Russia

Hungarian foreign minister negotiated again with Russia

Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó on Wednesday said he will meet Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in New York to discuss bilateral cooperation, the global security situation and the possibilities for the settlement of Russia’s conflict with Ukraine.

“We will, of course, discuss the security situation with Sergey Lavrov,” Szijjártó said, according to a ministry statement. “The Russians are, of course, aware of Hungary’s position. We want peace as soon as possible because the sooner there is peace the fewer people will die in Ukraine.”

Szijjártó said the past two days had convinced him that the European Union’s “condescending and pedantic tone” had pushed the bloc’s member states into the minority in the United Nations.

“The vast majority of the countries of the rest of the world have simply had enough of paying the price of the war in Europe whether it be in the form of rising energy prices, a downturn in food security or inflation, and they see that Europe itself keeps fuelling the conflict instead of trying to bring an end to it,” the minister said.

Mutual respect, says the foreign minister

As regards Hungarian-Russian bilateral matters, Szijjártó said Hungary needed fair cooperation with Russia based on mutual respect in order to ensure the security of its energy supply.

He welcomed the successful resolution of the difficult situation caused by Ukraine’s move to restrict the flow of Russian crude to Hungary. “This required flexibility from the Russian suppliers, which we were shown,” he said.

Szijjártó said Hungary’s natural gas supply was “completely secure”, noting that the capacity and reliability of the South Stream pipeline meant that Hungary would not be impacted if Ukraine decided to cut off the transit of Russian gas at the end of the year.

“This is a more serious issue for some countries in the middle part of Europe, but fortunately it doesn’t affect us,” he said.

Szijjártó calls for preventing regional war in Middle East

Szijjártó called for “sobriety” on the part of the countries in the Middle East in order to prevent the armed conflict in the region from escalating into a regional war. The Middle East has been gripped by a “tragic conflict” since Hamas’s “unacceptable, diabolical terrorist attack” against Israel on October 7 last year, Szijjártó said in New York after talks with his Lebanese and Palestinian counterparts, according to a ministry statement.

Hungary’s position, he said, was clear, noting that the government considered it important to prevent a repeat of such a terrorist attack, demanded the unconditional release of the hostages, and saw it as important to limit the number of civilian casualties and avoid an escalation in the conflict.

“And the way I see it, it’s this fourth point that’s causing most of the difficulty, because it’s been clear from early on that if this armed conflict spreads to another country, it will be very hard to limit the fighting to that other country’s borders,” he warned.

Lebanon “sliding into the conflict”

Szijjártó expressed concern over Lebanon “sliding into the conflict”, arguing that if it entered the war, it would be “very hard to stop the conflict at Lebanon’s borders”.

“And if this armed conflict turns into a regional war, then knowing the situation and level of stability in the region and knowing the role the countries there play in global politics, we are, unfortunately, faced with the threat that another crisis region in addition to Ukraine could totally undermine global security within a matter of moments,” he said.

Szijjártó said it was for this reason that Hungary believed it was critical that every country in the region act responsibly and that a regional war had to be prevented.

He said the people of Lebanon bore no blame for what was happening in the Middle East or for Hezbollah’s rocket strikes against Israel.

The minister expressed hope that innocent civilians, families and children would not have to suffer because of the “brutal actions of terrorist organisations”.

He noted the Hungarian government’s close ties with Lebanon’s Christian community, saying Hungary did not want Lebanese Christians to “face more hardship”.

“We’re in constant contact with the leaders of the Lebanese Christian community, we’ve sent them aid so that they can ensure the community receives the health care they need,” Szijjártó said.

Read also:

Czech President criticises PM Orbán for undermining European unity amid Ukraine conflict – read more HERE
On this day 80 years ago: Russian troops entered Hungary to liberate the country from German occupation

September 26, 2024

Czech President criticises PM Orbán for undermining European unity amid Ukraine conflict

Czech President Petr Pavel has expressed concerns that leaders like Hungary’s Viktor Orbán are making it more difficult to establish the terms of peace for the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. This is not the first time that the Czech head of state has criticised the Hungarian PM. Additionally, Pavel, in an interview with The New York Times, emphasised the need for Ukraine to be realistic about the likelihood of regaining its occupied territories in the near future.

Pavel: “This may sound appealing, but it’s not true”

According to Pavel, the pro-Russian stance of leaders such as Orbán is weakening European solidarity and will likely result in some Ukrainian regions remaining under Russian control for an extended period, even after the fighting ends, Index reports based on Pavel’s interview with the New York Times. “The most probable outcome of the war is that Russia will retain control over parts of occupied Ukraine, at least temporarily. But that ‘temporary’ period could stretch for years,” Pavel said. This view is increasingly shared by European officials, especially after Ukraine’s unsuccessful counteroffensives last year.

The Czech president criticised Orbán’s rhetoric on supporting Ukraine, calling it nonsensical. He argued that a swift end to the war was essential to prevent further depletion of Europe’s resources.

“The problem lies in populism. It’s easy to say we shouldn’t send weapons to Ukraine and peace will follow. But that’s not realistic,”

Pavel added, referencing Hungary’s repeated claims that Western allies and NATO are war-mongering, while Orbán has advocated for a peaceful solution.

Pavel dismissed the idea that only Orbán desires peace, stating that the Hungarian leader’s approach is misleading. “To constantly claim that everyone wants war, and you’re the only one seeking peace—it may sound appealing, but it’s not true. Unfortunately, many people don’t realise that such promises are not realistic,” Pavel remarked.

The “peace mission”: Orbán’s visit to Moscow

In July, Orbán became the first EU leader to visit Moscow since the invasion began, meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This meeting followed a visit to Kyiv and was followed by a trip to Beijing earlier in the year. However, Orbán’s diplomatic tour did not result in any significant breakthroughs.

Orbán Putin visit Russian cyberattack eu border controls — Photo: www.facebook.com/OrbánViktor

Ukraine’s territorial integrity and future are set to be central topics at this week’s NATO summit, where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to request continued military and political support from Western allies. Zelenskyy is also slated to present his victory strategy to U.S. President Joe Biden in Washington.

Pavel: “Neither side should expect total victory”

Pavel pointed out that neither side—Ukraine nor Russia—should expect total victory or defeat. Ukraine must come to terms with the reality that it may not regain all its territories, such as Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014 and may never be returned. Conversely, Russia will have to relinquish its broader territorial ambitions over Ukraine. “The solution will likely fall somewhere in between,” Pavel noted.

