Orbán: Tusk’s re-election signals EU’s ability to function

For Hungary Donald Tusk’s re-election to president of the European Council indicates that the European Union can continue to function, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said on Friday, adding that the decision had nothing to do with any of the EU member states.

It must be accepted that European politics are based on party politics and Hungary’s ruling parties, namely Fidesz and the Christian Democrats, belong to the European People’s Party (EPP). For this reason, Hungary supported the EPP’s candidate, Orbán told a press conference after an EU summit meeting in Brussels.

“We have made every possible effort to pave the way for a sensible compromise” but it was a battle that Poland could not win, he said. The decision must be accepted even if there is a member state that refuses it, he said.

Orbán said the decision did not influence the Polish-Hungarian alliance, and Hungary would continue to take a firm stance to repel unjust attacks on Poland.

The prime minister emphasised that despite all difficulties, Europe continues to be the best place in the world to live in, and this position should be protected.

Referring to the forthcoming 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, he said European culture, civilisation and economy had made unprecedented achievements since WW2.

The prime minister emphasised that the EU member states should not be deprived of any of their rights.

Commenting on the issue of a multi-speed Europe, he said that “a two-speed Europe should not be allowed to come about. There is no first-rate and second-rate Europe, there is no core and periphery, and on the whole, we feel the strongest antipathy to the notion of a two-speed Europe. At the same time, … we are not against the idea of some countries advancing more than others in managing certain affairs.”

“Let’s allow one another to make more progress than others in line with their interests,” Orbán said.

Photo: MTI/EPA/Stephanie Lecocq

Source: MTI