In an interview with Magyar Nemzet, Minister of European Affairs János Bóka shared insights on the meetings, emphasizing Hungary’s influence in cultivating an open atmosphere for pivotal dialogues.
The recent European Political Community (EPC) summit and informal European Council in Budapest have placed Hungary at the forefront of the European Union’s strategic discussions. These summits addressed a range of crucial topics, from transatlantic relations to illegal migration, and highlighted Hungary’s unique role in shaping the EU’s future.
Minister Bóka described the political atmosphere at the Budapest summits as one of “openness and anticipation.” He highlighted how Hungary’s role as host fostered a freer exchange of ideas, enabling European leaders to discuss major issues more candidly than usual. “The air in Hungary allows for a more colorful, direct dialogue than in many other European countries,” he explained. This openness, combined with anticipation around the U.S. presidential election, created a dynamic environment as leaders assessed Europe’s place in a shifting world order.
With the participation of heads of state from diverse political backgrounds, including Ukraine, France, Turkey, and the Western Balkans, the summits enabled discussions that covered a broad spectrum of perspectives. “This unique setup allowed us to see the full range of strategic approaches in Europe,” Bóka noted. He considered the summit’s platform a pioneering effort for the EPC, showcasing various views on security and autonomy in the context of both European and transatlantic challenges.
The Budapest Declaration, a significant outcome of these meetings, marks a strategic commitment to bolster the EU’s global competitiveness. The document, which was a key goal of Hungary’s EU presidency, urges the EU to prioritize competitiveness in all policy areas over the next five years. Bóka outlined its importance: “Europe’s economy is in a weakened state due to war and poor decisions in Brussels. The Budapest Declaration is our roadmap to regain strength.”
The declaration’s goals rest on two pillars: a general policy framework and targeted strategies for energy, finance, and research. “We’ve made it clear that if Europe doesn’t act decisively, it risks falling behind the United States and China,” Bóka warned. He emphasized the declaration’s call for competitiveness-focused assessments in future EU legislation, while energy policy, particularly reducing costs, is another priority that Hungary is determined to pursue.
The U.S. presidential election was another prominent topic in the interview. Bóka voiced Hungary’s expectations, particularly around the potential impact of Donald Trump’s re-election. He suggested that Trump’s approach to U.S. interests could allow Europe more independence, moving away from the “ideologically driven policies” of the past. “Trump’s return would mark a shift to pragmatic transatlantic relations based on mutual benefits, opening the door for Europe to define its strategic interests more clearly,” he said. In this context, Bóka emphasized the unprecedented strength of Hungary’s relationship with Trump, noting, “Hungary has never had such a strong ally as the new American president.”
Trump’s stance is seen by Hungary as a unique opportunity to push for a more autonomous European Union in a new global order. Hungarian leaders anticipate that a pragmatic U.S. policy could offer Europe greater flexibility in responding to regional challenges, particularly in the context of the Ukraine conflict and energy dependency.
Despite the successes of the Budapest summits, Minister Bóka was realistic about Hungary’s ongoing friction with Brussels. He noted that while the summits showcased Hungary’s diplomatic capabilities, they are unlikely to resolve fundamental differences with the EU. “Our conflicts with Brussels are deep-rooted, reflecting contrasting visions for European cooperation,” he explained. Prime Minister Orbán himself acknowledged this at the European Council’s press conference, noting that while progress was made, core disagreements remain.
Bóka also commented on Hungary’s relationship with the EU’s migration policy. Hungary has long championed a more stringent stance on border protection and recently proposed innovative solutions such as offshore processing centers for asylum applications. This stance continues to distinguish Hungary within the EU, as other member states now grapple with rising migration concerns.
A central goal for Hungary’s presidency is accelerating the EU integration of the Western Balkans, an objective tied closely to Hungary’s own vision of European unity. “The European Union is incomplete without the Western Balkans,” Bóka remarked, adding that the integration of this region is critical for a cohesive, competitive Europe. Hungary aims to use upcoming EU summits to advocate for concrete steps toward membership for countries like Albania and Serbia.
Bóka stressed that Hungary’s strength on the global stage is rooted in its unique historical and cultural position rather than external alliances alone. “Our influence comes from our performance,” he concluded, underscoring that Hungary’s enduring statehood and strategic contributions to the EU provide the country with a stable foundation in the shifting European landscape. With a commitment to pragmatic alliances and a forward-looking European policy, Hungary underlines its role as a bridge between East and West, and as a vital player in the EU’s future.