While Ukrainian officials have signalled a greater openness to negotiations with Russia, they have also made it clear that any peace deal would come with a high price for Moscow, given the enormous loss of Ukrainian lives. However, a recent poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology indicates that the Ukrainian public is increasingly leaning toward the idea of ceding territory if it would lead to an end to the fighting. In the war’s first year, only 8–10% of Ukrainians supported such a move; by May of this year, that number had risen to 32%.

Despite Ukraine’s hopes for a resolution, Western officials maintain that any peace negotiations will need to involve Russia, even as Zelenskyy looks for ways to conclude the war without Moscow’s direct involvement.

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September 24, 2024

International politics must ‘fundamentally change’ to tackle crises, says Hungarian minister in NY

International politics needs to change fundamentally in order to tackle the current severe crises, and it should return to “mutual respect … and stop using peace as a swearword”, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjártó said in New York on Monday.

He said the ongoing UN General Assembly was the tensest of the past decade.

“There are about thirty wars or armed conflicts ongoing in the world. Two of them could undermine global security any minute. Additionally, two of those conflicts are escalating, or the risk of an escalation is extremely high,” he said, according to a ministry statement.

A summit on the future is taking place on Monday and Tuesday, Szijjártó noted. The meeting is scheduled to table issues on water supplies, population growth and green transition, but those issues have had to take a back seat to the matter of peace and war, he said.

The question, he said, was whether a third world war and the escalation of the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine could be avoided, “and whether the global pro-peace majority can ensure that the word peace is not used as a swearword in international politics”, Szijjártó said.

The minister said he would also address the meeting, stressing that international politics must undergo fundamental change to resolve the current grave crises.

“Diplomacy should provide the tools for international policymaking, which should be based on dialogue … We must cease attempts to discredit those arguing for peace. Nationally minded patriotic politicians should not be threatened with political, legal or physical annihilation,” he said.

Regarding planned bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Chad, Oman and Congo, Szijjártó said Europe and the transatlantic community’s approach to the “global South … is that they should do whatever we tell them to”. Those countries were not “buying into” that approach, he said.

He said those countries faced constant difficulties due to war in Europe. “They don’t understand why Europeans are pushing their difficulties onto the shoulders of the entire world.”

So far, Europe had always called for diplomatic solutions and negotiations in armed conflict, Szijjártó said.

“Then, when the war is in Europe, those representing that stance are branded Putin’s puppets and Russian spies, even as Europe is itself adding fuel to the conflict,” he added.

The war posed difficulties for several southern countries that had nothing to do with it, “and who don’t understand why they should be paying the price of a war many thousands of kilometres away,” he said. Hungary was also in the dark as to “why we should be paying the price of the war in the neighbourhood when we have nothing to do with it,” he said.

As we wrote today, Hungary launching 200 million euros tied aid in Chad, details HERE.

On this day 80 years ago: Russian troops entered Hungary to liberate the country from German occupation

On 23 September 1944, the first Russian military forces reached Hungarian territory. Their mission was to drive out the occupying German troops. Initially, the arrival of the Red Army was intended as a rescue operation to free Hungary from German control. However, what was meant to be a temporary intervention turned into a prolonged occupation, with Russian forces remaining in Hungary for the next 46 years.

Hungary’s alliance with Nazi Germany

Hungary joined World War II on the side of Nazi Germany on 27 June 1941, following Hitler’s invasion of the Soviet Union. The Hungarian government’s primary objective was to align with the perceived winning side, hoping that this strategic decision would secure favourable terms for the country. However, these calculations proved disastrously wrong, and the war did not unfold as anticipated. Hungary’s most devastating military defeat occurred in January 1943 at the Battle of the Don River, where the Second Hungarian Army, consisting of 200,000 soldiers, suffered a catastrophic loss.

Soviet occupation and international dynamics

By 1944, the tide of the war had shifted. Romania declared war on Germany, and Hungary, too, was considering changing sides. In August, Regent Miklós Horthy made the necessary changes in Parliament and began planning Hungary’s exit from the war. Meanwhile, Russian forces were gradually advancing into Hungary from multiple directions. Horthy dispatched Colonel General Gábor Faragho to negotiate a preliminary ceasefire with the Soviets. Russian troops entered Budapest on 13 April and officially took control of Hungary on 4 April, a date that would be commemorated as “Liberation Day” until 1990.

The Soviet presence in Hungary was further reinforced by the Peace Treaty of Paris, which permitted Russian troops in Austria to maintain supply lines between the two countries. However, the influence of Moscow in Austria was limited due to the presence of British and American forces.

On this day 80 years ago - Russian troops entered Hungary — This sketch depicts the entry of the Soviet 110th Tank Brigade into the territory of present-day Hungary, in the Dombegyház area.
Source: pamyat-naroda.ru.

Post-Stalin Developments and the Continued Occupation

A significant turning point came on 5 March 1953 with the death of Stalin. His successor, Nikita Khrushchev, pursued a policy of conciliation, and the Austrian State Treaty of 15 May 1955 led to the withdrawal of all foreign troops from Austria. This development raised Hungarian hopes that the Russian military presence in their country might also come to an end. However, Hungary was not so fortunate. The following day, the Warsaw Pact was signed, which formalised the continued presence of Soviet troops in Hungary. A new unit was created from forces withdrawn from Austria, and by the summer, the Soviets had developed plans to suppress any potential uprisings.

The Hungarian revolution of 1956 and its aftermath

Despite the Hungarian government’s attempt to revoke the “invitation” of Soviet troops on 1 November 1956, following the outbreak of the Hungarian Revolution, the Soviets responded by sending in even more troops. The revolution was brutally crushed on 4 November in an operation known as “Whirlwind.” In 1957, the Southern Group of Forces was established under the direct control of the Soviet Ministry of Defence, and the presence of Soviet troops in Hungary was officially legitimised.

Throughout the 1980s, the Soviet military presence remained unchanged. Although citizens grew accustomed to the occupation, dissent against the troops’ presence was harshly suppressed. Financial strains also emerged, as the exact number of soldiers and the terms of their stay were never fully clarified. More than 65,000 troops were stationed across 100 garrisons and 10 airbases, utilising nearly 6,000 buildings. The upkeep of such a military force became increasingly unsustainable for the Soviet leadership, especially given their broader conflicts, including tensions with the United States and the war in Afghanistan.

The end of Soviet occupation

In 1986, the gradual reduction of Soviet forces began, and two years later, Mikhail Gorbachev announced the end of the Brezhnev Doctrine, signalling a major shift in Soviet foreign policy. Gorbachev’s speech indicated plans for a significant withdrawal of Soviet troops from Eastern Europe. On 10 March 1990, an official agreement was signed, stipulating that all Soviet forces would leave Hungary by 30 June 1990. The withdrawal commenced on 1 February 1990, and by 16 June, approximately 100,000 Soviet personnel, including civilians and military equipment, had left the country. On this day, the last Soviet soldier, Commander Viktor Silov, crossed the Hungarian border at 3 p.m., marking the end of an era.

