Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán’s visits to Kyiv and Moscow – and the EU’s clarification

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán emphasized that peace would be the cornerstone of Hungary’s EU presidency during his “Good Morning, Hungary!” interview. He underscored the importance of dialogue, especially in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine, stating that without dialogue, moving towards peace would be incredibly challenging.

Reflecting on his recent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, PM Orbán remarked that Europe should do more to promote peace, as it will not come about on its own.

The prime minister highlighted the moral pressure on European citizens who traditionally see Europe as a bastion of peace. He expressed concern that Europe relies too heavily on the United States to foster peace and that Europeans are increasingly worried about the economic impact of the war. The prime minister further questioned how economic growth could be sustained if financial resources are being continuously directed to the frontlines.

PM Orbán added that achieving peace is not only the morally correct path but would also contribute to Europe’s success.

Discussing the formation of the Patriots for Europe, a new EU parliamentary group, Prime Minister Orbán announced that the founding meeting would take place soon. He expressed confidence in the group’s potential, noting that it includes major parties from Italy, the Netherlands, and Austria. PM Orbán pointed out that several European governments have faced difficulties, with France and Belgium experiencing significant political upheaval. He suggested that the Patriots for Europe group could become a formidable force in the European Parliament.

On the economic front, PM Orbán warned of the looming threat of a trade war, particularly concerning the European Commission’s decision to impose tariffs on Chinese goods. He criticized the decision, stating that it ostensibly protects European car manufacturers, but in reality, it harms them. He expressed concern that such actions could lead to retaliatory measures from Eastern nations, pushing Europe towards a trade war, which would have severe repercussions for Hungary, potentially impacting the export of Hungarian goods.

The prime minister also addressed issues in air travel, highlighting frequent delays and poor treatment of passengers at airports. He deemed the situation intolerable and expressed hope that conditions would improve once Hungary takes over the management of its airport. PM Orbán also predicted a record year for tourism, a crucial economic sector for Hungary.

Regarding fuel prices, the prime minister stated that Hungarians should not pay more than the regional average for gasoline. He warned fuel traders to adhere to this standard or face government action, reinforcing his commitment to protecting Hungarian consumers.

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s interview underscored the key objectives of Hungary’s EU presidency: fostering peace, enhancing competitiveness, and addressing economic and social challenges. His remarks highlighted Hungary’s proactive stance on migration, economic stability, and the importance of maintaining national sovereignty and cultural identity within the broader European context. As Hungary holds the EU’s rotating presidency, PM Orbán’s vision emphasizes a balanced approach to security, economic growth, and preserving Europe’s diverse heritage.

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has described that during his recent visit to Kyiv he had not aimed to convince President Volodymyr Zelensky but “gauge the limits of Kyiv’s stance regarding the peace process”.

PM Orbán said in a video interview to Swiss daily Weltwoche on Wednesday that during the talks, he had aimed to leave behind “the not too flourishing ties” of recent times between the two countries and concentrate on the future. He said he had talked about the large Hungarian community in Ukraine and suggested that Ukraine put forward an action plan that would be beneficial for Ukraine’s negotiations in the EU accession process as well as for the Hungarian minority.

PM Orbán said he had not tried to “convince” Zelensky, nor had he made proposals. He said he had aimed to clarify Zelensky’s “position and limits when we speak about peace”. PM Orbán said that as the head of the country holding the European presidency, he was planning to prepare a report on “the possibility of peace” for the European Council. He therefore asked Zelensky to first start a ceasefire to speed up negotiations, he said. PM Orbán said Zelensky “was not very happy with the idea … but he understood Hungary’s position”.

On the matter of the EU as a power in foreign policy, PM Orbán said the issue depended on the leaders of large European countries. “If the Germans, French and Italians are not coming together and making decisions and suggestions for the others,” but waste time on divvying up positions, change will not happen, he said. Orbán said his talks in Berlin, Rome and Paris had been the start of a “peace mission.” He had tried “to convince the leaders that they should take the lead,” otherwise Europe will disappear from the international arena, he warned.

During a historic meeting on Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán had agreed to prepare a bilateral agreement aimed at overcoming disagreements between their countries.

“Everything we discussed today serves as a basis for a future bilateral document between our states which will regulate all segments of our relations and will be mutually beneficial for both countries,” Zelenskyy told a press conference after talks with Orbán. He added that this agreement would make it possible for Ukraine to benefit from “all the positives of European unity”.

Zelenskyy said he had proposed opening a Ukrainian school in Hungary for the Ukrainian children there, adding that Orbán had assured him of his support for the initiative. He welcomed that the Hungarian prime minister’s first foreign trip after Hungary assumed the European Union’s presidency was to Ukraine. “This demonstrates our joint European priority,” he said. “It is important for there to be peace so that we can put the strengthening of Europe on new foundations,” he said.

Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude to Hungary for its humanitarian support for Ukraine, underlining that he believed that saving lives was the most important consideration. “Hungary is prepared to cooperate effectively in the interest of achieving long-term security in our region and Europe,” he said.

Zelenskyy said he and Orbán had discussed in detail the ways Hungary could participate in the organisation of a second global peace summit, which Kyiv hopes could take place as early as later this year. “We will be grateful to Hungary if it supports us in this,” he said. “It is important for Hungary’s EU presidency to be effective. Though our political views don’t always align, we both serve the strengthening of Europe, social progress and the economic prosperity of European businesses.” Zelenskyy said Ukraine’s accession to the EU would be a long process, underlining the importance of Europe’s continued support for Ukraine and his country’s beneficial cooperation with all of its neighbours.

Source – Hungarian Government