The meeting between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban lasted about an hour and a half. During the face-to-face encounter, the leaders emphasized their shared priorities, including the demographic challenge. Meloni highlighted the need to address declining birth rates across Europe as a precondition for building a strong and prosperous Europe, while Orban agreed with this stance.
The two leaders also discussed migration management, with a focus on defending external borders, fighting illegal immigration, and enhancing cooperation with countries of origin and transit. They acknowledged differing positions on the conflict in Ukraine but reiterated their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. They also touched on reconstruction efforts in Ukraine and the upcoming Ukraine Recovery Conference in 2025.
Meloni emphasized the excellent bilateral relations between Italy and Hungary, highlighting economic cooperation and strategic partnership between the two countries. She also discussed Italy’s support for Hungary’s multinational NATO battalion and cooperation in the Balkans region. The meeting showcased areas of agreement and cooperation on key issues such as demography, competitiveness, migration, and regional stability. Their discussions highlighted their shared commitment to addressing challenges facing Europe and beyond.
In conclusion, the meeting between Prime Minister Meloni and Prime Minister Orban was successful in establishing common ground on several critical issues that affect both Italy and Hungary. Their talks demonstrated that despite differences in some areas, they share a mutual desire to build a stronger European Union that prioritizes economic growth, security, and stability.
