Regarding the war in Ukraine, the minister emphasized: Hungary’s position is clear, an immediate ceasefire and peace are needed. He added: now, when the danger of escalation is increasing, it is particularly important that Hungary represents this approach in all forums. Regarding the CEDC, Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky emphasized: the countries participating in the CEDC share a common history, common roots, and common geographical location, so it is important that they have the most open and honest dialogue with each other about the key issues of the region. He added: Hungary is interested in the continuation of the dialogue and in the region retaining its defining role, which it has always played throughout history. Even now, the voice and opinion of Central Europe is needed, he noted. The CEDC, established in 2010, aims to contribute to the strengthening of regional security. The cooperation was initiated by Austria, Austria, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia and Slovenia participate in the CEDC. This year, the rotating presidency is held by Hungary.
Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky said: the defense ministers of 11 countries were invited to the meeting in Budapest, in addition to the six founders, the defense ministers of the Western Balkan countries will also join the meeting. According to the minister, the Western Balkan countries are characterized by fragile security, so it is important to support the European integration efforts of these countries. He reminded us: Hungary has been a member of the European Union for 20 years and of NATO for 25 years, so we know how important membership is, that these international organizations contribute to the country’s security and prosperity. We want to promote this stability and security in the case of the Western Balkan countries as well – he said.
The minister recalled that military missions are also present in the Western Balkan countries, such as NATO’s KFOR mission in Kosovo and the EU’s ALTHEA mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina, whose command was taken over by Major General László Sticz from January. The minister also talked about the ongoing preparations for the military training academy for the Western Balkan countries, initiated by Austria, and the development of drones with ABV (atomic, biological, chemical) sensors.
