EVP-Schwesterpartei Tisza sind ein Beleg, dass der Lack Orbáns auch innenpolitisch bröckelt.
Es muss endlich Schluss damit sein, dass die Ukraine immer wieder um europäische Unterstützung bangen muss, nur damit Orbán sich als Friedensmissionar ganz im Sinne Putins profilieren kann. Orbáns politische Selbstisolation in der extremen Rechten ist durchschaubar und gefährlich.
Ein Ratsvorsitzender darf kein Sicherheitsrisiko für EU und NATO sein. Es wäre höchste Zeit, dass Viktor Orbán zurück auf den Pfad der vertrauensvollen Zusammenarbeit mit den Partnern zurückkehrt. Dass es dazu kommen wird, ist jedoch leider mehr als unwahrscheinlich.“
Quelle – CDU/CSU-Gruppe (per E-Mail)
S&Ds stand by Hungarian people, democracy and rule of law
Ahead of a plenary debate on the programme of the Hungarian Presidency of the EU Council, the Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament slammed Prime Minister Orbán for running a permanent campaign against the European Union as a smokescreen to distract from his failures in serving the Hungarian people. Under his illiberal rule, the Hungarian economy is crumbling, corruption is rampant and the purchasing power of households is among the lowest in the EU. Workers are systematically exploited under the so-called ‘Slave Law’, while democracy and rule of law are systematically dismantled by Prime Minister Orbán.
The Socialists and Democrats also call on the EU Commission and member states not to give in to Orbán’s blackmailing. The European Council must not allow a government with such close ties to Vladimir Putin to dictate EU foreign policy, block the decision-making system and undermine the EU’s image on the world stage.
Iratxe García Pérez, S&D Group leader, said:
“Mr Orbán, your main contribution to the European Union since you came to power in 2010 has been the formation of a new far-right group – the false patriots. And you have used your false patriotism to demolish democracy, thrive in corruption and violate the rights of those who do not think like you.
“Your false patriotism has come at a high cost for the progress of the Hungarian people: the end of judicial independence and press freedom, persecution under your ‘sovereignty law’, a working class exploited under the ‘slavery law’, purchasing power among the lowest in the European Union, one of the highest inflation rates in the Union, a non-existent social protection system and a tax policy that benefits multinationals while citizens pay the highest VAT in the entire European Union.
“The EPP, under Weber’s leadership, should never have opened the door to Orbán’s authoritarian drift. I call all pro-european and democratic forces to go beyond a mere diplomatic boycott – and to defend ourselves from trojan horses like Mr Orbán with measures such as blocking European funds and suspending voting rights in the Council.”
Klára Dobrev, head of the Hungarian delegation and S&D MEP, said:
“Viktor Orbán has betrayed our common European values, Viktor Orbán has betrayed Hungary. He is a traitor, thus he is not the president of Europe, he was never and will never be its president, because he is not worthy of it.”
Notes
Since coming to power in 2010, the Fidesz Party – led by Prime Minister Victor Orbán – has undertaken a series of far-reaching steps which pose a significant threat to democratic checks and balances by targeting the independence of the judiciary, media freedom and pluralism, and undermining the rule of law and human rights. In September 2018, the European Parliament triggered Article 7 against Hungary through the ‘Sargentini report’. Serious concerns mainly exist on judicial independence, freedom of expression, corruption, rights of minorities and the situation of migrants and refugees. Hungary also faces several infringement actions before the European Court of Justice. Following the parliamentary elections in 2022, where the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) pointed to a number of deficiencies, which made the elections no longer free and fair, the European Parliament declared that Hungary can no longer be considered a democracy but a “hybrid regime of electoral autocracy” i.e. a constitutional system in which elections occur, but without respect for democratic norms and standards.
Renew Europe: If Viktor Orbán really “occupied Brussels”, no one would want to live there
Strasbourg, 9 October 2024
A Europe addicted to Russian oil, patrolled by Chinese police, with limited human rights, rampant state corruption, controls on journalism and economic decline. This is what the ‘’Orbanisation” of the European Union would mean for all of us.
Liberals and Democrats stand with the Hungarian people, who want a strong, free and democratic Hungary at the heart of the EU. We will campaign for the opposite of Orbán’s dystopia; enhanced rights, individual freedom, economic opportunity and a stronger European Union that is able to stand on its own in the world and fight for liberal democratic solutions.
Valérie Hayer, President of Renew Europe, said:
“Viktor Orbán’s dystopian vision for Europe is the road to unfreedom and a recipe for European decline. It is a Europe of dependency on foreign autocrats, economic mismanagement and reduced civil freedoms for all Europeans. He says he wants to stay in Europe, but young Hungarians are desperate to leave for a better life elsewhere in Europe. Mr Orbán dreams of ‘occupying Brussels’, but if he did no one would want to live there.”
“The sad reality is that Orbán’s Hungary would not be given EU membership today. We repeat our call for the Member States to take the necessary steps to remove the voting rights of the Hungarian Government. Mr Orbán’s government is a security threat to all Europeans.”
Note:
- Viktor Orbán has repeatedly called on his supporters on the far-right to help him “occupy Brussels”.
- Please read our President’s speech here (in French).
