Prime Minister Viktor Orbán opened the press conference by expressing gratitude to President von der Leyen and other leaders for their collaboration during Hungary's presidency of the Council of the European Union. “Despite our political differences, we prioritized advancing key issues over conflicts,” he remarked, praising the teamwork between EU institutions and member states.
Reflecting on Hungary's leadership approach, PM Orbán emphasized the deliberate choice to conduct a "political presidency" rather than a bureaucratic one. “Europe faces unparalleled security challenges—wars in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Africa, coupled with economic stagnation and threats to the Schengen zone. These demanded decisive leadership,” he said. Drawing from Hungary’s previous experience holding the presidency, he noted that this political approach enabled significant breakthroughs.
Among Hungary’s accomplishments, the prime minister highlighted progress in EU enlargement, especially with the Western Balkans. The Council facilitated landmark steps in stalled negotiations, including agreements with Albania and Serbia, which had been at an impasse for years. “The European Union is incomplete without the Western Balkans,” Orbán stated, emphasizing the geopolitical and economic importance of the region’s integration.
Another major achievement was resolving the long-standing Schengen deadlock. The Council secured unanimous approval for Bulgaria and Romania to join the Schengen Area starting January 2025, after more than a decade of delays. “This decision, long overdue, restores fairness and strengthens European unity,” PM Orbán noted, commending the months of negotiations with initially reluctant member states.
Economic competitiveness also dominated Hungary’s presidency agenda. PM Orbán pointed to the Budapest Declaration, describing it as a "simplification revolution" aimed at streamlining EU regulations, ensuring affordable energy, and providing targeted support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). “This framework lays the groundwork for improving Europe’s global standing, but much work remains,” he warned, adding that the EU faces declining competitiveness relative to major global players.
The presidency also addressed pressing demographic issues, hosting the first-ever ministerial meeting on Europe’s demographic future. PM Orbán called this a critical step in confronting the Union's aging population, which poses long-term economic and social challenges.
Security was another priority throughout Hungary’s term. While consensus on major actions regarding the war in Ukraine was elusive due to internal divisions, PM Orbán underscored Hungary’s unilateral contributions. He reiterated his call for a Christmas ceasefire and prisoner exchanges, explaining, “The greatest European value is life. If we can save even a few lives during this season, it is worth every effort.”
In a broader reflection, PM Orbán stressed the importance of ambition for the EU’s survival. “Europe must aspire to greatness—this is the only path to competitiveness and relevance in a rapidly shifting global landscape,” he declared. Hungary’s presidency motto, “Let us make Europe great again,” symbolized this vision.
Looking ahead, he expressed hope that future presidencies would embrace similarly ambitious goals to drive Europe forward. “The challenges we face are immense, but so are the opportunities if we act with courage and vision,” PM Orbán concluded.