Politics
Hungary’s Role in Europe’s Future: Von der Leyen on Crisis, War, and Economic Growth
On a day that marked significant reflection and determination, Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, addressed the European Parliament, focusing on key issues impacting Hungary, Ukraine, and the wider European Union. With a tone of solidarity and unity, she emphasized the importance of collective action in tackling the pressing challenges of our time: from climate change and migration to competitiveness and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The Aftermath of Extreme Weather in Central Europe
The speech opened with von der Leyen expressing solidarity with Hungary and Central Europe after devastating floods, which delayed the meeting by three weeks. She described the extreme weather as a consequence of climate change, highlighting that “five months’ worth of rain fell on Central Europe in just four days.” The magnitude of the floods was unprecedented, causing destruction to landmarks, crops, and industries across the region, particularly in Budapest.
However, amidst this devastation, von der Leyen applauded the resilience of the Hungarian people: “In these three weeks, we have seen the people of Hungary rolling up their sleeves and helping one another.” She emphasized that Europe would stand by Hungary, stating, “The European Union is there for the people of Hungary in this emergency and beyond.” The European Commission had already mobilized its Copernicus satellites to aid in the rescue efforts, and Hungary was encouraged to access the EU’s Solidarity Fund to rebuild.
Supporting Ukraine Through Its Hardest Winter
Von der Leyen shifted the focus to Ukraine, a country heading into its third winter of war with Russia. The situation has worsened as Russia continues its assaults, launching over 1,300 drones on Ukrainian cities in the past month alone, targeting essential energy infrastructure and causing widespread destruction. In a powerful rebuke to those who downplay Russia’s aggression, von der Leyen asked, “Would they ever blame the Hungarians for the Soviet invasion in 1956? Would they ever blame the Czechs or Slovaks for the Soviet repression of 1968?” She emphasized that the Ukrainian people are freedom fighters, much like the heroes who liberated Central and Eastern Europe from Soviet rule.
Europe’s response to the war is unwavering. Von der Leyen announced that the EU, alongside the G7, had pledged €50 billion to Ukraine, of which €35 billion would come in the form of loans to support the country’s national budget. Critically, these loans would be repaid using the windfall profits from immobilized Russian assets. “We are making Russia pay for the damage it caused,” she asserted, emphasizing Europe’s continued support for Ukraine “through this winter and for as long as it takes.”
Enhancing European Competitiveness
The next priority in von der Leyen’s speech centered on improving European competitiveness. She referred to the Draghi report, which provided a roadmap for strengthening the EU’s economic future. The primary concern raised was the “innovation gap” between Europe and other major economies, particularly in the digital space. “Too many of our innovative companies have to look at the United States or Asia to finance their expansion,” she noted, pointing out that while European households have €300 billion in savings, much of it is invested outside the continent.
Von der Leyen proposed a solution: the creation of a savings and investment union, aimed at eliminating barriers that prevent companies from scaling up across European borders. To boost competitiveness, she suggested a reduction in regulatory burdens, especially in sectors like finance and digital technologies.
However, the president took a firm stance against Hungary’s current policies, criticizing the Hungarian government for its discriminatory practices towards European businesses. She questioned how Hungary could hope to attract investments when it imposes arbitrary export restrictions, discriminatory taxes, and allows corruption to flourish in public contracts. “This creates uncertainty and undermines investors’ trust,” she warned, pointing out that Hungary’s GDP per capita had fallen behind its Central European neighbors.
Decarbonization and Energy Security
Von der Leyen also tackled the issue of decarbonization, a critical part of Europe’s path towards sustainability. In light of the ongoing war, she reminded the parliament of the pledge made by all 27 EU leaders at Versailles to diversify away from Russian fossil fuels. “One thousand days later, Europe has indeed diversified,” she declared, with half of Europe’s electricity generation now coming from renewable energy sources. However, she condemned Member States that still relied on Russian fossil fuels, stating unequivocally that “Russia has proven time and again it is simply not a reliable supplier.”
Her message was clear: energy security is synonymous with European security. Europe must continue its transition to clean, homegrown energy, creating jobs within the EU rather than sending money to Russia.
Migration: A Challenge for Europe
Migration remained a key topic in von der Leyen’s speech. Acknowledging it as a “European challenge that requires a European answer,” she emphasized the importance of implementing the newly adopted Pact on Migration and Asylum. The EU is already working with Member States at its external borders, but von der Leyen expressed concern over Hungary’s approach to the migration issue. She pointed out that Hungarian authorities had released convicted smugglers and traffickers from prison before they had completed their sentences, undermining European efforts to combat illegal migration. “This is not fighting illegal migration in Europe. This is not protecting our Union,” she criticized.
Additionally, von der Leyen highlighted the security risks posed by Hungary’s visa scheme, which allowed Russian nationals to enter the EU without proper security checks. She also questioned the Hungarian government’s decision to allow Chinese police to operate within its borders, describing these actions as threats to European sovereignty.
A Call for European Unity
Von der Leyen concluded her speech with a powerful call for European unity, recalling Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s words from 2011 when Hungary first held the Presidency of the Council of the EU: “We will follow in the footsteps of the revolutionaries of 1956. We intend to serve the cause of European unity.” Reaffirming that “Europe must stand united,” she addressed the Hungarian people directly, saying, “Your story is our story. Your future is our future. 10 million Hungarians are 10 million good reasons to keep shaping our future together.”
In this critical moment for Europe, von der Leyen’s speech served as both a warning and a reminder of the values that bind the European Union together—solidarity, unity, and a shared commitment to freedom and democracy.
Politics
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Politics
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew congratulated Donald Trump
On November 7, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew sent a congratulatory letter to the newly elected US President Donald Trump, wishing him health, strength and success in his upcoming second presidential term.
“Recognizing the enormous responsibilities of such a leadership position, we pray that your decisions will be guided by wisdom and compassion, as well as by the strength necessary to maintain harmony and security in your great and God-protected nation,” noted Patr. Bartholomew:
“The Ecumenical Patriarchate, with its ancient history and its fundamental commitment to dialogue and reconciliation, remains a constant supporter of all efforts to promote peace and understanding between people of different cultures and beliefs. We hope that under your leadership the United States will continue to support the cause of religious freedom and human dignity – values that resonate deeply in the Orthodox Christian tradition and all faith communities,” the congratulatory letter said.
Politics
The US excludes the last major Russian state bank from SWIFT
The last of Russia’s major state-owned banks, which retains access to the SWIFT system for international payments in the world’s major currencies, will become subject to new US sanctions.
The White House is considering blacklisting Gazprombank, the Russian Federation’s third-largest bank by assets, which is a “hub” for gas payments with Europe. As the Nikkei reported, citing officials familiar with the matter, GPB could be subject to blocking sanctions: it would be barred from any transactions with US banks. A decision on sanctions will be made by the end of November – the United States has notified its G7 partners about this, sources told the publication, including high-ranking European officials.
Directly owned by Gazprom with a third and another 40% by its pension fund, Gazprombank is not yet subject to strict Western restrictions: in the United States it is only prohibited from raising capital on the debt market, although its top managers and a subsidiary are subject to blocking sanctions IT company. In the European Union, GPB also avoids blacklists, and only Britain has introduced blockers against the bank.
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