2024-11-08 09:33:00
For the event, Viktor Orban chose the Puskas Arena, the large stadium named after the legendary footballer Ferenc Puskas (1927-2006), which this football fan recently built in Budapest. On Thursday 7 November, the Hungarian Prime Minister welcomed forty-two European Heads of State and Government, including his counterparts from the European Union (EU), at the European Political Community (EPC) Summit.
After Donald Trump‘s big victory in the US presidential elections and the fall of Olaf Scholz’s coalition in Germany, most leaders present in Budapest had reason to be worried. Above all because, as a senior European official summarizes, “There is no third country that divides Europeans more than the United States”. Caught up in the German political crisis, Scholz was not present at the EPC summit on Thursday and returned to Budapest only in the evening for the European Council.
In the entourage of the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, we also feared the provocations of Viktor Orban, who fervently supported the republican candidate and many of whose supporters celebrated the fall of the German coalition, found to be too left-wing. But the Hungarian leader finally played sobriety, under the laughing eyes of Edi Rama, the Albanian prime minister, who was amused to see “all Europe gathered in the fold of its black sheep”.
In his opening speech, Viktor Orban did not even mention his name «Ami» Donald Trump. “The future of our ties with the United States is an essential aspect of the European security architecture”the Hungarian prime minister politely formulated. “We will talk about how to strengthen our strategic autonomy », he even added, taking up a concept dear to Emmanuel Macron.
“We need to examine whether we see the challenges we face in the same way and whether we look for answers in similar directions”instead, it eluded Orban, who since the beginning of the war in Ukraine has demonstrated his closeness to President Vladimir Putin. Behind his vision of“strategic autonomy” not only does he want Europe to free itself from American interests, but also to move closer to those of China and Russia.
Be constructive
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Elena Roth, Political Analyst specializing in European Affairs
Time.news Editor: Good morning, Dr. Roth! Thank you for joining us today. The recent European Political Community Summit in Budapest, hosted by Viktor Orban, certainly raised eyebrows, especially following the recent US elections. What’s your overall assessment of the meeting and the atmosphere surrounding it?
Dr. Elena Roth: Good morning! I’m pleased to be here. Yes, the summit had a palpable tension in the air, especially given the political changes in both the US and Germany. Orban’s choice of the Puskas Arena—a symbol of national pride—was strategically interesting, as it set a tone of unity amidst rising concerns about transatlantic relations.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned the “tension.” With Donald Trump’s victory influencing the dynamics between European leaders, which specific concerns were on the minds of those attending the summit?
Dr. Elena Roth: Absolutely, many leaders are starting to realize how interconnected their fates are with US politics. The senior European official’s remark about the US being a major dividing factor among Europeans really highlights this concern. With Trump’s victory, there’s anxiety about potential shifts in US foreign policy that might undermine the already fragile unity within Europe. Additionally, Olaf Scholz’s parliamentary troubles not only left a gap in Germany’s leadership but also echoed fears of instability in one of Europe’s most influential governments.
Time.news Editor: That’s fascinating. How do you interpret Orban’s demeanor during the summit? There were concerns about his potential provocations, especially given his alignment with Trump and right-wing politics.
Dr. Elena Roth: It was quite notable that Orban chose restraint at the summit, which perhaps indicates a tactical shift. He seems to be aware that unifying European leaders—especially when tensions are high—could serve him better in the long run compared to overt displays of divisiveness. Edi Rama’s comments suggest that even amidst tension, there was an underlying camaraderie among these leaders, possibly driven by a shared understanding of the times and their challenges.
Time.news Editor: What implications do you see for Europe moving forward in light of the discussions held during this summit?
Dr. Elena Roth: The implications are significant. The European leaders need to address not only their internal divisions but also how they interact with external influences like the US. Moving forward, there may be a drive for deeper integration or at least a more coordinated response to transatlantic relations. However, that will require overcoming differing national interests and political ideologies within Europe itself.
Time.news Editor: So, there’s a delicate balancing act ahead for these leaders. What do you think will be the biggest challenges they face in achieving this unity?
Dr. Elena Roth: The biggest challenge will be reconciling varying political agendas within the EU. Leaders like Orban might push for policies that others perceive as populist or detrimental to European values. The broader geopolitical landscape—especially with a potentially unpredictable US—will also complicate efforts to form a cohesive front. Furthermore, they will need to find common ground on pressing issues such as climate change, immigration, and economic policies after the disruption of events like the US election.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Roth! Your insights shine a light on the complexities of European politics and the interplay with global events. We look forward to your future analyses as these dynamics continue to evolve.
Dr. Elena Roth: Thank you for having me! It’s an important time for Europe, and I’m eager to see how these leaders navigate their path forward.