Prime Minister Magyar, Minister Kármán,
Thank you very much for your warm welcome and hospitality.
I am very pleased to be here today. Your government took office only a few weeks ago. Since then, we have seen clear words and concrete actions that underline Hungary’s commitment to Europe. My visit today is dedicated precisely to this cooperation, for the benefit of the Hungarian people and Europe as a whole.
As a Greek, I am particularly pleased to recall that in 2003, in Athens, at the foot of the Acropolis, Hungary’s Treaty of Accession to the European Union was signed. That moment symbolised the unwavering conviction that Europe’s strength lies in its unity, its diversity, and its shared future.
Later today, I will have the opportunity to visit the Hungarian Parliament, one of the most impressive parliamentary buildings in Europe. It is not only an architectural masterpiece, but also a powerful symbol of Hungary’s national identity and its place in European history.
Today, we had a substantive and productive discussion on the European and global economy, as well as on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. We discussed the need to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness, energy security, the deeper integration of financial markets, and the mobilisation of the investments required for Europe’s long-term prosperity.
Hungary is changing its historical trajectory. It is moving from the margins of European developments toward the core of European decision-making. And this shift concerns not only Hungary, but also the new era of Europe itself.
Major momentous decisions acquire their true meaning when they translate into greater security, more opportunities, and stronger confidence for citizens. That is the real added value of Europe.
I also welcome Hungary’s ambition to deepen its economic and monetary integration into Europe, as well as its commitment to fulfilling the conditions for its future accession to the Eurozone.
The path toward the euro is demanding, but deeply transformative. It is a journey. It requires meeting economic criteria and presupposes the building of institutional credibility and trust. Membership in the Eurozone places a country in a space of greater stability, strength, and strategic security.
The recent accession of Bulgaria, and earlier of Croatia, demonstrates the enduring attractiveness of the common currency. As the world’s second most important currency after the dollar, the euro maintains a strong international footprint.
The euro is much more than a currency. It represents a community of stability, trust, responsibility, and shared prosperity. It reflects a common commitment to economic resilience and the belief that European states are stronger when they act together.
When countries seek to join the Eurozone, one fundamental truth becomes clear: in an unstable world, stability becomes a strategic advantage, and credibility is transformed into strength.
Joining the euro follows a rules-based process and is linked to convergence criteria. I encourage the Hungarian authorities to continue prudent policies and institutional reforms so as to meet the criteria and prosper within the Eurozone. The Eurogroup stands ready to accompany Hungary, as well as any candidate member state, on the path toward the euro.
As highlighted today, the unfreezing of Recovery and Resilience Facility funds is a political priority for the Hungarian government. Thanks to the government’s intensive work, the national recovery and resilience plan was submitted last week and is already on the agenda of the July 10 Council for approval.
This development is evidence of the new Hungarian government’s commitment to advancing the reforms identified as key milestones, particularly those aimed at strengthening the rule of law.
Our economies prosper in a stable political and institutional environment. Reforms such as those required under the RRF framework are a necessary condition for a country to become an attractive investment destination and for citizens to feel confidence in the economy.
The European Union recognises and encourages credible reform efforts wherever they take place. We particularly welcome the measures advanced by the Hungarian government to strengthen the anti-corruption framework, improve transparency in the management of public resources and public procurement, and enhance the participation of social partners and stakeholders in the legislative process.
In this context, I support Hungary’s efforts to fulfil the agreed milestones so that the full disbursement of Recovery and Resilience Facility funds can take place once all agreed conditions are met.
At a time of profound geopolitical and economic transformation, Europe must remain ambitious about its future. In the Eurogroup, economic policy is an instrument of collective strength. It is the means through which the Eurozone turns cooperation into stability, trust into growth, and shared will into shared prosperity.
Europe must shape this new era while preserving its sovereignty, defending its interests, protecting its citizens, and shaping its own future. This requires greater strategic cohesion, deeper integration, and stronger collective action.
This is the spirit I look forward to seeing strengthened in my future cooperation with my Hungarian counterparts.
Thank you very much.