New motorway links Hungary to Croatia connecting the Danube with the Adriatic – photos

The connection of Hungary’s M6 motorway with Croatia’s A5 motorway has healed a long-standing wound inflicted by the turbulent 20th century in the region, particularly affecting Hungary and Croatia. János Lázár, Hungary’s Minister of Construction and Transport, highlighted this at the opening ceremony of the final completed sections between Budapest and Osijek near Beli Manastir in Croatia.

Healing wounds and boosting growth in Central Europe and the Balkans

The minister emphasised that Central and Southeast Europe’s last century was marred by wars.

“This era is finally about healing those wounds. The depth of those wounds is evident in how long it has taken for recovery,” Lázár noted.

He explained that this healing required Hungary’s liberation from communist rule, the rebirth of historic European states such as Croatia following the breakup of Yugoslavia, and membership for both countries in the European Union and the Schengen Area. Now, the focus must shift to economic growth, strengthening social ties, and revitalising the entire region, enabling Central and Southeast Europe to contribute to the revitalisation of the whole European Union.

Connecting the Danube to the Adriatic

Lázár pointed out that linking the M6 and A5 motorways is not only important for these two nations but also vital for Europe as a whole. “This motorway is perhaps the most crucial part of the European rail and road corridor linking the Baltic and Black Sea regions—or, more narrowly, Central Europe with the Balkans. To put it simply: the Danube to the Adriatic.”

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He described this project as restoring lifeblood to a region that, a century ago during peaceful times, was one of Europe’s fastest-growing and most prosperous intellectual and economic unions. He criticised the West as currently struggling, having lost much of its strength and creativity, with dwindling competitiveness and waning influence.

Europe’s urgent need for renewal

Lázár added that Europe watches passively as the New World, particularly the USA, regains strength, while economic powerhouses such as China, India, and Brazil surge ahead. Meanwhile, Europe falls behind, entangled in ideological battles and sanctioning its own member states rather than countering external rivals.

For Europe to regain its former glory, it must show greater respect and openness towards Central and Southeast Europe and draw inspiration for renewal from nations such as Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Croatia that still preserve traditional European lifestyles and values.