In an opinion piece in Euronews, Balázs Orbán, Prime Minister Orbán’s political director, sets a powerful tone for Hungary's approach to European and global politics, advocating for "cooler heads" and a vision of prudent connectivity in an increasingly fragmented world. Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent trip to Europe, his first since the COVID-19 pandemic, was crucial in rebuilding connections between Europe and China. The fact that Hungary stood alongside Paris as the only EU capitals on his itinerary speaks volumes about Hungary's strategic importance.
Hungary is positioning itself as a “pivotal state” — a defender of national sovereignty, a leader in new technologies, a crucial bridge between East and West, and a gateway to the European Union. Balázs Orbán likened this bold strategy to a “Hussar Cut,” a daring maneuver that exemplifies Hungary's foreign policy, which prioritizes global connectivity and rejects the trend of economic isolationism.
Hungary’s government is actively strengthening its energy and transport infrastructure, expanding its reach in Europe and beyond. Our initiatives include expanding energy connections, renovating the Budapest-Belgrade railway, and building a port in Trieste that can handle 2.5 million tons of goods annually. The government is also repurchasing the Budapest Airport to reinforce control over critical infrastructure. These efforts reflect Hungary's firm commitment to enhancing connectivity across all fronts, opening the door to a globally integrated economic strategy.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) has surged since 2010, with Asian investors' share rising from 19 percent to 34 percent and European investments reaching 56 percent. Hungary’s "open, export-oriented" model has resulted in a stunning 38 percent increase in GDP per capita over the past 13 years.
This economic diversification and pro-business climate, with low unemployment and favorable tax rates, have helped Hungary climb from being the 23rd to the 11th most complex economy on the Harvard Economic Complexity Index. Hungary’s strategic partnerships are paying off, with BYD, China’s top electric vehicle manufacturer, building its first European passenger car facility in Hungary.
Balázs Orbán emphasized that Europe must keep "cool, calm, and connected," embracing a strategy of prudent connectivity amid escalating tensions between China and the U.S. He warns against the dangers of bloc formation, that is, into Western and Eastern blocs, including dependence, economic decline, and geopolitical marginalization. Hungary’s solution is to serve as a “keystone state,” mitigating dependencies and safeguarding sovereignty while ensuring security and prosperity.
As Hungary assumes the EU presidency, its vision of connectivity aims to steer Europe back to strength, bridging the growing divide between global powers while securing Hungary’s pivotal role on the world stage. In Balázs Orbán's words, "It's time to take a step back from the brink of a divided world. In Hungary, we are already reaping the benefits."