Prime Minister Viktor Orban held a joint press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel after the EU summit in Budapest.
Before I say a few words about these meetings, I would like to begin by strongly condemning the terrible attacks on the Israeli people. I would like to express my solidarity with the victims,
the president of the European Council prefaced his speech, stressing that anti-Semitism is unacceptable.
Last night we had the opportunity to discuss the Transatlantic Alliance and the relationship with the United States following the re-election of Donald Trump,
said Charles Michel, who also expressed his congratulations to Donald Trump at the press conference.
We are ready to strengthen transatlantic cooperation, we are ready to work together to coordinate cooperation in different areas with the United States. I see three important elements for this coordination and cooperation. The first is bilateral relations, trade and investment, he said. Charles Michel added that this is a challenge. We want to strengthen our economic base and I am sure we will work hard in this area, he said.
The second is the security and geopolitical challenges. Ukraine and the Middle East require more dialogue. More efforts are needed to ensure the defense of our common interests.
The European Council president stressed the importance of supporting Ukraine and defending common values.
The third important issue, he said, was global challenges: climate change and digital issues.
We are seeing a paradigm shift in the economy, and that means we need to work with partners around the world on these issues,
he said, explaining the areas where Europe needs to put in more work.
Charles Michel stressed his view that
the discussion this morning has clearly shown that urgent action is needed on these issues: deepening the internal market, progress on the capital market, creating a savings and investment union - and we will continue to work on the proposals.
He added that the issue of financial resources is crucial.
I believe the Budapest Declaration clearly sets out the milestones on the basis of which we will continue to work going forward,
he stressed.