The justice minister acknowledged the “constant, instructive attitude in the west-east direction” felt by Hungary and its neighbors, a feeling Hungary has become used to, but disagreed with the premise that Hungary is not cooperating or standing in solidarity with the European Union on major issues.
“If we look at the reality and the facts, there is no problem, it is not felt that Hungary is out of line in any EU action,” Varga told the publication.
“We supported everything about the community as a whole, including the individual sanctions packages [in relation to the Russo-Ukrainian conflict], although we had reservations in principle. I see Hungary as a principled, fair cooperating partner, but when ideological madness enslaves the Union, we remain sober,” she added.
The justice minister called for a “success story of strong nation-states working together in the future,” and said that “just because partners disagree on certain fundamental issues does not mean they cannot cooperate at the negotiating table on a pragmatic basis.”
On plans by some European leaders to amend the requirement for unanimity among member states in order to adopt resolutions in key areas such as foreign policy with majority voting, Varga said she does not think such a proposal is likely “as this would require a convention to amend the treaty and would require the agreement of all Member States to end unanimity.” She questioned the use of language by European leaders such as “veto,” which she said has “negative connotations… The treaties do not emphasize the right of veto, but consensual and unanimous decision-making. The use of the term is very important.”
Varga also commented on the upcoming Hungarian presidency of the European Council in 2024, saying it will be “an important half-year” for the European Union in which Hungary will be able to “flash [its] alternative even more emphatically, even if it is not to the liking of the mainstream media.”
“We will have the opportunity to put Hungary in the center of Europe a bit,” Varga said, adding that the country “must definitely take advantage of this opportunity
Photo credit: Faecebook/Varga Judit