Orbán’s Polish Visit: A Lesson in EU Solidarity for Malta

Imagine, if you will, the bustling streets of Warsaw’s Old Town. The cobblestones, worn smooth by centuries of history, echo the footsteps of another chapter being written. This time, it’s not a king or a conqueror, but Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who arrives to mark Hungary’s return to the heart of Europe.

Hungary’s return to the EU, after a brief period of uncertainty following Brexit, is a story that resonates with Malta, another small nation that punches above its weight in European affairs. As Malta navigates its own EU journey, Orbán’s visit to Poland offers a glimpse into the power of EU solidarity and the bonds that unite our nations.

Orbán’s visit to Poland is more than just a diplomatic courtesy call. It’s a testament to the unbreakable bond between these two Central European nations. Poland, after all, was one of the first countries to recognize Hungary’s independence in 1989, paving the way for the fall of the Iron Curtain.

Fast forward to 2021, and Orbán’s visit comes at a time when both countries face similar challenges, from migration to economic recovery post-pandemic. Their shared experiences and common interests make this visit a timely reminder of the importance of EU unity, especially for small nations like Malta.

Malta, an island nation of just over 500,000 people, understands the value of EU solidarity better than most. From fishing rights to financial services, our economy and way of life are intertwined with our EU membership. Orbán’s visit to Poland serves as a stark reminder that even the smallest nations can make a big impact when they stand together.

Consider, for instance, Malta’s role in the EU’s COVID-19 recovery fund. Despite our size, we played a crucial part in negotiating the fund, ensuring that every EU member, big or small, gets a fair share. This is the power of EU solidarity in action, a lesson we can learn from Orbán’s visit to Poland.

As Orbán and his Polish counterpart, Mateusz Morawiecki, discuss their nations’ EU future, Malta watches with keen interest. Our paths, though different, are intertwined in the EU tapestry. As we navigate our own EU journey, we can learn from Hungary’s experience and the solidarity shown by Poland.

In the words of Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela, “Malta’s future is in the EU, and we will continue to work with our European partners to ensure that our voice is heard and our interests are protected.” This visit to Poland is a testament to that commitment, a commitment shared by Malta and Hungary in their EU journey.