Brussels and several EU member states apply double standards when it comes to the enlargement of the European Union, Peter Szijjarto stated on Monday in Budapest after holding talks with his North Macedonian counterpart Timcho Mucunski. The Hungarian minister of foreign affairs and trade said that the accession process requires consistent, merit-based decisions rather than a politically driven approach.
Peter Szijjarto highlighted the importance of EU enlargement
Peter Szijjarto stressed that the EU needs freshness and new momentum, which the integration of the Western Balkans could bring.
He pointed out that Hungary has always supported North Macedonia's accession, and for this reason, an action plan was signed to facilitate the process.
EU leaders regularly stress the importance of a merit-based approach, but they should apply it consistently, the Hungarian minister said, adding that the EU's appeal in the region could decline if double standards continue to be applied during the accession process.
Hungary and North Macedonia share a pro-peace stance
The meeting also covered the war in Ukraine. The pro-peace stance of the new US administration offers a chance to end the conflict, but European pro-war leaders are trying to obstruct this, noted Peter Szijjarto.
Both Hungary and North Macedonia support Donald Trump's peace efforts and the success of the US-Russia negotiations, he said.
Finally, Hungary's foreign minister emphasized that the economic relations between the two countries are also developing dynamically: since 2010, trade volume has increased sevenfold, and Hungary remains committed to supporting the region's development.
Cover photo: Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto with his North Macedonian counterpart Timcho Mucunski (Source: Facebook/Peter Szijjarto)
