During the summit, Hungary’s sovereignty came under frontal attack, marking a shift in the European Union's approach to our domestic policies. The summit, which was expected to focus on Hungary’s EU presidency program and the adoption of a competitiveness pact, became a platform for Brussels to launch yet another attempt at interfering in internal affairs. This time, tax policy became the latest battleground, adding to a list of previous disputes, including migration, family policies, and energy pricing.
Over the past two years, Hungary has also faced criticism for its stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Despite external pressures, Hungary has remained firm, refusing to bear the costs of others' mistakes. Since 2010, the government has consistently upheld the principle that its citizens should not pay for economic crises stemming from Europe’s broader problems. Instead, those who contributed to these challenges or benefited from them should be involved in the solution.
A concerning development is Brussels’ increasing willingness to interfere in what should be domestic political matters. European bureaucrats are now expressing opinions on Hungarian party politics in ways they never have before.
Meanwhile, the EU’s narrative on the Russia-Ukraine war continues to be shaped by wishful thinking. Despite calls for victory, the situation on the ground tells a different story. Ukraine is not winning, and it is becoming clear that a military solution is unlikely to bring lasting peace. A ceasefire and peace talks are needed sooner rather than later, as Hungary has advocated from the start.
Hungary is not alone in these views. Some national and rational voices within Europe, though not yet in power, are also pushing for peace. Unfortunately, most of the EU remains fixated on prolonging the conflict. On migration, Brussels has failed to manage the issue for nearly a decade. The problems from 2015 persist, with mandatory relocation quotas ignored. Now, certain countries, like Poland, are receiving exemptions from asylum obligations simply because their migrants come from the east.
It is increasingly evident that the EU’s migration pact needs revision. The growing opposition to the pact is no longer whispered about but openly discussed in publications like Politico, signaling a shift in European discourse. The EU, known for its slow-moving nature, seems to be on the verge of acknowledging that change is necessary. However, the path forward remains uncertain, as Brussels continues to push for policies that often clash with Hungary’s sovereignty and national interests.