Leaders of the Western world gather in Budapest in search of peace and competitiveness
This week, Budapest is set to host one of Hungary's largest diplomatic events in history, gathering leaders from over forty countries for the European Political Community and European Council summits. These meetings, taking place today and tomorrow, will focus on discussions crucial to Europe's future, particularly in light of challenges such as the war in Ukraine, migration issues, and energy concerns.
Preparations for the event have been ongoing for over six months, ensuring meticulous attention to detail for both the European Political Community (EPC) and the European Council meetings. The Puskás Arena in Budapest has been chosen as the venue, selected for its logistical and cost-efficiency in handling events of this scale.
The main topics at the EPC plenary session will include migration and economic security, with sectional meetings also planned to address various aspects of illegal immigration, and the integration of energy, transport, and IT systems. According to Zoltán Kovács, State Secretary for International Communication and Relations, Hungary represents a Europe that is open and cooperative, capable of reconciling the continent's diverse interests and contributing to peace.
The Budapest meeting is particularly significant due to the recent U.S. presidential election results, where Donald Trump's victory has shifted the political landscape, necessitating a reevaluation of European policies. Zoltán Kiszelly, Director of Political Analysis at the Századvég Foundation, emphasized that Trump's win not only reinforces the political directions favored by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and the Hungarian government but also aligns with a significant portion of the American electorate who support economic stability and strict immigration control.
The presence of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to boost Hungary's peace mission significantly, offering an opportunity to advance the peace process—a key issue for Hungary. Zelensky's participation is crucial as it marks his first visit since the start of the war, enhancing Hungary's role in the peace talks.
The event will also provide an opportunity for participating countries to collectively articulate their stance on European security and economic challenges, potentially shaping the continent's future developmental direction.
The main topics at the EPC plenary session will include migration and economic security, with sectional meetings also planned to address various aspects of illegal immigration, and the integration of energy, transport, and IT systems. According to Zoltán Kovács, State Secretary for International Communication and Relations, Hungary represents a Europe that is open and cooperative, capable of reconciling the continent's diverse interests and contributing to peace.
The Budapest meeting is particularly significant due to the recent U.S. presidential election results, where Donald Trump's victory has shifted the political landscape, necessitating a reevaluation of European policies. Zoltán Kiszelly, Director of Political Analysis at the Századvég Foundation, emphasized that Trump's win not only reinforces the political directions favored by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and the Hungarian government but also aligns with a significant portion of the American electorate who support economic stability and strict immigration control.
The presence of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to boost Hungary's peace mission significantly, offering an opportunity to advance the peace process—a key issue for Hungary. Zelensky's participation is crucial as it marks his first visit since the start of the war, enhancing Hungary's role in the peace talks.
The event will also provide an opportunity for participating countries to collectively articulate their stance on European security and economic challenges, potentially shaping the continent's future developmental direction.