MEP Tineke Strik (Greens/EFA): Violations of rule of law, democracy & fundamental rights must be met with zero tolerance
Today, the Prime Minister of Hungary, Viktor Orban will address MEPs in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, to present the priorities of the Hungarian Council Presidency. The Greens/EFA Group opposed inviting the Hungarian PM to the plenary and providing him a platform to spread disinformation and undermine European unity.
Tineke Strik MEP, Greens/EFA MEP and European Parliament rapporteur on the situation in Hungary, comments:
“It shouldn’t be normal practice to invite an autocrat who is notorious for violating the EU’s most fundamental values and for flaunting his attacks on the EU, to speak in the heart of European democracy.
“Having just visited Hungary, I’ve witnessed up close that Orban’s well-oiled machinery of intimidation, harassment, retaliation and criminalization of critical voices has gotten so severe that the chilling effect is painfully tangible. Those expressing criticism or working in defence of human rights and the rule of law are faced with intimidation, smear campaigns, and formal investigations. Fear is widespread and leads to self-censorship.
“For the Parliament it is very clear: all these blatant violations of the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights, the foundation of our European Union, should be met with zero tolerance in the EU.
“The democratic forces in this house are united in our steadfast support for the Hungarian people in their struggle against the ever growing autocracy of the Orban regime. We will spend the next five years standing up for the rights of those who fear speaking out or no longer have the avenues to do so. We will continue to fight for the fundamental rights of every single Hungarian citizen and to restore the rule of law in Hungary for real.”
Tineke Strik was recently appointed as European Parliament Rapporteur for the situation in Hungary.
Source – Greens/EFA
EU-Abgeordnete Alexandra Geese (Grüne/EFA): Orbán im Europaparlament – Rechte Propaganda vom Rednerpult
Heute Morgen hat der ungarische Präsident Viktor Orbán seine Rede im Europaparlament gehalten. Hier meine erste Einschätzung:
Orbán hat mit seiner Rede heute wieder gezeigt, warum er das große Vorbild der Rechtsextremen auf der Welt ist. Nicht nur hat er Ungarn systematisch in eine Autokratie umgebaut, in der sich er und seine Freunde die Taschen voll machen. Er hat heute auch gezeigt, wie gut er darin ist, diese neu-rechte Politik in die Sprache der Konservativen und Christdemokraten zu verpacken. Er spricht über Geburtenraten und Migration (ein rechtsextremer Code für die Verschwörungserzählung des “Bevölkerungsaustausches”), über “Gottes Ehrfurcht” und endet mit “Make Europe Great Again”. So imitiert er christdemokratische Sprache und reichert sie mit rechtsextremen Motiven an.
Diese Strategie wird ständig weiterentwickelt von Orbans eigenen Think Tank, dem “Mathias Corvinus Collegium” (MCC). Das MCC, das es seit neuestem auch in Brüssel gibt, vernetzt Rechte und Rechtsextreme in Europa und auf der Welt. Das MCC ist schon heute eine Kaderschmiede, in der u.a. rechtsextreme Taktgeber wie Steve Bannon “lehren”. Finanziert wird das MCC aus den Einnahmen aus russischem Öl, das Ungarn – trotz Sanktionen – immer noch importieren darf. Nicht ohne Grund war Orbán im letzten halben Jahr bei Putin und bei Trump.
Soziale Medien sind die zentralen Bestandteile dieser Strategie. Die Propaganda ist mittlerweile so tief verankert, dass man in Ungarn während des Wahlkampf nicht mal mehr Peppa Pig auf Youtube mit seinen Kindern schauen konnte, ohne dass man Spots der Regierungspartei von Orbán eingespielt bekommt. Orbán und die Neue Rechte nutzen gezielt die Algorithmen der Plattformen, um mit antisemitischem Hass und Hetze gegen Geflüchtete von der grassierenden Korruption der eigenen Regierung abzulenken.
Aber keine Sorge: Die EU ist nicht wehrlos gegen Autokraten wie Orbán: Kommissionspräsidentin Ursula von der Leyen hat eine überzeugende Rede gehalten und Orbáns Treue zum Kriegstreiber Putin hervorgehoben. Unsere Fraktionsvorsitzende Terry Reintke hat ihn mit klaren Worten als Diktator bezeichnet und deutlich gemacht, wie die ungarische Bevölkerung selbst unter ihm leidet. In der Antwortrunde wirkte Orban, der keinen Widerspruch mehr gewohnt ist, stark verunsichert.
Und das ist nicht alles: Mit dem Rechtsstaatsmechanismus und Digital Services Act haben wir in der letzten Legislatur starke Gesetze gemacht, die das Zeug haben, Rechtsstaat und Demokratie zu schützen. Wir Grüne machen Druck, dass die Regeln jetzt endlich scharf gestellt werden. Ich arbeite daran, die massive Manipulation durch soziale Medien abzustellen, die nur Hetzern und Diktatoren dient. Gemeinsam können wir Autokraten stoppen und Demokratie stärken.
Links zum Stream und Hintergrundinfos:
Orbáns Rede und die Reaktionen aus dem Europaparlament im Stream:
https://www.europarl.europa.
(Orbán ab 9:10 Uhr, von der Leyen ab 9:38 Uhr, Tery Reintke ab 10:16 Uhr)
“Mathias Corvinus Collegium” (MCC)
Rolle von Algorithmen und erste Erfolge