Speeches

According to Frontex data, there were 442 000 illegal border crossings across Europe in 2023, 17% more than in 2022. Since 2016, Hungary has prevented the entry of nearly 700,000 illegal migrants along the Western Balkan route, thus contributing to the security of the host countries. My country, on the other hand, has so far only been penalised instead of receiving EU assistance. The construction of the Hungarian border fence is currently subject to an EU fine of HUF 80 billion when Germany has just reintroduced border controls, and the Poles are proposing a temporary suspension of asylum. This is an unacceptable double standard. The pro-immigration ideology has failed. The voices of millions of European voters seem to be finally being heard, and the leaders of many countries have recognised: EU migration policy needs to be tightened up. We need a radical change, instead of hypocritical support for migration, it is high time to find solutions to the security challenges facing European societies. Europe's doors cannot be open to everyone! One of the most urgent tasks is to set up checkpoints outside the EU and to protect the external borders. The EU’s partner countries must also take responsibility for the readmission of irregular migrants. Without addressing the root causes of migration, there is no solution. These include security, climate change, lack of education and job opportunities. We must see that emigration is not a real solution either to the ageing of Europe or to the social and economic challenges of the countries of the Middle East and Africa.

Dear Mr President, Syria is heading in a very dangerous direction today. At least 100 Islamic terrorists have been freed. A new wave of migration threatens to escalate as violence escalates. It is unfortunate that the government of Ahmed al-Shar has done little, or was able to do little, to protect ethnic and religious communities beyond the promises made. Between 2026 and 2027, it has already been mentioned that Syria will receive some €620 million. One of the conditions for this must be for the Damascus leadership to take active action against Islamist violence. The stability of Syria and respect for the rights of religious and ethnic communities, including Christians, are essential security interests of Europe. The escape of the terrorists from the al-Hol camp in northern Syria means nothing else: Islamic State could be revived. We have to face this. Even now, the Kurdish troops are defending Europe, albeit indirectly. It is a question of credibility to acknowledge this in a wide variety of forums. In 2015, 10 million people were forced to flee their homes because of ISIS. This has triggered an unprecedented wave of migration to Europe. Now we have to move all the tools to prevent this.

That seems to be a relevant question, but, you know, the problem is that you didn't listen to what I told you. The only question is how can we save the lives of thousands and thousands of people? Of course, it's a negotiation. It's a balance. It's compromises. And, of course, I don't say to Mr Putin, 'I can't say "No"'. But the problem is there: whether Europe is a player of the peace-making process or not. (In response to an off-mic comment from another Member) OK, a blue card is a blue card, I have to give an answer. Thanks a lot. The main issue in this question is whether we have somebody who is able to create the peace or not. This is the question. And we would like peace and not war.

Mr. President, please. I really have to say, let's not have fun. Millions have died here. We're talking about a million and a half dead here in a pretty comfortable environment. Thousands of families fell apart, cities became complete ruins. Every day we lose will cost us new lives. But you want the war to continue. I would like to point out that no one wants to relativize Russian aggression in Ukraine. But the question today is, can we finally start on the road to peace? The continuation of the war cannot be a matter of prestige. Human lives should not become hostages to political competition. Financing war endlessly is not a strategy, it is self-deception, and for many, of course, it is a great business. Today, it takes a lot of courage not only to engage in armed struggles, but also to start negotiations. Budapest, we'll see, a chance for peace. It's not about my beloved city, it's about chance. This is worth more than any party political calculation. They're not attacking Hungary, they're not attacking Donald Trump and Putin, they're politics against the people's desire for peace, who don't think it's right. Europe could be ruined in this war. Energy prices are out of control, America is moving away, and China has long since abandoned us in an area that has never been thought of before. For Europe, therefore, peace is the key to the future. The desire for peace is not synonymous with Russia or Putin. You may want to go to war, but the citizens of Europe certainly don't. We need to get out of the logic of war.