Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó and Gellért Jászai, President of 4iG, also took part in the talks.Continue reading
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán emphasized the lack of consensus within the European Union on the war in Ukraine, stating that all related initiatives had to be pursued through bilateral diplomacy rather than within the framework of Hungary’s EU presidency. Speaking alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa at a press conference following the EU summit in Brussels, Orbán outlined Hungary’s contributions and challenges during its six-month presidency.
Viktor Orbán underscored that the war in Ukraine remains the EU’s most pressing political issue, but lamented the bloc’s inability to act collectively due to internal divisions. “If there is no consensus, it is not possible to act on behalf of the European Council,” he explained.
As a result, Hungary’s efforts, including a proposal for a Christmas ceasefire and prisoner exchanges, were pursued independently through diplomatic channels.
The Prime Minister highlighted Hungary’s pragmatic approach, focusing on achievable goals rather than grand geopolitical strategies. “If fewer people die on Christmas, and more families are reunited, that is a European value,” he asserted, contrasting the broader ambitions of larger nations.
Reflecting on the three years of conflict, the politician questioned the effectiveness of military strategies in ending the war. “Diplomacy must take the lead back from the generals,” he said, stressing that prolonged fighting would only lead to more casualties and suffering. While refraining from commenting on other leaders’ intentions, including former U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim to resolve the conflict in 24 hours, he reiterated Hungary’s commitment to realistic, actionable peace efforts.
Photo: MTI/Purger Tamás
Prime Minister Orbán and President von der Leyen praised Hungary’s EU presidency, concluding on December 31, for its significant contributions during a tumultuous period. Orbán highlighted the Budapest Declaration, promoting simplification in EU governance, affordable energy, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.
The presidency also made strides in enlargement policy, facilitating progress with Albania, Montenegro, and Serbia, and advancing Romania and Bulgaria’s full Schengen accession.
For the first time in EU history, ministers convened to address demographic challenges, reflecting Hungary’s emphasis on long-term planning. In agriculture, Hungary achieved consensus among ministers on the future of the Common Agricultural Policy, and a declaration was adopted to combat rising anti-Semitism across the EU.
Von der Leyen noted the presidency’s role in supporting Ukraine, including the adoption of the EU’s 15th sanctions package against Russia and securing financial stability for Ukraine through 2025. She also commended Hungary for hosting the European Political Community summit and advancing the EU’s enlargement agenda.
Today’s EU-Western Balkans Summit crowns a transformative Hungarian presidency:
✅ Opened 2 clusters with Albania⁰✅ Closed 3 chapters with Montenegro⁰✅ Paved the way to open Cluster 3 with Serbia⁰✅ Approved Reform Agendas, unlocking pre-financing for 5 countries from the… pic.twitter.com/2wsar9kGFt
— Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the EU 2024 (@HU24EU) December 18, 2024
The Prime Minister highlighted unprecedented security challenges during Hungary’s presidency, citing the wars in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Africa, as well as escalating migration pressures. He warned that the EU is losing global competitiveness, emphasizing the need for bold, political leadership. “The only way for the European Union to succeed—or even survive—is to be ambitious and great,” he declared.
Transatlantic cooperation was a key focus at the EU summit.
Orbán and von der Leyen stressed the importance of maintaining strong ties with the United States, especially amid changing political landscapes.
With the upcoming inauguration of a new U.S. president, the EU is prepared to navigate diverse scenarios while strengthening its economic and security partnerships.
Reflecting on the challenges and accomplishments of Hungary’s presidency, Prime Minister Orbán expressed optimism for the EU’s potential to rise above its divisions. He concluded with a call for unity and ambition, echoing the presidency’s motto: “Let us make Europe great again.”
Von der Leyen reinforced this sentiment, emphasizing the EU’s moral and strategic duty to support Ukraine while addressing other pressing global issues. She hailed Hungary’s efforts in fostering internal cohesion and external expansion, ensuring that the EU remains competitive and resilient in an ever-changing world.
As Hungary passes the torch to the next EU presidency, the lessons from the past six months—particularly the need for pragmatic diplomacy and collective ambition—resonate strongly.
WATCH NOW! Watch today’s #EUCO press conference with @PM_ViktorOrban, @eucopresident and @vonderleyen. https://t.co/2MIQVD9npy
— Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the EU 2024 (@HU24EU) December 19, 2024
Via MTI; Featured image via MTI/Purger Tamás
