PM Orbán explained that economic neutrality is a concept Hungary will increasingly encounter in the future. His government is taking steps to introduce this idea into the Hungarian political and economic landscape. The prime minister made it clear that while tools like ChatGPT can offer insights, Hungary must dig deeper to fully understand the complexities of economic neutrality.
Competitiveness, PM Orbán said, is central to Hungary’s EU presidency agenda. The prime minister stressed that the success of the EU hinges on its ability to remain competitive, not just within its borders but globally. To address this, the Hungarian presidency is pushing for a competitiveness pact that EU leaders will discuss during a meeting in Budapest. However, PM Orbán acknowledged that getting member states to agree on such a pact will not be easy, citing differences in how various countries interpret competitiveness.
During the speech, PM Orbán also expressed frustration with some of the internal dynamics of the European Union. He criticized what he described as the "childish" behavior of certain EU leaders, stating that their actions undermine the seriousness and cohesion of the bloc. "They think they are making a point against us, but in reality, they are only making a joke of themselves," the prime minister said.
Turning to a key document, PM Orbán referenced the Draghi Report, written by former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi. The report highlights the growing competitiveness challenges Europe faces, especially in the wake of the energy crisis brought about by the disappearance of cheap Russian energy. According to the report, PM Orbán noted that EU companies are facing energy costs two to three times higher than those in the United States, while 60 percent of European companies cite EU regulations as their biggest challenge. Additionally, the report questions the political logic of the EU’s Green Deal, particularly if the push for decarbonization results in the decline of European industries.
The prime minister warned that the European Union is falling behind in global trade and is losing its position in world markets. He pointed out that while Asian economies are growing through increased internal trade, Europe risks becoming economically isolated. In the prime minister's view, Europe’s approach is bringing back the Cold War-era logic of dividing the world into separate economic blocs, a strategy he says is being pushed by both Brussels and Washington.
PM Orbán also took a moment to stress Hungary’s need to stay out of this "bloc formation" by maintaining a policy of economic neutrality. He explained that economic neutrality means that Hungary should do business with whomever it chooses, based on its own interests, and should only engage in partnerships that align with the country’s values.
"We cannot mix ideological questions with economic ones," PM Orbán emphasized, adding that Hungary must look to all global economic centers—whether in the West or the East—to secure its economic future.
The prime minister also addressed Hungary’s progress toward investment neutrality, noting that large amounts of capital have been brought into the country from diverse sources. German investors, PM Orbán said, have contributed 25 billion euros, while both American and Chinese investors have brought in 9 percent each of total foreign investments. This, he explained, demonstrates that Hungary is already moving toward neutrality in its investment policies.
In closing, PM Orbán reiterated Hungary’s commitment to economic neutrality as the best way to navigate the increasingly fragmented global economy. He called on the country to remain vigilant and focused, emphasizing that Hungary’s success lies in maintaining strong relationships with both Eastern and Western economies.
"The task for Hungary is to formulate what a neutral economic policy looks like, one that gives us a chance for success," the prime minister said. "We are the guardians of our nation’s future, and we will write that future ourselves."
PM Orbán finished his address by stressing that while the world changes around them, Hungary must be ready to embrace economic neutrality as the key to long-term growth and competitiveness. "There is no turning back; the path ahead is clear," he concluded.