Hungary hosted the 21st International Parliamentary NATO Conference organized by the government in Budapest.
According to MTI, mass migration, terrorism, hybrid threats, fake news and growing nationalism in Ukraine were in focus at the event.
Csaba Hende, deputy parliamentary speaker, said in his opening address that international relations were characterized by uncertainty and unpredictability.
He said that in recent years, the threats facing the Euro-Atlantic region have grown more serious and complex. Threats like hybrid warfare, mass migration and its links to terrorism require new, joint solutions from NATO member states, he said.
Hende added that cyberspace has become one of the most critical “battlefields” in the world today on which attacks can range from the disruption of the decision-making mechanisms of countries to serious attacks on a country’s critical infrastructure.
Péter Siklósi, deputy state secretary for defence policy, said that significant economic, demographic, military and environmental changes in the world have worsened the global security situation over the past years.
He said that social media has at the same time become a platform for information “warfare”, he noted. He said that Hungary is in a difficult situation, and noted that neighboring Ukraine is tackling enduring hybrid warfare.
He also highlighted how Europe, as a continent, faces the task of tackling a long-term migrant crisis over the coming years. NATO, including Hungary, must therefore bolster its efforts to prepare for all possible threats.
Levente Magyar, the foreign ministry state secretary, said the Hungarian government welcomed NATO’s decision to boost its role in the fight against international terrorism.
He added that Hungary is taking part in this fight and will increase the number of Hungarian soldiers stationed in Iraq by 30 percent, to 200, from next year.