Strasbourg (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán calls for “change” in the EU parliament.
Hungary’s President Viktor Orban made his claim for “change” in Europe, in an address to the EU Parliament. “The European Union needs to change, and I would like to convince you about that today,” stated the prime minister, in Strasbourg to present the “priorities” of Hungary.
Orban called it the “most serious period” in EU history, with Ukraine fighting on its doorsteps, escalating conflict in the Middle East and a “migration crisis” he expressed could cause the Schengen open border system to “fall apart.” “Our union needs to change, and the presidency wants to be the catalyst for this change,” he stated.
What are Hungary’s priorities for its EU presidency?
A day earlier, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán outlined his country’s preferences for its presidency of the European Union, including calls for a ceasefire in Ukraine while addressing the European Parliament in Strasbourg. During the address, Orbán claimed that “Ukraine cannot succeed on the battlefield,” adding that it is in the European Union’s interest to demonstrate better communication with Russia to arrange a ceasefire.
His press conference was interrupted by a member of the Hungarian opposition, who tossed fake banknotes at him and blamed him for selling out to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The protester tagged Orbán a “traitor.”
Orbán told reporters: “Both the leaders in Ukraine and Russia are convinced time is on their side. So, they don’t want to compromise or make peace. They’ll keep showing so-called winning plans, but they’re not ready for a ceasefire.” He claimed that pressure from the Global South is needed to push for peace. Meanwhile, he indicated that while individual EU countries could continue to defend Ukraine with military aid, this should be done on a national level.
