Prime Minister Orbán addressed a forum on Friday hosted in Baden-Baden by the Foundation for Family Business (Stiftung Familienunternehmen), where he described Hungary as a “success story and a black sheep” at the same time and reiterated Hungary’s commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Speaking before 150 German business representatives about Europe’s current situation he stated that the continent must face "uncomfortable truths". He insisted that "the project we call European Union has stalled," calling for a renewal of European policies. Unfortunately “time is against us”, he added.
Strong political leadership is needed to solve the continent's problems which include high energy prices that stifle Europe's ability to compete. Alternative energy is unaffordable, while nuclear energy is indispensable, Prime Minister Orbán insisted, adding that in energy terms, Russia is absolutely needed.
He also stated that Europe's demographic problems should be addressed through better family policies instead of immigration.
Discussing macroeconomic indicators, he pointed out that the budget deficit is low, state debt is declining, the balance of trade is also great and this year’s growth is expected to reach 3.2 percent. He added that if he manages to defend Hungary’s energy policy in Brussels, energy prices will be on the same level as in the United States by 2018.
On the topic of the Ukrainian crisis, the Prime Minister emphasised that Hungary supports Ukraine's sovereignty as it is “our primary interest”. Hungary feels solidarity towards Ukraine, he underlined, adding that he seeks the best possible relationship with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko.
The clear loser of the past year’s events is Ukraine, the EU and in it Central Europe, the Prime Minister highlighted, adding that now it is the Americans and the Russians who “dictate”, while Europe lacks a proper strategy.
(Prime Minister's Office, MTI)
