PM Orbán highlighted the serious crises facing the EU, including the war in Ukraine, rising tensions in the Middle East, and a migration crisis not seen since 2015. "The European Union's situation today is far worse than in 2011," he remarked, recalling Hungary’s previous EU presidency. He emphasized that these pressures have left Europe vulnerable and in need of reform.
A key focus of Hungary’s presidency will be restoring Europe’s global competitiveness. PM Orbán noted that Europe has been falling behind global powers. "Our growth has been slower than that of the U.S. or China for two decades now," he said. European companies, he explained, are paying up to five times more for natural gas and two to three times more for electricity than their American counterparts, putting European industries at a disadvantage. To address this, Hungary plans to champion a European Competitiveness Pact, aimed at reducing regulatory burdens, stabilizing energy prices, and promoting green industrial policies to strengthen Europe’s global standing.
PM Orbán also reiterated his government’s firm stance on protecting the EU’s external borders. "We must agree that anyone entering the Union must first stop at its borders, and only those granted permission should be allowed in," he stated. He pointed to decisions by countries like Sweden to suspend Schengen’s free movement as evidence that stronger border controls are necessary—something Hungary has advocated for years.
Addressing demographic challenges, the prime minister rejected migration as a solution to declining birth rates, arguing that Europe must focus on increasing productivity and supporting families to boost the native population.
Looking ahead, PM Orbán announced plans for an informal EU summit in Budapest, where he hopes leaders will adopt the Competitiveness Pact. The pact will focus on strengthening the internal market, reducing administrative burdens, and aligning green policies with industrial growth. He also highlighted the need for a more integrated European defense policy to address growing security concerns.
"We want to be the catalysts of change," PM Orbán declared, positioning Hungary as a leader in driving reforms. Hungary’s presidency will not only tackle immediate crises but aim to chart a long-term course for a stronger, more competitive, and resilient European Union.