In view of the threat posed to the NATO--North Atlantic Treaty Organisation by Russia and Moscow’s war against Ukraine, close cooperation is essential. If Hungary is once again plainly on the side of a united Europe, this will bolster “the cause of freedom and peace” in Europe. This is what Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz said during the inaugural visit of Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar in Berlin on Tuesday. His great election victory was also an inspiration for the whole of Europe.

The most important points in brief:

• Restoration of the rule of law: the new government has been given a clear mandate. “Democracy and the rule of law are strong again in Hungary,” emphasised Merz. Magyar can be trusted to lead Hungary to the heart of Europe and help the country make economic progress again. Germany wants to help make this new beginning in Hungary a success.
• EU competitiveness and defence capability: strengthening competitiveness and defence capability is a common goal, said the Federal Chancellor. He welcomed Hungary’s willingness to play its part again “in ensuring that this EU--European Union makes good progress in terms of growth, employment, competitiveness and defence capability.”
• Support for Ukraine: the Federal Chancellor showed understanding for Hungary’s desire to clarify bilateral issues in its relationship with Ukraine, but at the same time appealed to the Hungarian Prime Minister to formally open the first chapter of accession negotiations with Ukraine.

Read the transcript of the press conference here (in German only):