Author: Georgina Palincsák

September 23, 2024

New cooperation between Hungary and Russia, Minister Murashko in Budapest

New cooperation between Hungary and Russia in the health sector, Minister Murashko in Budapest

Hungary and Russia may launch joint research and development projects in oncology, the National Institute of Oncology (OOI) said on Monday, after a Russian delegation headed by Health Minister Mikhail Murashko visited Budapest.

OOI said in a statement that the talks between the delegation and the Hungarian side, which included Peter Takacs, the state secretary for health care, and OOI Director General Csaba Polgar, focused on exploring new areas of cooperation in research, development, and technological innovation.

At the meeting, the Russian health minister briefed the hosts about his country’s experiences in the use of AI in diagnosing cancer and about the development of a new software.

Takacs noted the possibility of expanding cooperation concerning Hungary’s similar research projects. He called launching joint projects in innovative medicine research and medical therapy development “an important possible component”.

Murashko said that Russian proton therapy-centres were ready to receive, if need be, Hungarian patients, primarily children.

Putin’s blacklist snubs Hungary, includes Poland among nations of ‘destructive ideology’

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree labelling Poland as a state driven by a “destructive neoliberal ideology.” Citizens from such nations are deemed eligible for “humanitarian assistance.” Interestingly, Hungary and Slovakia, both EU members, have been left off this list.

According to Mediazona, an independent Russian news site, Russia has compiled a list of 47 countries whose ideologies supposedly clash with “traditional Russian spiritual and moral values,” Paraméter reports. This list includes EU nations like Poland, as well as Ukraine, the U.S., Canada, the UK, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and New Zealand.

Notably, Slovakia and Hungary are the only EU countries absent from the blacklist. Among NATO members, Turkey was also excluded.

Sources familiar with the decree, signed by Putin on Thursday, reveal that it was drafted by the Russian Foreign Ministry and officially approved under presidential orders.

The decree outlines that citizens from these blacklisted countries who wish to relocate to Russia and embrace its traditional values will receive “humanitarian support.” This includes granting temporary residency even without the usual requirements, such as Russian language proficiency or knowledge of the country’s history and legal system.

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September 21, 2024

FM Szijjártó: Government supports growth of Hungarian-Russian business cooperation

hungarian russian business forum budapest szijjártó

Hungary’s government supports the advancement of cooperation between Hungarian and Russian businesses, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó said at a Hungarian-Russian business forum in Budapest on Friday.

Szijjártó welcomed the Russian government’s support for Hungarian companies that aimed to enter the Russian market and cooperate with local partners. He added that a sign of the demand for such cooperation was shown by the representatives of the 78 companies at the forum.

He conceded that economic cooperation was “not the easiest” at the moment because of the international environment, but said that seeking Russian business partners wasn’t “a political dirty word” in Hungary.

He pointed to the presence in Russia of OTP Bank, Hungary’s biggest commercial lender, which made it easier for Hungarian companies to do business there, and to Hungarian oil and gas company’s production operations in Russia.

He said the upgrade of Hungary’s Paks nuclear power plant, by a Russian general contractor, offered opportunities for Hungarian companies, too.

He acknowledged that the physical delivery of goods, and even services, to Russia presented difficulties, but said work was underway on a solution with a regional partner that could soon give Hungarian companies an “enormous advantage”.

Szijjártó said that free trade and cross-border economic cooperation were in the fundamental interest of Hungary, while initiatives to form blocs ran counter to the country’s interest.

He said sanctions were doing more harm to the European Union than to Russia as economic players found ways to get around the measures.

Hungarian-Russian Intergovernmental Economic Cooperation Commission meets

The Hungarian-Russian Intergovernmental Economic Cooperation Commission convened for its 15th meeting in Budapest on Friday.

At a joint press conference after the meeting with Russian Minister of Health Mikhail Murashko, the commission’s co-chair, Szijjártó said stepping up economic cooperation with Russia in areas that were not affected by international sanctions was in Hungary’s economic, security and strategic interest. He added that Hungary was doing “what everybody else is doing, only they would rather do business with the Russians in secret”.

hungarian russian business forum budapest — Russian Minister of Health Mikhail Murashko speaks at the Hungarian-Russian Business Forum at the Puskás Arena on 19 September 2024. Photo: MTI/Szigetváry Zsolt

He warned of the risk of the world being divided into blocs again, adding that Hungary had lost much in the past as a result.

He said Hungary wanted the war in Ukraine to end as soon as possible and for there to be peace. He added that sanctions against Russia weren’t working as a significant part of European companies and countries found ways to circumvent those measures.

“The difference between us and the rest is that we speak openly and honestly about the matter,” he said.

Szijjártó acknowledged Moscow’s continued commitment to fulfilling the terms of Hungary’s gas and crude supply contracts. He noted that 5.3 billion cubic metres of Russian gas had been delivered to Hungary through the TurkStream pipeline so far this year.

Szijjártó said an agreement had been reached to further expand cooperation between Hungary’s state-owned energy group MVM and Russia’s Gazprom.

As a result, MVM’s role in regional gas trade could grow, he added.

He said 3.2 million tonnes of Russian crude had been delivered to Hungary through the Druzhba pipeline this year, adding that Hungarian and Russian companies’ “flexibility” had allowed supply to continue even as measures had been taken putting that supply at risk.

Szijjártó said the upgrade of Hungary’s Paks nuclear power plant had reached another milestone and more than 1,000 people now worked at the site, including the employees of American, German and French sub-contractors. The first concrete at the site will be poured by year-end, he added.

Pointing to the success of Hungarian companies in Russia, Szijjártó said a Hungarian company was now among the five biggest feed producers in Russia, while Hungarian pharmaceutical company Gedeon Richter supplied its products to over 10m patients in Russia. A meat plant in Saint Petersburg has been upgraded with Hungarian machinery and technology, he added.

He said an agreement was reached on enhancing cooperation in the areas of oncology and radiation therapy, while talks had started on producing vector vaccines in Hungary. Another agreement was signed on cooperation in higher education, he added.

Hungary will continue to offer 200 scholarships a year to Russian students to enrol at Hungarian universities, he said.

Read also:

September 21, 2024

Putin’s minister comes to Budapest, does Hungary want to borrow money from Central Asian states?

Putin’s minister responsible for healthcare issues will meet with Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó today in Budapest. Reuters was surprised to hear about the visit since Western visits of Russian ministers are a rarity after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Mihály Varga hosted the President of the Turkic Investment Fund in Budapest. Will Hungary borrow more money from Eastern states?

