In the Hungarian government's view, the stakes in Sunday's EP elections are war or peace. Do you expect a change after the elections that will shift EU foreign policy from arming and funding Ukraine to pushing for peace talks?
Since the war began, the United States has pushed Europe to follow a wartime path dependent on American military backing, yet the situation in Ukraine is ever more precarious and uncertain in its outcomes. While the mainstream European elite has happily walked in step with America on arming and funding Ukraine with little thought to the consequences, European citizens overall favor a negotiated settlement to the conflict. After the European Parliament elections, a shift to the right is expected, which could finally mean more critical discussions on EU foreign policy and a more pragmatic approach to the war. Europeans, however, will only be able to diverge from the transatlantic consensus if there is a true transformation of European politics: increased strategic autonomy with less dependence on foreign support and the emergence of a strong, pragmatic leadership that puts European interests first. The right-wing parties will need to come together to shape a Europe that fits with this vision after the elections.
How would you describe the relationship of the current EU institutions to the Hungarian connectivity strategy? How does their policy promote and hinder this endeavour?
EU institutions have pursued policies that are not only at odds with the Hungarian connectivity strategy, which seeks to expand relations with other countries as much as possible, but also its own best interests. The Commission has recently been attempting de-risking from China and launched a number of investigations into Chinese firms, with recent inquiries into Chinese medical device manufacturers and TikTok. Hungary, meanwhile, has seen enormous benefits from its own relationship with China. Its vision for the future of the EU is one in which the EU, too, leverages pragmatic connectivity in order to build a stronger Europe with a key role in the world. Europe cannot restrict its way to strength. It is urgent that the EU takes on a more articulate role in the emerging multipolar world order and leverage its unique position in the world, rather than advancing the formation of blocs and ideological alignments.
You have recently visited several countries in the Middle East, Central Asia and East Asia. How do they see the role of the European Union in world politics, and Hungary in it? What have they been most interested in?
There are many specificities in how Europe is perceived, so let’s stick to some broad trends that are visible and obvious from outside the intellectual bubble of the West. More and more, countries outside the West are evaluating each aspect of their foreign policy and international relations afresh—the old routines are no longer very useful. So any sign of distinctness on the international stage is compelling and interesting. Such is the case of Hungary. Why did the Chinese president select Budapest as only his EU destination alongside Paris? Why has Hungary been able to maintain a distinctive position on migration as well as the war in Ukraine? In general, there is a lot of interest in the Hungarian connectivity strategy—since many countries follow a similar approach—as well as in the upcoming Hungarian EU presidency and Hungary’s vision for Europe. Europe’s international role is important, but as its economic role declines, its ability to set its own strategic direction declines, as well. Europe clearly needs a fundamental change of its strategy. Hungary, meanwhile, is recognized as a bridge between East and West, and this role is appreciated by many countries in the Middle East, Central Asia and East Asia. Throughout the globe, our partners see that we are trying to build a stronger, more prosperous Europe, in part through the country’s connectivity strategy that focuses on fostering relations with as many countries as possible.
What is needed for Europe to be a strong, independent pole in the new multipolar world order?
The first thing that is necessary is for Europe to realize this situation and that a strategy is necessary! Above all, what is lacking in Europe is a strategic plan. Decisions are made and implemented in a reactive way, with ideological or perceived moral reasons substituted for realist thinking. Reams upon reams of plans are produced, yes, but not according to a strategic logic. Accordingly, European foreign policy has become outsourced to its security provider, while it has undertaken an economic policy that is not rational for a highly open, interlinked part of the globe. In order to become a strong, independent pole in the new world order, Europe will need expand its economic openness and deepen its diplomatic partnerships, strengthen its defense and industrial capabilities, bring new energy into the Union through enlargement, and actively articulate the interests of Europeans on the global stage. None of this will be possible without a leadership class that recognizes the value of nations, traditional values, patriotism—in other words, that is willing to build on the true building blocks of Europe, its nations.
