Een groter en sterker Europa is de sleutel, aldus Hongaarse premier Orbán (en)

“While the realisation raises questions, more and stronger Europe would be the answer to the problems of the old continent,” Viktor Orbán i said yesterday, in Brussels. The Hungarian Prime Minister delivered a speech at the Galerie du Roi, at the European Evening organised by the widest political group in the European Parliament, the European People’s Party (EPP).

Mr Orbán said that we already know the answer to the problems of the old continent: "it is more Europe. The realisation of this, however, raises many questions." He drew attention on the changing geopolitical situation: "power is shifting from the West to the East. China and Russia are increasingly becoming important players at the world stage, and Europe has to tackle these altered circumstances, and better defend European interest. Another challenge is to create a common energy policy."

"A further issue is raised in the Eurozone i", the Prime Minister highlighted. The defense of the euro is a sacred objective of the European Union. The current crisis showed to the EU, that it is not possible to have a common currency without common fiscal policies, and the steps already taken by going in this direction.

Nevertheless, the Mr Orbán stressed, that the process shall be carried out in the respect of the funding treaties. Excellent ideas are welcome, but it can be a good solution to stick to the original idea, as we have to be aware, that the "enemy of the good is the better". Lastly, another task is to deal with the elevated public debt through orthodox and unorthodox economic policies, which is at critical levels in many countries.

The current challenge of the Hungarian Presidency also consists of finding ways to reinforce European institutions, and common policies; and also to create an economic governance for all the 27 member States. So, we believe the answer is Strong Europe, the Prime Minister said.