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Speaking at the inauguration of the renovated pavilion buildings of the University of Veterinary Medicine in Budapest, Viktor Orbán laid out his vision for Hungary’s future.
The Prime Minister emphasized Hungary’s unique position in the global economy, and its ambitions for economic and educational independence.
Mr. Orbán described Hungary as “the westernmost Eastern people and the easternmost Western people,” highlighting its role as a bridge connecting global economic power centers.
We do not want to follow the path carved out by others, but rather to make use of the advantages that stem from our own history, economic structure, and culture,” he said.
The head of the government underlined Hungary’s determination to preserve sovereignty in its education policies, refusing to allow “Brussels to penalize young Hungarians.” Instead, the government has launched the Pannonia scholarship scheme, ensuring Hungary can fund international scientific collaborations independently. “We do not have to rely on other people’s money,” he asserted.
Viktor Orbán also pointed to Hungary’s tripling of research and development spending over the last decade, making it the EU leader in higher education investment relative to GDP.
The number of Hungarian universities in the global top 5% has increased from 7 to 12, with international student numbers nearly doubling in ten years.
Future plans include continued development of the University of Veterinary Medicine, supported by Prime Minister Orbán’s optimism for economic growth by 2025. He noted, “the hope is that the war will end, the European economy will return to its normal track, and Hungary’s economy will be set on a growth path.”
Orbán celebrated Hungary’s higher education achievements, calling the University of Veterinary Medicine a national leader, and aiming for it to rank among the world’s top 50. He declared,
this is something Hungarian universities will be big winners of.”
With a focus on sovereignty and global competitiveness, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Hungary’s commitment to setting its international role on new foundations.
Via MTI; Featured Image: MTI / Koszticsák Szilárd