Odd move: Putin’s minister in Budapest

According to portfolio.hu, Russian healthcare minister Mikhail Murashko will arrive in Budapest today to conduct negotiations with Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó. This is not the first time he has visited Hungary after the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Mr Murashko was here in July 2023 as the first member of the Russian government to pay an official visit to a NATO member.

Then, Péter Szijjártó said that Hungary would maintain relationships with Russia because that is the national interest. Szijjártó added that Russia was a trustworthy gas deliverer and Hungary needed Moscow for the country’s energy safety.

Reuters, reporting about the second Murashko visit, highlighted it was unfamiliar that one of Putin’s ministers visits an EU or NATO member state. Based on the relevant statement, Szijjártó and Murashko will talk at a Russian-Hungarian business forum today in Budapest. However, they did not share any further details.

Orbán in Moscow Putin's minister in Budapest — *Putin and Orbán in Moscow in July. Another move that surprised both Washington and Brussels. Photo: FB/Orbán*

UPDATE: Europe does business with Russians in secret, FM Szijjártó wrote

The Russia-Hungary Economic Cooperation Committee already started its session in Budapest. Szijjártó shared a post on his official Facebook page writing that 78 companies participate in the forum and they would continue to develop Russian-Hungarian cooperation in all areas not affected by the Brussels sanctions. He added that the entire Europe did business with Russia, but they tried to keep it secret.

Will a new Eastern loan rescue Hungary’s economy?

Finance Minister Mihály Varga met with Baghdad Amreyev, the president of the Turkic Investment Fund, in his office in Budapest on Thursday, his ministry said. After the meeting, Varga noted that Hungary had broken with unilateral economic policy 15 years earlier when it announced its Eastern Opening policy. Hungary’s policy of economic neutrality has made it an “outstanding” exporter, relative to its size, while it boasts a high investment rate and a competitive tax system, he added.

Turkic Investment Fund Finance Minister Mihály Varga Putin's minister in Budapest — *Hungary has become a member of the Turkic Investment Fund in July. Photo: FB/Mihály Varga*

He said Hungary’s ties with the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) were growing stronger, adding that bilateral trade with OTS members now exceeded USD 5bn. Those strong ties can be developed further in the areas of energy, water management, farming and education, he added.

Chinese loan to be spent on modernisation

Hungary quietly took out a EUR 1 billion loan from China in July. Later, it became clear that the Orbán cabinet would like to spend that money on the installation of electric vehicle charging stations in rural areas. The Hungarian government regularly states that they would not take sides in the escalating East-West conflict despite our NATO and EU membership. Instead, they would like to be a bridge connecting the two camps. Since Hungary struggles to get EU funds due to rule-of-law concerns and infringement procedures, the budget needs other sources to back investments. Because of the falling consumption, the budget balance broke this year, so the Orbán cabinet is happy to receive any alternative financial help to fill the budgetary holes. And the EU recovery and most of the development funds are still out of reach.

Read also:

Hungary targets foreign retailers: Government aims to curb Temu’s market domination – read more HERE
Orbán against the EU? Hungarian PM: economic neutrality is in Hungary’s interest, not the blocs – more details HERE

Featured image: the Orbán-Putin summit, an episode of Orbán’s so-called ‘peace mission’ at the beginning of Hungary’s EU presidency, in July in Moscow.

September 20, 2024

Hungarian minister explained the controversial National Card Programme in Strasbourg

Infringement procedure National Card Programme

Hungary is fulfilling its commitments to the European Union’s legal system while implementing its National Card procedure, and it conducts all the controls specified in the Schengen regulations, especially those related to security, on the third-country citizens applying for residency through the programme, the EU affairs minister said in Strasbourg on Wednesday.

Speaking at the European parliamentary debate on Hungary’s National Card programme, János Bóka said that similarly to other member states, Hungary was offering several types of residence permits to third-country citizens. One of those permit types is the National Card programme, he said.

The rights of member states to issue residence and work permits that ease procedural burdens or offer other advantages to the nationals of certain countries was, Bóka said, in itself no violation of EU law. Hungary continues to implement all security checks protecting the Schengen Area and is bound by EU law, he added.

Health and Food Safety Commissioner Stella Kyriakides called Belarus and Russia threats to the security of the European Union. The EU had called on member states to tighten visa regulations and border checks for Russian citizens in view of the “concerning degree of Russian espoinage”, she said.

Fidesz MEP András László said European countries had issued 687,239 visas to Russian citizens in the year the war started. In 2023, “dozens of weeks after the war started”, France issued 99,517 visas to Russians, Spain gave out 92,414, and Greece 54,289. “Do you know how many debates the European Parliament held over that? Zero.”

Of the Russian citizens legally in the EU on January 1, 2023, Hungary issued visas to fewer than 1 percent, László said.

In July and August, Hungary issued a total of 10 permits to Russians within the National Card programme, he said.

Others should “respect our independence, laws and customs”

Mi Hazánk MEP Zsuzsanna Borvendég said Hungary expected others to “respect our independence, laws and customs”. Citing security risks when criticising Hungary was “hypocritical as the EU had been allowing millions of illegal migrants in without any control for years”, she said.

She called on the EU to pay the 2 billion euros she said the protection of the EU and Hungary’s border had cost, and to free up the resources “my country is entitled to”.

Csaba Molnar, an MEP of the opposition Democratic Coalition, said that while “the Hungarian prime minister is preaching about border protection, the government is actually opening one back door after the other for those wanting to come to the EU, without any vetting to speak of. This is not about guest workers or migration, this is a severe security risk.”

He insisted that Hungary’s government had opened the EU’s gates to droves of “Russian and Belarusian spies, sleeper agents and war criminals.”

Hungary requests exemption from EU migration regulations

Curbing illegal migration requires drastic steps and Hungary is requesting exemption from implementing the European Union’s asylum and migration regulations, the minister for EU affairs said in Strasbourg on Wednesday. Speaking to Hungarian journalists, Bóka said Hungary had been informed that the Netherlands is preparing a similar step, and Hungary will do the same, should an amendment to the EU treaties make that possible.

“We are taking the necessary legal and administrative steps. Hungary is and will continue to be a committed member of the Schengen Area,” he said. The Dutch government submitted an official request on Wednesday, seeking exemption from the new asylum and migration pact coming into force in 2026.

