Viktor Orban: We Must Consider How to Bring Peace Back to Europe

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban opened the summit of the European Political Community, stressing that the event is the largest diplomatic event Hungary has hosted in its history. In his speech, he highlighted the security, migration and economic challenges facing Europe, and pointed out the importance of the US presidential election in terms of transatlantic relations.

French President Emmanuel Macron and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban at the European Political Community summit in Budapest (Photo: AFP)

The future of our transatlantic relations is an essential element of Europe's security architecture, he said. He noted that after the plenary session, working groups will discuss the challenges related to migration, economic security and connectivity. For the second time, migration will be a key topic at the European Political Community summit.

Better practical cooperation with countries of origin and transit is needed to tackle illegal migration and human smuggling networks. We need to better support countries of origin and transit for their development goals. We need to decide whether we are ready to set up centers to process refugee claims and carry out returns in a safe third country. I sense a new momentum in Europe in this area,

Mr Orban said.

Today's debate may be a step towards tangible results. He thanked the chancellor of Austria and the prime minister of the United Kingdom for having agreed to chair this working group.

Europe owes its prosperity to an open and integrated global economy and to connectivity, but the Covid epidemic and geopolitical tensions have also shown that an open economy also comes with risks and can leave us vulnerable,

the prime minister noted, adding that "Today we will discuss how we can preserve the benefits of connectivity for Europe while strengthening our strategic autonomy, reducing our dependencies and protecting our national security interests". This will be the theme of the second working group, prepared by the chancellor of Germany and the prime minister of Norway. In the absence of the German chancellor, Viktor Orban has asked the Latvian prime minister to chair the working group, together with her Norwegian counterpart.

Our political community is a forum for the exchange of ideas on major strategic issues, and leaders are sitting around the table who are united not only by geographical proximity but also by common interests and a shared responsibility for Europe. It is in light of this shared responsibility that I wish you all a productive meeting today,

 Viktor Orban concluded.

Cover photo: French President Emmanuel Macron and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban at the European Political Community (EPC) summit in Budapest (Photo: AFP)