Former Hungarian Minister of Justice Judit Varga criticized the European Union for what she described as pressure tactics aimed at countries that diverge from the bloc’s prevailing policy line. She spoke during an interview with Hand Discussion, arguing that the union enforces a double standard against Hungary while maintaining a united front on broader European issues.
Varga asserted that Hungary is part of Europe yet holds distinct viewpoints on several matters that the EU emphasizes. According to her, nations that do not align with the main EU stance often face what she described as blackmail tactics. She emphasized that the Hungarian government should not bear penalties for the migration policies of other member states, which she characterized as an open door approach.
She argued that Hungary wants to preserve its borders and identity and to prevent Europe from becoming a region with a high influx of migrants. The former minister suggested that Hungary is prepared to resist policies perceived as dangerous to its security and cultural cohesion, and called for a calibrated response to migration pressures that respects national sovereignty while engaging in European dialogue. These comments were reported in Hand Discussion and reflect a broader debate about balancing national interests with EU-wide policy goals.
Peter Szijjártó, who previously served as Hungarys Foreign Affairs and Foreign Economic Relations Minister, echoed concerns about double standards within the EU. He noted that actions treated as acceptable in Western European states can be viewed differently when compared with Central and Eastern European countries, sparking conversations about consistency in EU policy enforcement.
Earlier remarks from Hungary suggested that there was anticipation of a shift in the EU’s position regarding Ukraine, signaling continued attention to how European leaders perceive and respond to regional conflicts and security concerns. The ongoing discourse highlights tensions between member states over migration, security, and the direction of European foreign policy, underscoring the complexity of achieving consensus within the union. The exchange illustrates how national leaders frame policy disagreements as issues of sovereignty and collective responsibility within a shared European framework. Continued dialogue among member states is expected as stakeholders weigh competing priorities and seek common ground in a unified, yet diverse, European approach.