Read also:

Exposed: Orbán Cabinet builds massive refugee camp near the Hungarian-Austrian border – read more HERE
Hungary’s exclusion from Schengen Zone discussed in EP amid National Card controversy

Featured image: depositphotos.com

September 18, 2024

European Union bypasses Hungarian veto for U.S. support in Russia sanctions

european union european parliament Brussels russia sanction

In an effort to secure U.S. backing for a USD 50 billion loan to Ukraine, the European Commission has proposed changes to the management of sanctions against Russia. These adjustments aim to address Washington’s concerns about the potential for individual EU countries, particularly Hungary, to block the renewal of these sanctions, which could jeopardise the loan.

The EC’s proposals against letting one single country halt sanctions

european union european parliament Brussels — Photo: depositphotos.com

The U.S. has expressed unease over the current system, which requires EU sanctions to be renewed every six months. With the power to veto, any single member state could unfreeze Russian assets by halting the sanctions, posing significant risks to using these frozen assets, mostly held in Europe, to repay Ukraine’s loan. According to Politico, the European Commission has therefore proposed three potential solutions.

The first and most favoured plan would freeze Russian sovereign assets for a five-year period, with annual reviews. Under this system, a majority of EU member states would need to agree to unfreeze the assets, making it harder for any one country—Hungary being the prime concern—to derail the process.
The second option suggests renewing the asset freeze every 36 months, requiring unanimous approval from all EU members. Though it retains a veto possibility, this approach is seen as a practical middle ground and has gathered broad support within the Commission and from most EU countries.
The third, and least likely, proposal would extend the renewal period for all EU sanctions to 36 months. This option has met resistance not just from Hungary, but potentially from Germany as well.

While these proposals work to align EU policy with U.S. interests, they come at a time when broader economic challenges are facing Europe. During the recent informal meeting of EU finance ministers in Budapest, Hungary’s finance minister, Mihály Varga, emphasised the stark contrast between Europe’s current economic performance and that of other global regions. According to Index, he pointed out that the EU’s annual growth rate is lagging significantly, ranging between 0.5% and 1%, while the U.S. is growing at five times this rate, and China at ten times.

meeting of eu finance ministers budapest mihály varga — Hungarian finance minister Mihály Varga during the meeting of EU finance ministers in Budapest on 13 September. Photo: MTI/Illyés Tibor

Decision to be made by EU member states

Varga also addressed how the war in Ukraine is disproportionately affecting Europe’s economy, further stressing the importance of ending the conflict through negotiations. He noted, “for us, the Ukrainian front is not some distant point on the map; it’s right next door. Hungarian youth from the minority in Ukraine are also fighting and dying on the front lines.” He reiterated Hungary’s stance of advocating for peace, given the toll the war is taking on both Hungary and Europe as a whole.

These broader economic concerns add urgency to the Commission’s proposals. As Europe struggles to maintain financial stability, it is crucial to prevent any internal political disagreements—particularly over sanctions—from undermining collective efforts to support Ukraine.

Ultimately, the decision on the sanctions regime will be made by EU member states, with the European Council playing a central role in determining which path to follow, Portfolio writes. The discussions among finance ministers in Budapest reflect a deeper need for unity within the EU, as the continent grapples with both the ongoing war and its economic repercussions.

Read also:

Featured image: depositphotos.com

September 17, 2024

Hungarian foreign minister meets with Rosatom CEO, IAEA DG

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjártó met with Alexey Likhachev, the CEO of Rosatom, and Rafael Grossi, the director general of the International Atomic Energy (IAEA) on Monday.

In a post on Facebook, Szijjártó said he had discussed progress on the Paks II nuclear power plant investment with Likhachev.

“Rosatom’s cooperation with German, French, Swiss, Hungarian and American suppliers as well as partners from other countries is advancing smoothly,” he added.

read also: Hungary’s dependence on Russian oil is problematic, according to analyst – Here’s why

In a separate post, Szijjártó said he had discussed the circumstances of the Kursk and Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plants with Grossi and acknowledged the director general’s neutral approach to nuclear challenges.

General conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó said Hungary’s Paks II nuclear power plant project was a good example of how nuclear cooperation could bring back “rationality and common sense”, as well as hope for “a peaceful coexistence”, to global politics, addressing the general conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna on Monday.

Szijjártó noted that the Russian general contractor for the Paks II project was working with German, French, American, Swiss and Austrian partners.

He said the two new reactors at the Paks nuclear power plant would raise the country’s share of nuclear to 70pc, while cutting gas consumption by 3bn cubic metres and reducing CO2 emissions by 17m tonnes.

He said 25,000 piles were already in the ground at the site of the Paks II investment, pit excavation was about to start, a thousand workers were on site and the first concrete would be poured by the end of the year. Meanwhile, he added that Hungary was working to extend the lifecycle of the existing four blocks at Paks.

Szijjártó said the nuclear sector could not isolate itself from risks in the “age of dangers”, pointing to the impact on nuclear power plants of the war in Ukraine.

He said the rapidly changing global economy had caused demand for electricity to rise exponentially, adding that nuclear power was the only source of energy that could meet that demand in a cheap, safe and environmentally friendly way. Without nuclear power, the fight against global warming won’t be successful and climate targets won’t be achieved, he said.

Representing the European Union at the meeting, Szijjártó said the EU had attached the “utmost importance” to nuclear safety and advanced a legally binding nuclear safety framework. He added that the development of small modular reactors demanded that the highest level of safety had to be ensured.

He affirmed the EU’s commitment to cooperation with the IAEA.

He called for the IAEA to play a stronger role to ensure the secure delivery of nuclear fuel, adding that no country could obstruct the right of another country over the supply of their own energy mix.

The Republic of Korea’s Permanent Representative has been elected as the President of the IAEA’s 68th General Conference, read details HERE.

Former U.S. Army commander: Szijjártó’s frequent meetings with Lavrov erode trust

In an interview with 24.hu, retired U.S. General Ben Hodges, former commander of the U.S. Army in Europe, expressed concern over Hungary’s foreign relations, particularly its ties to Russia and foreign minister Péter Szijjártó’s friendship with Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov. Hodges suggested that former President Donald Trump’s favourable stance towards Hungary and Poland stemmed from his animosity towards Germany and France, calling this a short-sighted policy.

In the interview, Hodges emphasised that Hungary, being a small country and a minor part of NATO, is nonetheless vital to the alliance’s trust-based relationships. While he respects the democratic choices of the Hungarian people in electing their leaders, he stressed that trust between nations should never be jeopardised.

“Political differences are one thing, but when I see Hungary’s foreign minister constantly photographed with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and receiving awards from him, it raises serious doubts about trust.”

Szijjártó and Lavrov photographed together:

Sergey Lavrov and Péter Szijjártó Russian energy — Sergey Lavrov and Péter Szijjártó. Source: Facebook/Szijjártó Péter

Hodges, who resides in Germany, mentioned hearing discussions among Germans about the possibility of Hungary being expelled from the European Union due to a lack of trust.

