Hungarian PM in Poland: A Tale of Two EU Returns

Malta, 2022 – Imagine standing in the bustling Republic Square of Warsaw, the Polish capital, as the sun sets, painting the historic buildings with hues of orange and red. Now, picture Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in that very spot, not as a tourist, but as a statesman marking a significant milestone in his country’s history. That’s exactly what happened last week, and it’s a story that’s worth exploring, especially for us Maltese who understand a thing or two about EU membership.

From Isolation to Integration

Hungary’s return to the EU isn’t just about geography; it’s about politics, history, and identity. In 2020, Hungary found itself isolated in the EU after refusing to endorse the EU’s recovery fund due to its link to the rule of law conditionality. Now, with Orbán’s visit to Poland, it seems Hungary is ready to reintegrate, to return to the fold, much like Malta did in 2004.

Malta’s EU journey is a relevant comparison. We too had our share of challenges, from economic reforms to political stability. But we persevered, and today, we’re proud EU members, benefiting from the bloc’s solidarity. Could Hungary learn from our experience? That’s a question that’s been buzzing around Brussels and Budapest.

Poland: A Beacon of Solidarity

Poland, with its own chequered history with the EU, has emerged as a beacon of solidarity for Hungary. Both countries share a common past, having been under communist rule until 1989. They also face similar challenges today, from migration policies to the rule of law debates. Orbán’s visit to Warsaw was a clear sign of this newfound solidarity.

In a speech at the University of Warsaw, Orbán praised Poland’s stance on migration, saying, “We must protect our borders, our cultures, and our Christian heritage.” It’s a sentiment that resonates with many in Malta too, as we grapple with our own immigration challenges.

What Does This Mean for Malta?

So, what does this Hungarian-Polish solidarity mean for Malta? Well, it could spell trouble for our EU allies who’ve been critical of Hungary’s democratic backsliding. But it also presents an opportunity for Malta to play a role in bridging divides within the EU.

Our unique experience as a small EU member state, coupled with our strategic location, puts us in a prime position to facilitate dialogue and understanding. We’ve done it before, remember the time we hosted that informal EU summit in 2017? Let’s not forget, we’re not just an observer in this EU drama; we’re an active participant.

As Orbán stood in Warsaw, looking towards a future where Hungary reintegrates into the EU, let’s remember that our future is intertwined with theirs. Let’s hope that together, we can navigate the complex waters of EU politics and emerge stronger, more united than ever.

After all, as the late Maltese EU Commissioner, Joe Borg, once said, “Malta is not just a small country in the EU; it is a big country with a small population.” Let’s remember that as we look towards the future of the EU, and our role in it.