Defence Ministry official: ‘Strong, sovereign countries make NATO stronger’

The world has changed, and “we must be aware that we are living dangerous times” when security and defence must be a priority and greater efforts must be made to ensure stability and peace,” Zsolt Kutnyanszky, state secretary for defence policy, force generation and the defence industry, said, noting that NATO is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, while Hungary is marking 25 years in the alliance.

In today’s rapidly changing security environment there is greater need for NATO than ever before and for new solutions to maintain credible deterrence and defence, he said.

“As a committed member of the alliance, Hungary takes the challenges posed by the changes to the defence industry seriously,” Kutnyanszky said, noting the comprehensive modernisation of the country’s defence forces involving the procurement of NATO-compatible equipment. He also noted Hungary’s participation in joint NATO operations and spending as required at least 2 percent of its GPD on defence.

“In such turbulent times, we must work together as allies; NATO will remain the cornerstone of the security of Hungary,” he said.

In his address, Gladden Pappin, president of the Hungarian Institute of International Affairs (HIIA), said NATO was stronger than ever before, noting that its membership has grown from 12 to 32 states. He said that several important questions must be answered regarding its future that concern the Russia-Ukraine war, tensions between the United States and China, the conflict in the Middle East and the Sahel region, and the issues of rising international terrorism and hybrid warfare. NATO must strengthen its capabilities and its strategic autonomy while striving for peace, Pappin said.

Speaking online, Benedetta Berti, Head of Policy Planning Unit, Office of the Secretary General, NATO, said the alliance had to adapt to a changing environment which required strengthening and rebuilding its deterrence and defence capabilities. To achieve this goal, the ratio of national defence spending has to be increased, she said, noting that in most member states that ratio already has reached 2 percent of GDP.