European Minister Rejects Conscription Amidst Opposition
Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó of Hungary recently attended the last meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels before the European Parliament elections. The meeting took a contentious turn when discussions about releasing 6.5 billion euros to Ukraine sparked a heated debate.
Szijjártó expressed concerns about the escalating risk of the conflict in Ukraine and called for a reevaluation of the European Union’s strategy towards the war. Despite facing criticism from German, Lithuanian, Irish, Polish, and other colleagues, the Hungarian Foreign Minister stood firm on his position.
The meeting also addressed the issue of conscription in Ukraine, with Szijjártó strongly opposing the idea of sending young Europeans, including Hungarians, to war. He emphasized that Hungarian youth should not be involved in a conflict that is not theirs.
Another point of contention was the 14th sanctions package, which Szijjártó believed would adversely affect Hungary’s economic interests, energy security, agriculture, and food industry. He made it clear that Hungary would not support the sanctions package in its current form.
The Foreign Minister also highlighted the decision-making process in Brussels, clarifying that consensus among all member states is necessary for decisions to be made. He debunked the notion that Hungary is a blocker in decision-making processes.
Overall, Szijjártó’s participation in the Foreign Affairs Council meeting showcased Hungary’s commitment to protecting its interests and standing firm on key issues within the EU.
