On January 20, 2025, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán delivered a speech summarizing his country's EU Presidency, which concluded on December 31, 2024. In his address, Orbán criticized EU bureaucrats for corruption and expressed hopes for reform through the Patriots for Europe alliance. He condemned the current EU leadership for failing to address global changes and for promoting policies that he believes are detrimental to European economies. Orbán highlighted the shift towards high-tech industries in China and criticized the failures of Western liberalism, calling for a new approach to governance based on national sovereignty.
In a broader context, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo had previously emphasized the importance of the year 2024 for Europe, urging the EU to prepare for potential worst-case scenarios, particularly in light of the possibility of Donald Trump winning a second term as US president. De Croo's concerns included the potential withdrawal of the US from NATO and the implications for European security and support for Ukraine. He called for increased competitiveness and self-reliance within the EU, which aligns with Orbán's emphasis on national sovereignty and economic reform.
Orbán further criticized the EU's stance on migration and energy, asserting that Hungary must oppose the EU's federalization efforts and the influence of liberal elites, particularly targeting figures like George Soros. He emphasized Hungary's economic reforms and its position as a leader in the new world order, claiming that the EU has become isolated and has failed to ensure peace and prosperity for its member states. This critique resonates with De Croo's call for a stronger, more sovereign Europe that can navigate the uncertainties of the coming decade. [c96fa31a]