Guess the only EU Prime Minister who received season’s greetings from Putin!

The Kremlin celebrated the New Year by publishing Putin’s Happy New Year wishes.

Among the leaders of EU Member States, it was only Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán who received the Russian President’s exclusive New Year’s greeting. Putin, in his New Year message, underscored the positive rapport between their nations.

Season’s greetings

Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated the leaders of foreign states and governments on the occasion of Christmas and the upcoming New Year of 2024, writes Portfolio. The New Year messages went out to politicians and leaders all around the world. The list published included mostly those who are on “friendly” terms with the Russian leader. Remarkably, only three recipients hailed from Europe.

In this select trio, Pope Francis stands out. Putin, in his message to the Pope, thanked him for his humanism and justice, expressing hope that the Pope’s endeavours would foster peace and understanding among people. Pope Francis was one of the three European leaders Putin chose to congratulate, alongside Alexander Vucic, the President of Serbia, and, of course, Viktor Orbán, Prime Minister of Hungary. Notably, Putin chose not to send his greetings to the majority of active Western and European leaders.

Address: Hungary

In his New Year’s message to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Putin emphasised the success in maintaining positive dynamics in Russian-Hungarian relations amid challenging international circumstances. The Russian President reaffirmed his dedication to nurturing the constructive, pragmatic ties between their nations, highlighting significant economic projects benefiting both Russian and Hungarian interests.

Important economic projects

The above-mentioned economic projects could refer to many aspects of the Hungarian-Russian cooperation, which has not ceased even during the war. Having said that, the primary focus is on the Paks II nuclear power plant expansion—a joint effort between Hungary and Russia. While hindered by permit-related challenges, Hungary’s Foreign Minister, Péter Szijjártó, remains optimistic about completing the project by 2030.

Another crucial economic project between the two nations is related to gas. Hungary continues to rely on Russia for the majority of its gas supply, with long-term contracts signed between Hungarian company MVM and Russian state-owned Gazprom. The agreement in October 2022 to increase Russian gas deliveries through the southern route via Bulgaria and Serbia further solidifies this partnership. In an interview this autumn, the head of Gazprom confirmed the contract and added that the firm will continue to supply gas to Hungary without any distraction, even through the autumn-winter period of 2024. Péter Szijjártó expressed that Hungary is quite content with this current contract.

Russian – Hungarian interpersonal relations

Putin had previously spoken about his relationship with the Hungarian Prime Minister in an October interview with the Russian television channel Rossija 1, noting constructive dialogues despite occasional disagreements. Putin added that PM Orbán remains one of the few European politicians he still shares some common ground with.

In an unexpected turn, Putin extended New Year wishes not only to Orbán but also to Nicolas Sarkozy, former Prime Minister of France and of Hungarian descent.

This could also interest you:

• Read more about Hungary’s stance on peace HERE.
• Read more about Viktor Orbán’s opinion on the EU HERE.