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Defense Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky attended a summit meeting in Vilnius, Lithuania, on Monday with the “Bucharest Nine” and the allied countries of the northern region. At the event, the politician emphasized that Hungary is actively participating in strengthening NATO’s eastern flank.
In preparation for the NATO summit in The Hague, a summit meeting was held at the level of heads of state between the allies on NATO’s eastern flank, the “Bucharest Nine” (B9) (Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia) and the allies in the northern region (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden). Hungary was represented at the event by Defense Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky, on behalf of President Tamás Sulyok.
The Russian-Ukrainian war was a central topic on the agenda of the event, but regional security, strengthening NATO’s eastern flank, and increasing defense spending were also discussed. Regarding the war, the Hungarian Defense Minister made it clear to the participating allies that they must refrain from any steps that could hinder the success of U.S. peace efforts or contribute to further escalation of the conflict.
Since the outbreak of the war between Russia and Ukraine, countries on NATO’s eastern flank have been under particular pressure to strengthen their defenses in response to the threat from the east. In this regard, Szalay-Bobrovniczky emphasized that
Hungary, as a credible ally, contributes to the alliance’s activities with serious efforts that are outstanding in relation to the country’s size and capabilities.
“We fulfilled our commitment to reach a defense budget level of 2% of GDP a year earlier than required, in 2023,” the Minister explained. He added that a Hungarian commander leads the multinational NATO battle group stationed in Hungary, and that under Hungary’s leadership and in cooperation with Slovakia and Croatia, we have established a multinational NATO division command in Székesfehérvár.
He also mentioned that Hungarian fighter jets are guarding Slovakia’s airspace, and from August, Hungarian Gripens will once again be patrolling the Baltic airspace. The Minister pointed out that
thanks to our military modernization program, which began in 2016, and has been accelerated, we now have capabilities that make a significant contribution not only to Hungary’s defense but also to that of our alliance.”
However, while focusing on the east, we must not forget the south, the Minister pointed out.
He emphasized that Hungary welcomes the new momentum given to efforts to strengthen Europe’s defense. The aim of increasing defense spending is to strengthen NATO’s European pillar and to share the burden with the U.S. in a proportionate manner, he added. Close NATO-EU cooperation and transatlantic relations remain key to Europe’s defense, concluded the Defense Minister.
Via MTI, honvedelem.hu; Featured image: Facebook/Szalay-Bobrovniczky Kristóf