Viktor Orban: These Are Dark Times And European Politics Is Facing Serious Challenges

• Financial

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán emphasized today that recent global events have been tumultuous, and he added that European politics are confronting significant challenges. "The way Europe addresses these challenges will have a substantial impact on its relationships with Turkic-speaking nations," Orban remarked during the Summit of Turkic-speaking countries in Astana, as reported by MTI.

He noted that, from a European perspective, world security is currently at its most precarious since the end of the Cold War. Orban stated, "The situation in the past 30 years has never been as intricate and challenging as it is today." He mentioned the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the emergence of armed conflicts in the Middle East, and the increasing threat of terrorism within the European Union.

Additionally, the Hungarian Prime Minister underscored that rising energy prices are negatively affecting the European Union's competitiveness. Orbán reflected on Europe's dilemma, which revolves around whether it should form economic blocs or foster global networks and connectivity.

According to him, two contrasting trends exist in Europe. "The first trend seeks to reduce economic ties with Russia, which serve as the foundation of the European economy, and debates curtailing European-Chinese relations.

The second trend, which Hungary advocates, aims to enhance cooperation and views interdependence as an avenue for progress and improved competitiveness," Orban asserted. Regarding the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, the Hungarian Prime Minister asserted that this situation places the entire continent in immediate jeopardy.

He stated: "I must acknowledge that the European strategy has clearly faltered over the past 18 months." Orban highlighted that the initial plan involved Ukraine engaging in combat while the West provided financial support and weaponry, with the expectation of Kiev emerging victorious and a change in leadership within Russia.

"That ambitious plan proved unsuccessful," the Hungarian Prime Minister acknowledged. However, he mentioned that the EU is currently contemplating allocating an additional 50 billion euros to Ukraine, "indicating that a majority still believes in financing the previous, unsuccessful strategy." He stressed Hungary's call for a "plan B" focused on achieving a ceasefire, engaging in peace negotiations, and establishing a new European security framework that is "supportive of Ukraine and acceptable to Russia." Orban also emphasized the necessity of incorporating Turkey, along with all Turkic-speaking nations, into the new European security structure. He argued that sustainable, long-term European security cannot be envisioned without the involvement of Turkey.