Orbán Viktor Addresses Regional Protests and Stability with Serbian President Vučić
During a press conference in Budapest, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán discussed recent protests in Slovakia and Serbia, the importance of bilateral energy security, and his support for regional stability amid destabilization efforts.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán held a press conference in Budapest on February 17, 2025, alongside Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.
Orbán remarked on the significant anti-government protests that have recently occurred in both Slovakia and Serbia, stating, "We are not blind; what is happening in Slovakia and Serbia is not happening by itself; it is engineered, it is incited." He referenced similar destabilization attempts within Hungary, emphasizing the active role that external forces play in influencing regional stability.
Orbán highlighted the ongoing unrest in Serbia, which has been a response to a tragic incident in November 2024, when a roof collapse at a renovated railway station in Novi Sad resulted in 15 fatalities.
This incident has sparked regular protests against the Serbian government, leading to the resignation of the Prime Minister and the local mayor.
In recognition of diplomatic ties, Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok awarded Vučić the Grand Cross of the Hungarian Order of Merit during his visit—a significant honor awarded to foreign leaders.
Orbán praised Serbia as the key country in the Balkans, asserting that regional stability hinges on Serbia's own stability, which he attributed to strong and decisive leadership.
"Without Serbia, there can be no Balkan policy," Orbán stated, reaffirming the notion that Hungarian energy security is inextricably linked to Serbian energy stability.
He announced plans for a new 300-kilometer oil pipeline between the two nations, asserting that preparatory work is intensifying.
"Last year, 7.5 billion cubic meters of gas passed through Serbia to Hungary, ensuring the operations of the Hungarian economy and the security of Hungarian households," he added, indicating a record volume of gas transit.
Orbán expressed a sense of optimism regarding bilateral cooperation in energy, noting an initiative to double the electricity connection between Hungary and Serbia.
As the conference progressed, Orbán acknowledged the wider implications of global geopolitics, particularly concerning the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
He suggested that while this conflict is a pressing concern, other significant global challenges also exist.
The Hungarian Prime Minister concluded his remarks by reiterating the importance of national sovereignty in the face of external interference.
He asserted, "The destabilization is bad for everyone.
If the people living here do not decide what should happen but are dictated by external forces, it has always led to trouble.
Therefore, we must stand up for our sovereignty."
Orbán's comments come as Vučić faces domestic challenges amid widespread protests, raising questions about the stability of his administration in contrast to the declared partnership between Serbia and Hungary.
The two leaders have emphasized their mutual commitment to collaboration, with Orbán invoking the necessity of unity in the face of adversity, likening their cooperation to a scene from the film Gladiator, urging, "Whatever comes out of that door, let us stay together!"
Orbán remarked on the significant anti-government protests that have recently occurred in both Slovakia and Serbia, stating, "We are not blind; what is happening in Slovakia and Serbia is not happening by itself; it is engineered, it is incited." He referenced similar destabilization attempts within Hungary, emphasizing the active role that external forces play in influencing regional stability.
Orbán highlighted the ongoing unrest in Serbia, which has been a response to a tragic incident in November 2024, when a roof collapse at a renovated railway station in Novi Sad resulted in 15 fatalities.
This incident has sparked regular protests against the Serbian government, leading to the resignation of the Prime Minister and the local mayor.
In recognition of diplomatic ties, Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok awarded Vučić the Grand Cross of the Hungarian Order of Merit during his visit—a significant honor awarded to foreign leaders.
Orbán praised Serbia as the key country in the Balkans, asserting that regional stability hinges on Serbia's own stability, which he attributed to strong and decisive leadership.
"Without Serbia, there can be no Balkan policy," Orbán stated, reaffirming the notion that Hungarian energy security is inextricably linked to Serbian energy stability.
He announced plans for a new 300-kilometer oil pipeline between the two nations, asserting that preparatory work is intensifying.
"Last year, 7.5 billion cubic meters of gas passed through Serbia to Hungary, ensuring the operations of the Hungarian economy and the security of Hungarian households," he added, indicating a record volume of gas transit.
Orbán expressed a sense of optimism regarding bilateral cooperation in energy, noting an initiative to double the electricity connection between Hungary and Serbia.
As the conference progressed, Orbán acknowledged the wider implications of global geopolitics, particularly concerning the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
He suggested that while this conflict is a pressing concern, other significant global challenges also exist.
The Hungarian Prime Minister concluded his remarks by reiterating the importance of national sovereignty in the face of external interference.
He asserted, "The destabilization is bad for everyone.
If the people living here do not decide what should happen but are dictated by external forces, it has always led to trouble.
Therefore, we must stand up for our sovereignty."
Orbán's comments come as Vučić faces domestic challenges amid widespread protests, raising questions about the stability of his administration in contrast to the declared partnership between Serbia and Hungary.
The two leaders have emphasized their mutual commitment to collaboration, with Orbán invoking the necessity of unity in the face of adversity, likening their cooperation to a scene from the film Gladiator, urging, "Whatever comes out of that door, let us stay together!"
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