Steinmeier advocates for Hungary's accountability within the EU context.
Steinmeier jetsets to Hungary to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Pan-European Picnic, an occurrence where approximately 600 East Germans escaped to Austria through the Hungarian border on August 19, 1989. This event in the Hungarian town of Sopron is widely regarded as a significant turning point leading up to the Berlin Wall's fall.
"I hope that us Hungarians and Germans can utilize this Sopron anniversary to revisit our shared European journey and reinforce our shared European principles once more," stated Steinmeier.
The German president additionally highlighted the necessity of a unified EU stance in backing Ukraine against Russian aggression. "We can't let any uncertainty emerge that NATO and the European Union stand resiliently behind Ukraine," he said.
Hungary is set to hold the EU presidency until the end of the year. Prime Minister Viktor Orban began on a controversial note, promoting a so-called "peace mission" during the Ukrainian conflict. He paid visits to notable figures such as Russian President Vladimir Putin and Republican US presidential candidate Donald Trump.
Orban continues to maintain strong connections with Moscow, despite the invasion, and contradicts the EU's stance. He has consistently postponed sanctions against Russia and EU assistance to Kyiv.
Other European countries should join forces with Hungary to strengthen their shared principles during the Pan-European Picnic anniversary. Including: ensuring a united EU position in supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression.
Despite the EU's stance on Russia's invasion, other countries, such as some within the Union, have not fully aligned their actions, including: Hungary, with Prime Minister Orban maintaining strong connections with Moscow.