“Whether it’s about energy deals or Russia’s access to national resources, the question is: Can Hungary truly be relied upon within the EU?”

Discussing the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian conflict, Hodges dismissed the idea of negotiating peace with Russia, arguing that Russia has a history of disregarding agreements. He defined peace not merely as the absence of war but as a situation where no one is motivated to start a new conflict.

He cited Georgia as an example, noting that Russian troops still occupy 20% of the country, and its ruling party is under Moscow’s influence.

“If Crimea remains in Russian hands, Ukraine will have no chance of rebuilding its economy. Pushing Ukraine into an agreement that allows Russia to keep Crimea would be a massive mistake.”

lavrov_szijjártó_foreign_minister_moscow — https://www.facebook.com/szijjarto.peter.official

When asked about the Hungarian government’s claim that peace would be achieved within 24 hours if Donald Trump were re-elected as U.S. president, Hodges suggested that this would likely mean Trump would make a deal with Putin without Ukraine’s input, despite the fact that such an agreement would heavily impact the country.

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September 14, 2024

Thousands of Russians arrive in Hungary to work on the Paks II project

The Paks II project is moving forward, with plans for a complex to accommodate 5,000 workers to support its growing Russian workforce. This has raised questions and concerns about the arrival of Russian professionals in Hungary.

Paks II project in progress

According to Economx, the Paks II project is advancing steadily, with significant developments currently underway. In the initial phase, a complex to house 5,000 workers will be constructed. There have been concerns about the city’s capacity to handle this influx of workers; however, officials have reassured that the increase in population will not overwhelm the town of Paks.

Paks nuclear power plant — Photo: FB/Paks NPP

The next steps

Péter Rákóczi, Communications Director of Paks II Ltd, has outlined several key construction milestones, including the completion of a diaphragm wall and soil consolidation to a depth of 23 metres, particularly under units 5 and 6. Additional progress includes the completion of a concrete plant complex and the ongoing construction of a large steel products workshop. A significant development in August was the arrival of the 730-tonne melting trap, while the reactor vessel is still being manufactured in Russia.

paks expansion — Source: Facebook/Szijjártó Péter

Where will the Russian workers live?

The Paks II project continues to expand, with the current workforce of 1,000 expected to rise to 8,000-10,000 at peak times. Consequently, the issue of their accommodation has become a hot topic. Péter Rákóczi stated:

“They will be accommodated in the immediate vicinity of the work area. This island-like zone will provide all the essential infrastructure for the workers, from catering to healthcare services and recreation (e.g. sports fields). As such, the thousands of workers will not directly burden the city. Discussions are already underway between the authorities regarding the construction of the first phase of a complex to house five thousand people.”

A facility for 300 workers was completed last autumn, ensuring smooth progress for the project. Tatjána Kern, who coordinates Russian personnel for Rosatom, assists Russian workers with settling in. She notes that most of the workers are experienced professionals who typically return home after construction. However, when older professionals arrive in Hungary, they are likely to bring their families. This has led to speculation about whether a Russian school will be established near Paks in the future.

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September 12, 2024

Hungary’s dependence on Russian oil is problematic, according to analyst – Here’s why

While this issue is not yet fully reflected in the stock price of the Hungarian energy company MOL, Russian oil poses a serious threat, according to an analysis by Erste Bank. The European Commission has also expressed significant concerns over Hungary’s reliance on Russian energy.

Hungary’s dependence on Russian oil

Pénzcentrum reports that Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Péter Szijjártó, stated in an interview with Russian TV channel RBK that the country is heavily reliant on Russian oil to maintain its energy supply due to a lack of alternative infrastructure. He warned that current developments could lead to a sharp increase in oil prices. Zsolt Hernádi, CEO of MOL, noted that the eastern transport route remains the most feasible option for Hungary and Slovakia, while transitioning to the Adriatic pipeline would require substantial investment and several years to complete.

European Commission raises concerns

The European Commission has voiced concern over Hungary‘s growing dependence on Russian oil. Imports rose from 58 percent to 77 percent between 2021 and 2023, in stark contrast to the efforts of other EU countries to reduce their reliance on Russian energy.

According to Erste Bank, MOL faces significant external economic challenges. The situation could worsen if Russian oil supplies are disrupted or in case the Hungarian government imposes additional taxes. Such measures could seriously impact the company’s financial outlook and its ability to distribute dividends to shareholders.

MOL Campus at night Russian oil — The MOL Tower in Budapest. Photo: FB/MOL Campus

Potential blockade of the Friendship pipeline

Tamás Pletser, an oil and gas analyst at Erste Bank, warned that a disruption in oil supplies from Russia could become inevitable due to political or technical reasons, particularly given the ongoing war in Ukraine. He suggested that Ukraine might resort to missile strikes or impose blockades on Russian oil, posing a severe threat to the operation of the Friendship (Druzhba) pipeline, which is crucial to Hungary’s energy supply.

Oil deliveries pipeline Russia Druzhba — Druzhba pipeline. Photo: Creative Commons CC BY-SA 3.0

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Featured image: depositphotos.com

September 12, 2024

Hungarian MOL reaches agreements securing Druzhba crude deliveries

Hungarian oil and gas company MOL on Monday announced that it concluded agreements to secure the continuous transport of crude through the Druzhba pipeline through Belarus and Ukraine to Hungary and Slovakia.

Securing crude through the Druzhba pipeline

Under the agreements with crude suppliers and pipeline operators, MOL Group will take over ownership of the affected volumes of crude at the Belarus-Ukraine border, effective September 9.

The updated transportation agreements and the new takeover arrangements fully comply with all relevant sanctions and provisions, including those of the European Union and Ukraine, MOL said.

Gabriel Szabó, MOL Group‘s downstream VP, said the new arrangement provided a “sustainable solution” for crude transport through the Druzhba pipeline and would contribute to the security of supply in Hungary and Slovakia.

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September 9, 2024

Russian oil dispute in Hungary: Market struggles or internal conflicts

oil and gas pipeline Russian oil mol Hungary's gas supply

Europe has been stirred by statements from the Hungarian and Slovak governments, accusing Ukraine of disrupting their supply of Russian oil through sanctions imposed on the oil company Lukoil. Despite the outcry, investigations by the European Commission and statements from various officials have confirmed that there have been no fuel shortages or price increases.

Background of the Russian oil dispute

On 16 July, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in New York. Following their meeting, Szijjártó publicly stated for the first time that Ukrainian sanctions were causing problems. He added that negotiations were already underway with Russia to find a solution.

