Hungary’s ambassador calls for EU membership for “countries that waited 15 years”

The Diplomat “The future of Europe economically, politically and geopolitically depends to a large extent on the entry of countries that, in many cases, have been waiting for more than 15 years,” Hungary's ambassador, Katalin Tóth, said during a reception she hosted to commemorate the Hungarian Revolution. At a time when Hungary holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union, Toth paid tribute to “the heroes and victims of the Hungarian Revolution of October 23, 1956, who stood up for freedom and democracy” and stressed that “the Hungarian nation has demonstrated countless times throughout history that it is necessary to fight for freedom, whatever the circumstances”. The ambassador added that “today, the world continues to face numerous acts of aggression and tragedies that endanger the lives of innocent people” and, after referring to the “cruelty and inhumanity of war”, she called for reflection “on the importance of defending peace and freedom”. In his review of the central themes of the Hungarian presidency of the European Union, Tóth identified as a “priority” accelerating European integration and enlargement, but also added “the reform of migration policies, the protection of Europe's security and borders, as well as the strengthening of economic and energy cooperation”, in addition to the digital transition, innovation and the development of agricultural policies. “Europe” - he concluded his review of EU policies - “needs a new impetus, both economic and security”. And he dropped the gauntlet of collaboration with Spain by pointing out that “during our presidency, the work is not only carried out in Brussels and Budapest: in Madrid we also seek to have a political, economic and cultural presence”. In this sense, he expressed his gratitude “to the members of the Spanish Government, to the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Interior and Agriculture, for their active participation in the political consultations organized by our Embassy, as well as their words of recognition of the achievements of the Hungarian Presidency and their full openness to sincere, clear and taboo-free dialogue”. Lastly, he made special mention “of our outstanding events this year, which have deepened not only our diplomatic relations, but also our cultural relations”. Among them he mentioned the Hungarian Gastronomy Day, the Concert of the Virtuosi, the exhibition opened in Madrid on the Special Olympics and the numerous debates organized during these last months on the work of the Hungarian presidency, which, he said, “is working to find adequate answers to common challenges that can contribute to making Europe once again a place that enjoys competitiveness, economic prosperity, peace and security”. The evening was enlivened by the singer Yvette Mondoc, who also performed the Hungarian national anthem and the anthem of Europe, and the guitarist Sándor Mechter. [caption id="attachment_98712" align="alignnone" width="750"] From left: the ambassadors of Andorra, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_98714" align="alignnone" width="750"] Ambassador Katalin Tóth receives her Serbian counterpart, Irena Šarac.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_98716" align="alignnone" width="750"] The Slovak ambassador, Juraj Tomaga, upon arrival at the reception.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_98718" align="alignnone" width="750"] Maurizio Gelli, Ambassador of Nicaragua, along with his wife, is received by the Hungarian ambassador.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_98720" align="alignnone" width="750"] The ambassadors of Croatia, Nives Malenica (left), together with their counterpart from Andorra, Eva Descarrega.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_98722" align="alignnone" width="750"] Chinese ambassador, Yao Jing, with host Katalin Tóth.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_98724" align="alignnone" width="750"] Singer Yvett Mondok and guitarist Sándor Mester performed national hymns from Hungary, Spain and the European Union.[/caption]

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