ATHENS

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban highlighted migration, competitiveness, and demographic challenges as critical issues confronting the European Union during his address to the European Parliament on Wednesday.

He noted that “over the past two decades, economic growth in Europe has been significantly slower than in China and the United States.” Orban pointed out that EU productivity is increasing at a slower rate than its competitors, leading to a decrease in the bloc's share of global trade.

He attributed rising energy costs to the reduction of imports from Russia and the ongoing green transformation, which he linked to these challenges.

Orban further remarked that the EU is falling behind the US in research and development spending, which contributes to the economic decline of the union.

“These are very serious challenges and serious problems. However, at the beginning of the institutional cycle, I would like to make it clear that member states are waiting for very swift action from the EU institutions,” he emphasized.

He continued, “We and member states want to see a reduction in the administrative burden. We want to see less regulation, energy security, a green industrial policy, strengthening the single market. And we also want to see a broadening of trade policy. Rather than forming blocks, we need to have more interconnectivity.”

Regarding migration, Orban argued that the current migration framework within the EU fails to curb the influx of irregular migrants and needs revision, alongside efforts to enhance the external protection of EU borders.

“I think it's now time to deal with this at the highest political level, and whether we can re-establish the proper functioning with a political will to ensure the proper functioning of the Schengen area,” he stated.

Orban also advocated for “a merit-based, balanced enlargement policy” and the acceleration of accession processes for Western Balkan countries, especially Serbia.