Orbán: EU should not copy US Democrats’ foreign policy

Orbán said on his way to the 4th European Political Community Summit (EPC) held in Blenheim Palace near Oxford that a new European approach was needed, with strategic autonomy in mind.

In response to a question concerning Hungary’s “peace mission”, Orbán said “we are progressing well, it is not easy when there is headwind, but for the time being we have made all the planned steps”.

He said he had made some proposals in the interest of the European approach. “I am progressing slowly, but they are thinking about it. I hope I can advance further with the next steps,” he added.

Commenting on his recent talks aiming to achieve peace in Ukraine, he said he had represented his own position. Commenting on Donald Trump, Orbán said “he is a man of peace and what we need is peace”.

Regarding the situation in Georgia, Orbán said the country “is doing extremely well, and the government is trying to maintain independence and sovereignty amid extremely difficult circumstances”.

Orbán said many European leaders did not understand how difficult it was for a country like Georgia to protect its sovereignty in all directions.

Asked what his message was for Ukraine, Orbán said “I am with you”. Peace is a long way ahead “because there are many pro-war countries who think they can annihilate Russians with military force”. Orbán said he disagreed: “I know Russians, Ukrainians and the context,” he said, adding that the conflict had no solution on the battlefield.

The EPC summit, which has issued invitations for 47 heads of state and government, is expected to focus on support for Ukraine and joint challenges such as energy, security and democracy, and migration.