Speech by Ms. Klára Breuer, State Secretary for Bilateral Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Hungary at the Opening of the 22. Salzburg Europe Summit on 28. September 2026 at the Salzburg Congress.

"Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,

It is a great pleasure and an honour to be here with you today at the Salzburg Europe Summit. I would like to thank the organisers for once again bringing together important personalities of government, business, science and art around a vital topic: Is Europe still a global player?

While in Salzburg, we Central Europeans can feel the sense of our shared heritage, at the same time this event always reminds us of such important principles as regionalism or subsidiarity that are also critical for our topic in these pressing times of Europe.

So, what does Europe need to remain a strong global player? I believe the answer starts with something quite simple: the cooperation of strong European countries. It has to be built on the strength, resilience and cooperation of the member states themselves. Hungary, too wants to be an active and constructive player in the European discussions and actions contributing to a Europe that is a global player. This is what we mean when we say: Hungary is back! No doubt, Europe has to manage challenges in the areas of security, economy, energy, climate, migration and social stability – all at the same time. It goes without saying that no country can solve such major problems alone.

Cooperation between countries and European democracies depends on trust. Trust between countries and trust within the countries themselves. People want to know that politics can actually solve problems in their everyday lives. They want functioning public services, security, economic opportunities and transparency, central challenges of the coming decade. We need to rebuild trust through performance, transparency, accountability and better public services.

Distinguished colleagues,

As economic competitiveness is concerned, we cannot afford to leg behind the US and China in productivity and in frontier technologies like AI, semiconductors and cloud as was stated in the Draghi report (2024), too. Moreover, if Europe wants to remain competitive, we need more innovation and less unnecessary regulatory burdens, an area where sober action is needed. The One Europe, One Market roadmap can play an important role here, but its success will depend on cooperation between member states. We all want to create growth, investment and jobs. In doing so, we have to be careful not to regulate our way out of competitiveness! Where member states can act effectively, they should do so, and the EU should play a much stronger role in areas where only a European approach can yield real results.

This competitive environment can only function with securing a stable and affordable energy sector. Our foremost priority is to establish and enhance the necessary infrastructure at national, regional, EU levels. The Hungarian Government remains committed to substantial investment in reinforcing the electricity grid, expanding renewable energy capacity—including wind power—and developing significant energy storage capabilities as well as North-South infrastructural connections. When we secure these energy foundations, we unlock the full potential of our industries.

In the age of artificial intelligence and data economy, the Old Continent can stay in the global game if we take seriously, that we have something just as precious as raw materials – traditionally high level of education, talent nurturing that leads to innovation, scientific achievements. But even in this field we cannot sit idle, we need to be able to keep our best talents in Europe.

The security of our continent is still inconceivable without the United States. A strengthened European pillar of NATO will ultimately result in an Alliance based on a much more resilient and equitable burden-sharing. And we need to do it for our own interest. Europe is doing its utmost to boost its security and military weight, but I hope our best weapon is still diplomacy. Europe must engage more in the art of diplomacy and open communication channels with friends and foes, as well.

Ladies and gentlemen,

I am convinced, that Europe cannot have a strong future globally without a strong Central Europe at its heart. A prosperous, secure and resilient Central Europe is in the interest of the whole European Union. Central European cooperation has effectively demonstrated its capability to find joint solutions. The Visegrád-4, the C5 format, the Three Seas Initiative and the Friends of the Western Balkans group all demonstrate the region's capacity for effective dialogue and joint action. Central Europe is no longer a mere production base, it is a central part of European supply chains, in Hungary with the automotive industry playing a particularly important role. The regional dimension in the larger framework plays an important part.

This brings me to enlargement. For Hungary, EU enlargement has been one of the most successful policies of the European Union, because it is about extending stability, security, prosperity and European standards. And it is also a geopolitical instrument. A credible enlargement policy gives the EU influence in its immediate neighbourhood. Of course, membership has to be based on merit, the same standards should apply to every candidate and aspiring country. The accession process was an important period for all of us.

Every country must go through this process because, in doing so, it implements reforms that also benefit the country seeking to join. We must point out where further steps are needed, but we must also acknowledge the tangible results achieved. This backs trust and engagement. Yesterday, Montenegro was mentioned already as a frontrunner, and we must see the efforts and development of North Macedonia and Moldova, too.

The Western Balkans are particularly important in this regard. Its stability and security are directly linked to the security of the European Union, not just of the neighbouring countries as Hungary or Austria. The Western Balkans is also an area where different geopolitical and economic interests are competing for influence. Europe, therefore, needs to remain present, engaged and credible. The objective should be full EU membership of the Western Balkan countries.

With regard to Ukraine, you could see that lately Hungary is in a constant constructive dialogue with Kyiv; we are pleased about the agreement on the rights of the Hungarian minority, which has positive effect in the bilateral and the EU context. At the same time the just and lasting peace must be constantly on our hearts and minds and we need to act for that.

Distinguished guests,

Is Europe still a global player? I believe Europe has all the factors to remain one and we should not lose ground. But this will not happen automatically. Europe cannot develop without economic, technological and human resources. Europe can only be a major geopolitical player if it possesses the necessary economic, technological, and defence capabilities. It is important that we act quickly and consciously, because the world will not wait for the EU.

At the end of the day, the different factors are linked: defence spending needs a strong economy, a strong economy needs affordable energy, innovation - and none of it happens without political unity.

One of the foundations of the European Union’s rise was an open, rules-based international economic system. It is therefore in Europe’s vital interest to preserve this system with our values. I also am convinced that this is what our populations expect from us. 

Thank you."