By late summer, Hungarian officials, including Szijjártó, expressed confidence that they were close to resolving the issue, ensuring that Russian oil would continue to flow to Hungary and Slovakia as it had in the past. However, the situation remains politically charged. Hungary and Slovakia have criticised the European Commission for not intervening or convening talks between Brussels and Kyiv, arguing that the Commission’s conclusion that there was no problem was misguided, as we previously reported.

Conflicting accounts and unclear details

Could Hungary be facing oil shortage? russian oil — Source: canva.com

According to Válasz Online, there are significant discrepancies in the accounts of what transpired. Ukrainian authorities stated that they had informed Mol, the Hungarian oil company, and Lukoil about the planned sanctions in advance, allowing time for adjustments. Mol reportedly assured the Ukrainian state pipeline company that Lukoil’s oil would not transit through Ukraine, and Ukraine subsequently communicated that trade could continue without issue. According to Ukraine, their sanctions did not result in any reduction in oil deliveries to Mol.

However, conflicting details have emerged from industry sources. It has been reported that four oil traders, including a Swiss subsidiary linked to Lukoil, were involved in transporting oil through Ukraine to refineries in Bratislava and Hungary. Ukraine stated that the subsidiary was not subject to the sanctions, and upon investigation, the European Commission concluded that Ukraine was not restricting transit.

Some sources claimed that the Ukrainian pipeline company had misquoted Mol, suggesting that only two traders were named, not four. This included Litasco, a company linked to Lukoil, and Normeston, a Swiss subsidiary with Hungarian-Russian ties, raising questions about who was actually involved.

Uncertainty persists over how much oil was affected by the sanctions. The Ukrainian pipeline company estimated that 260,000 tonnes of oil destined for Slovakia and 105,000 tonnes for Hungary did not arrive in July due to Lukoil’s self-imposed restrictions. However, the Russian business daily *Kommersant* reported different figures, with only 94,000 tonnes less than planned delivered to Hungary and 189,000 tonnes less to Slovakia.

MOL Hungary pipeline oil refinery bulgaria ukraine — MOL’s refinery in Százhalombatta. Photo: FB/MOL

By August, oil supplies through Ukraine had reportedly returned to normal, with Mol sourcing oil from other traders instead of Lukoil. Various reports suggested Normeston had become the new supplier, purchasing oil from Rosneft, another Russian state-owned company, rather than Lukoil.

Some experts suggest that the entire situation may stem from internal competition among Russian oil companies, with Rosneft attempting to push Lukoil out of the remaining EU market. However, according to Kommersant, Lukoil has been replaced by Tatneft, a Tatarstan-based Russian oil company that now reportedly dominates the Slovak and Hungarian markets. However, the portal reports that its sources indicate that Mol has no direct connections with Tatneft.

Hungarian officials have also floated different solutions. Gergely Gulyás mentioned a potential deal for Mol to buy Lukoil’s oil directly at the Russian-Ukrainian border, though experts pointed out that this suggestion was geographically inaccurate, as the Druzhba (Friendship) pipeline, the main route for oil, does not directly connect the two countries but runs through Belarus.

Political and economic consequences

The confusion was further heightened by statements from Ukrainian officials. Mikhail Podolyak, an adviser to the Ukrainian President, suggested in a media interview that the Druzhba pipeline, which supplies Russian oil, could be shut down by the end of the year. He later corrected himself, clarifying that the pipeline would not be closed until 2029, highlighting the ongoing confusion and miscommunication surrounding the issue.

This ongoing saga illustrates the complexities of the oil trade between Russia and EU member states, as *Válasz Online* comments on the issue. The conflicting statements from governments, companies, and experts create an environment of uncertainty and make it difficult to ascertain the true nature of the problem. Industry insiders even believe that this might be part of a broader competition between Russian oil companies, with Ukraine and EU member states caught in the middle.

Ultimately, the issue showcases how entangled and politicised the energy trade between Russia and the EU has become. Statements from politicians, the media, and even industry experts often seem unreliable, contributing to a broader narrative of mistrust.

Read also:

MOL not informed of plan to shut down Friendship crude oil pipeline, company says – Read here
Official: Brussels leaves Hungary and Slovakia to handle Lukoil sanctions alone – Read here

Featured image: depositphotos.com

September 5, 2024

Hungary’s National Card Programme enabling Russian citizens a Schengen access under fire – UPDATED

“The pro-war majority in the European Parliament is again launching mendacious attacks against the pro-peace Hungarian government”, as the EP’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) is to hold a hearing on Hungary’s National Card programme “based on false accusations” on Wednesday, the Fidesz MEP group said.

The Fidesz MEPs said in a statement on Tuesday that according to pro-war politicians of the EP, the expansion of the National Card scheme to Russian and Belarusian citizens threatened the European Union’s security. When LIBE organised the hearing, they only invited the European Commission, and “they don’t even want to hear about the participation of the Hungarian government”, the statement added.

Kinga Gál, the head of the Fidesz EP delegation, said that National Card applications underwent strict security checks and the EC had previously never criticised these. In the first month of the scheme, only five Russian and Belarusian citizens were granted a National Card, she added.

“It is obvious that the European left was raising accusations without knowing the facts. All of this is a new chapter in the anti-Hungarian political agitation and series of unfounded attacks,” she said.

Fidesz MEP András László said Hungary’s immigration regulations were among the strictest in Europe and added that “hardly 6,000 Russian citizens are working in Hungary, as against nearly 260,000 in Germany.” “Surprisingly, they do not pose security risks, only the ones living in Hungary. These are double standards, pure and simple,” he added.

UPDATE – Fidesz MEP: EP LIBE Committee debate ‘another political attack against Hungary’

Wednesday’s debate held by the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) on Hungary’s National Card scheme was “nothing else than another political attack against Hungary,” Fidesz MEP András László said in Brussels.

László told the press after the LIBE Committee meeting that it had been “a fully unbelievable cynical stage act”, with special regard to the fact that the European Commission’s assessments of the National Card Programme has not revealed any proof that there would be reasons for concern.

The MEPs addressing the debate who asked questions from Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson about the regulations could have also received information from the Hungarian government’s representative, considering the Minister for European Union Affairs Janos Boka was in the EP on Wednesday, and even held a press conference on the subject, he said. It was an expressed request by the Patriots for Europe group to invite representatives of the Hungarian government because dialogue could only have developed if both sides had been present, he added.

The committee rejected the request and the participants addressing Wednesday’s debate were unable to specify any concrete objection to the current regulations, László said. The commissioner even said that no legal problems had been identified, he added.

Johansson said that a very small number of permits had been issued and there was not such a significant scale of influx that the international press and several western European politicians had indicated.

