The meeting concluded with the adoption of the Budapest Declaration, a framework that sets competitiveness as the cornerstone of the EU’s strategy for the next five years. Highlighting the urgency of reform, PM Orbán stated, “We have placed competitiveness at the center of our agenda for the next five years.” He argued that this focus is essential to preserving Europe’s global standing amid mounting economic and geopolitical pressures.
Prime Minister Orbán opened the press conference by condemning recent antisemitic violence in Amsterdam, describing Budapest as a city that embodies diversity and peaceful coexistence. He emphasized Hungary’s commitment to tolerance, noting that Budapest is home to Europe’s largest synagogue alongside a major Catholic cathedral, symbolizing unity among diverse cultures.
Turning to the summit’s core topic of competitiveness, the prime minister stressed that Europe’s growth has lagged behind global competitors, with European industries facing high energy costs and a shrinking role in global trade. The Budapest Declaration, he explained, is a call to action, asserting that “business as usual is no longer an option.”
The Budapest Declaration presents a 12-point plan aimed at revitalizing Europe’s competitiveness. A primary objective is a "simplification revolution," designed to reduce regulatory and administrative burdens on businesses by at least 25 percent by mid-2025. This commitment to reducing red tape, Orbán argued, is crucial for fostering a business-friendly environment that supports innovation and growth across the EU.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, expressing her gratitude for Hungary’s hospitality, commended Hungary's dedication to the competitiveness agenda. She referenced Mario Draghi’s recent report, which informed much of the declaration, and highlighted Europe’s need to remove regulatory barriers for startups and small businesses. “We are proposing a simplified, single rulebook for startups to help them scale up and access the entire single market,” von der Leyen explained. She also stressed the importance of private investment in driving innovation, particularly in clean technology, a sector in which Europe leads globally.
European Council President Charles Michel underscored the Budapest Declaration’s emphasis on strengthening Europe’s defense industry as essential for EU self-reliance. While affirming NATO as a “fundamental pillar,” he stressed that Europe must also take responsibility for its own security. The declaration, he explained, calls for developing a robust European technological and industrial defense base to support Europe’s strategic autonomy.
PM Orbán acknowledged the collective effort behind the Budapest Declaration, including the contributions of the Hungarian delegation, EU leaders, and the groundwork laid by Draghi’s report. He expressed confidence in Europe’s ability to overcome economic challenges through decisive action on competitiveness, stating, “We are not here to manage decline; we are here to make Europe great again.” Achieving this vision, he noted, will require strong leadership and unified commitment.
The Budapest Declaration formalizes Europe’s renewed focus on economic resilience, strategic independence, and competitiveness. By uniting around these goals, Orbán and other EU leaders have set a clear path forward for the EU’s economic revitalization and strength in an increasingly competitive global arena.