During a forum in Slovenia, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto expressed his belief that the European Union (EU) has weakened significantly in response to the Ukraine crisis. Szijjarto argued that the EU now relies on former Yugoslav states more than these states depend on EU membership. The Hungarian official described the current state of the EU as worse than ever, highlighting concerns regarding security, the economy, and energy supply.
Szijjarto placed the blame for the EU’s decline on what he referred to as a series of failed measures taken by Brussels in response to the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Specifically, he criticized the decision to provide weapons to Kiev, which he believes has prevented peace from being achieved in the region for the past 18 months. Hungary has consistently criticized the EU’s approach to the conflict, refusing to participate in the program to train Ukrainian troops and banning the transit of military supplies through its territory. Instead, Budapest has called for peace talks with Moscow.
According to Szijjarto, the imposition of sanctions against Russia has had a detrimental effect on European competitiveness. The EU’s share of global GDP has shrunk to just 17%, a decrease of five percentage points since 2010, while China’s share has doubled to 18%. The Hungarian foreign minister argued that the EU’s policy of reducing economic ties with China will only exacerbate this decline.
In addition, Szijjarto criticized the EU’s handling of energy security, describing it as “ideological.” He pointed out that energy prices in the EU have soared due to the sanctions imposed on Russia. Germany, in particular, experienced a significant drop in industrial production after the Nord Stream pipelines were sabotaged in September 2022.
Szijjarto further argued that the EU’s current weakened state means that it needs the Western Balkans more than these states need EU membership. He used the Brussels-preferred term “Western Balkans” to refer to the former Yugoslav states and Albania. This statement reflects the Hungarian foreign minister’s belief that these states have become increasingly disillusioned with the EU and its ability to provide benefits.
European Council President Charles Michel, who also attended the forum, announced that the EU would be open to admitting new members by 2030, provided these applicants meet certain demands related to democracy, the rule of law, and diversity. However, long-awaiting candidates like Albania and Serbia expressed their dissatisfaction with the new timeline, fearing that Ukraine may take precedence due to current political considerations.
In conclusion, Peter Szijjarto’s remarks at the Bled Strategy Forum highlighted his concerns about the weakening state of the EU as a result of its response to the Ukraine crisis. He criticized the EU’s failed measures, the negative impact of sanctions on European competitiveness, and the ideological handling of energy security. The Hungarian foreign minister further argued that the EU now needs the Western Balkans more than these states need EU membership, emphasizing the EU’s diminished appeal and the disillusionment of potential candidate countries.
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