“The politicians addressing the debate, including the representatives of the European People’s Party which had initiated the debate, were not interested in the responses and the facts,” László said. “It was absurd, partly infuriating, but also revealing that the debate was nothing else than another political attack against Hungary,” he said.

In response to a question, he said further developments could be expected because Johansson had expressed “further concerns” about the Hungarian regulations.

“The pressure on Hungary will be immense; the attacks will continue in order to break Hungary’s anti-war policies, but we will obviously resist and we will protect Hungarian interests,” he said.

Ceasefire needed for sustainable peace, official says

A ceasefire must be in place before a peace plan for ending the war can be properly drafted, and this is the basic “science of peace-making”, Balázs Orbán, the prime minister’s political director, wrote in an article published by the political weekly Mandiner in connection with both the war in Ukraine and Israel’s conflict with Hamas forces. He wrote scientific analyses of past wars showed that the chance of making peace deteriorated after the first thirty days of an armed conflict breaking out, and if wars between states dragged out for more than a year, then they often lasted for more than a decade.

Had the warring parties listened to the Hungarian government’s call for peace from the very start, or had talks that began in Turkey in March 2022 been pursued, then the situation might be very different, he added. So peace talks, even now, must start as soon as possible, Orbán said, underlining Hungary’s commitment to peace.

Half of conflicts end with a negotiated settlement of some kind, more often with a ceasefire rather than with a peace agreement, he said, adding that there was a significant difference between the two: the first is an agreement on the temporary or permanent suspension of violence, while the second addressed a conflict’s main causes and was therefore sustainable.

Conflict ends with a ceasefire in 30 percent of cases, with the victory of one side in 21 percent, with peace in 16 percent, while in 33 percent of cases there is a different kind of outcome, he said. With time, war becomes unsustainable and leads to a painful stalemate, which in turn leads to the negotiating table, he said. Both sides recognise that the status quo is harming them and they cannot defeat their opponent, he said. So talks are the only logical way to resolve the unsustainable situation, he said.

Well-defined peace plan

Orbán rejected the argument that a concrete peace plan is needed before the sides can sit down at the negotiating table, and he cited the Edinburgh University’s Political Settlements Research Programme suggesting that a sustainable peace agreement must follow a ceasefire, which is the first and essential element of any peace process.

In other words, the warring parties rarely have a well-defined peace plan before declaring a ceasefire, and it is only various factors on the ground that force them to stop fighting temporarily and start peace negotiations.

The final peace outcome is worked out during the negotiations; there is no pre-written peace plan, he emphasised. So the “mania” of the Hungarian government’s critics for a substantive peace plan “is completely unfounded”, he said. “It is incomprehensible that the leaders of the Western world aren’t taking meaningful steps for the sake of peace,” he said, arguing that the war in Ukraine intensified the longer the conflict dragged on.

“The path to peace starts with … a cease-fire, the suspension of hostilities and the conclusion of peace as soon as possible,” Orbán said, adding that this was in the interest of both Europe and Hungary.

Read also:

EU outraged: Infringement procedure may follow Hungary’s National Card Programme – read more HERE

September 4, 2024

Republicans warn of Hungarian leader Orbán’s influence on Trump and U.S. policy

Orbán says President Trump will end the war in Ukraine Orbán cabinet

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s growing influence in U.S. conservative circles, particularly among allies of former President Donald Trump, is raising alarms among Republican foreign policy experts, according to a piece by Politico.

As the article states, in October 2022, a conference co-sponsored by the Conservative Partnership Institute (CPI) brought Orbán’s Foreign Minister, Péter Szijjártó, to the U.S., where he presented a pro-Russian stance on the Ukraine conflict. Attendees, including GOP strategists and policy officials, were handed pamphlets promoting Russian viewpoints, urging the U.S. to scale back aid to Ukraine and pressuring Ukrainian President Zelensky to negotiate for peace.

Orbán’s major influence in the U.S.

Orbán says President Trump will end the war in Ukraine — Photo: FB/Orbán

Orbán’s tactics seem to be filling the void left by Trump’s previous relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Unable to maintain an open bond with Putin due to the war in Ukraine, Trump now appears to align with Orbán, who has visited him twice this year. Orbán’s influence is being felt not just through political meetings but through a network of U.S. conservative think tanks, such as The Heritage Foundation, and other initiatives that push Hungary’s geopolitical interests.

The Hungarian PM’s growing presence in U.S. conservative policy circles is not limited to foreign policy. His government’s funding of U.S. think tanks, partnerships with conservative groups, and conferences on topics like migration and religious values, often veer into pro-Russian narratives. These moves worry traditional Republican officials, who view Orbán’s alignment with Russia as a threat to U.S. national security and Western alliances like NATO.

Hungary’s ties with authoritarian regimes

PM Orbán Xi Jinping in Beijing chinese president chinese ambassador szijjártó china hungarian — Viktor Orbán and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Photo: FB/Orbán

Simultaneously, Orbán’s ties to authoritarian regimes, including both Russia and China, have deepened. China became the largest investor in Hungary in 2023, prompting further scrutiny from U.S. leaders, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who condemned Hungary’s expanding relations with adversarial states.

“The details of China’s growing influence in Budapest should raise red flags,” McConnell said.

The Hungarian government has tried to soften its image by aligning itself with conservative causes in the U.S. However, critics point to the Hungarian leader’s ulterior motives, accusing him of leveraging these alliances to promote his country’s pro-Russian stance. Despite claims from Hungarian officials denying the spread of Russian propaganda, events hosted by U.S. think tanks with Orbán’s backing frequently include discussions on ending military support to Ukraine, pushing a narrative many experts view as aligning with Russian interests.

Orbán’s expanded influence: Danube Institute and Heritage Foundation

Heritage Foundation’s partnership with Hungary’s Danube Institute is one such example of Hungary’s expanded influence. The think tank has reportedly facilitated discussions on reducing U.S. involvement in Ukraine, sparking concerns about foreign interference in GOP policy-making. Trump himself, despite distancing his campaign from specific plans like Heritage’s Project 2025, continues to praise the Hungarian PM, underscoring his importance as a global conservative figure. This relationship has implications for U.S. foreign policy, particularly if Trump returns to the White House in 2025, with Orbán playing a significant role in shaping his worldview.

Ultimately, Orbán’s embrace of Christian conservative values in his messaging serves to endear him to the American right, while his government benefits from significant financial ties to China and Russia. Critics view Orbán as a cunning lobbyist, using his “illiberal” model to advance his geopolitical objectives while undermining Western alliances. As Orbán continues to cultivate his ties within the MAGA movement, many in the GOP foreign policy establishment fear the long-term consequences of this influence on U.S. global standing and security.

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September 3, 2024