Hungary urges EU to end its ‘anti-Israel Policy’ as Israeli FM visits Budapest

Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has called on Brussels to “end its anti-Israel policy” and withdraw proposals that could harm relations with the Jewish state. Speaking at a joint press conference with his Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa’ar in Budapest on September 8, Szijjártó said the European Union’s current approach only fuels tensions instead of promoting peace.

Hungary opposes EU’s proposed measures against Israel

According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Szijjártó urged the European Commission to remove anti-Israel initiatives from its agenda, including proposals to suspend the EU–Israel association agreement, restrict trade, or exclude Israel from the Horizon research programme.

“Such initiatives do nothing but increase tensions,” Szijjártó said, emphasizing that Hungary “calls on Brussels to abandon its anti-Israel policies once and for all.”

The minister added that humanity still faces “an era of danger” with serious security challenges, citing the war in Ukraine and the Middle East conflict as the most pressing crises. In both cases, he said, Donald Trump represents the hope for peace.

Szijjártó: Trump is the only hope for peace

Szijjártó criticised European leaders who, in his words, “try to obstruct” Trump’s diplomatic efforts.

“In both conflicts, the EU has no real role in the peace process — and that’s no surprise,” he said.
“Those who can only inflame tensions are not given a seat at the table where peace is being made.”

His comments underline Hungary’s close alignment with the Trump administration, as Budapest continues to support Washington’s Middle East approach even as many EU and regional allies back Palestine.

Expanding Hungary–Israel cooperation

Despite the geopolitical divides, Szijjártó stressed that bilateral relations with Israel are strengthening.
Trade between the two countries grew by 10 percent in 2025, and Hungary hosted a business forum involving 62 Hungarian and 36 Israeli companies on the same day as the talks.

The foreign minister also announced that the Hungarian Academy in Jerusalem will open soon, marking a new phase in cultural and academic cooperation.

“Hungary remains committed to developing its partnership with Israel in trade, innovation, and security,” he said.

Shared stance on protecting Christian communities

Szijjártó also emphasized joint efforts to protect Christian communities in the Middle East, describing them as “extremely vulnerable.”

“Christian communities around the world face persecution, sometimes even forced conversion. This is unacceptable, and the Hungarian government will always act against it,” Szijjártó said.
“I am glad that Israel agrees on the importance of protecting these communities, and we will maintain dialogue on this issue.”

A complex diplomatic balance

Hungary’s pro-Israel stance places it in a delicate diplomatic position.
While it closely follows the Trump administration’s policies, it must also navigate relations with regional partners such as Türkiye, which supports Palestine, and China, which has stepped up diplomatic efforts to end Israel’s military operations.

In Western Europe, several EU member states have also voiced stronger support for Palestine, increasing political tension within the bloc.

Analysts say Hungary’s position reflects its broader “sovereigntist” foreign policy, which prioritises national interest and selective alignment over EU consensus. As we wrote earlier, EU eyes sanctions on Israel, Orbán likely to resist

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