The foreign minister has highlighted that he believes everyone wants a strong and successful Europe, but views on how to achieve it differ.
Speaking at the National University of Public Service, Péter Szijjártó, minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, said some believe that Brussels must accumulate as many powers as possible at the expense of member states. Whereas, Hungary thinks differently.
The foreign minister said Hungary rejects the idea of a united states of Europe and the notion that member states should distance themselves from their national and cultural identities.
Minister Szijjártó said that in order for Europe to be strong and competitive, competition must be allowed within the European Union.
The minister added that security must be returned to the people of Europe and Christian culture and identity preserved. What’s more, an objective debate on the multiannual European budget is needed.
Minister Szijjártó also noted security challenges such as “a war taking place in our immediate neighborhood” and terrorist threats. He added that mass illegal migration resulted in “parallel societies” in several western European cities.
He also highlighted how important it is for there to be debates on the EU’s future, but added that disputes can quickly become emotional, and those opposed to the mainstream are soon stigmatized. “For these debates to be fought successfully, they must be based on common sense and mutual respect,” he said.