Steinmeier advocates for Hungary's accountability within the EU framework
During his visit to Hungary, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier encouraged the country to meet its obligations within the European Union. Being in the EU Council presidency, Hungary holds a significant position in boosting unity within the EU and progressing collective solutions for our mutual future challenges, Steinmeier stated following a meeting with Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok. Just like other EU members, Germany anticipates that Hungary will assume and execute this role.
Steinmeier journeyed to Hungary to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Pan-European Picnic, where approximately 600 East German citizens escaped to the West through the Hungarian-Austrian border on August 19, 1989. This event in the Hungarian border town of Sopron is regarded as a significant factor leading to the collapse of the Berlin Wall.
"I wish that we, Hungarians and Germans, can utilize this anniversary of Sopron to rediscover our shared European destiny and uphold our common European values once more," Steinmeier expressed.
Steinmeier also underscored the significance of a united EU stance in backing Ukraine in the Russian invasion. "We must never cast any doubt that NATO and the European Union stand unwaveringly behind Ukraine," he said.
Hungary will retain the EU Council presidency until year-end. Upon taking office, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán launched a self-declared "peace mission" in the Ukraine conflict, meeting with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and then-US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.
Regardless of the ongoing conflict, Orbán continues to maintain close relations with Moscow and opposes the EU's stance on sanctions against Russia and financial support to Kyiv, which he has frequently postponed.
The European Union relies on Hungary, being in The European Union Council presidency, to boost unity and progress collective solutions within the EU. Recognizing Hungary's position, Germany expects Hungary to assume and execute this role, just like other EU members.
