Hungarian PM in Poland: A Tale of Two EU Returns

Malta, 2022. Imagine, if you will, the bustling streets of Valletta, our capital city, on a typical sunny afternoon. Now, picture this: a crowd gathered around a TV screen, not cheering for the latest football match, but watching history unfold in Warsaw, Poland. This was the scene last week as Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán marked Hungary’s return to the EU, a moment that resonated with many Maltese, given our own EU journey.

From Isolation to Integration

It was January 1, 2004, when Malta, along with nine other countries, joined the European Union. We remember the jubilation, the hope, and the promise of a brighter future. Fast forward to 2022, and we find ourselves in a similar situation, albeit from a different perspective. Hungary, after a brief period of isolation, is reaffirming its commitment to the EU.

Orbán’s visit to Poland, a staunch EU ally, was more than a diplomatic courtesy. It was a symbolic gesture, a public declaration of Hungary’s renewed dedication to European cooperation. As we watched from our sunny streets, we couldn’t help but draw parallels with our own EU journey. After all, we’ve been there, done that.

Malta’s Street: A Tale of Two Cities

Stroll down Republic Street in Valletta, and you’ll find a mix of old and new, tradition and modernity. It’s a living testament to Malta’s EU journey. The street, once dominated by traditional Maltese architecture, now boasts EU-funded infrastructure and businesses. It’s a physical manifestation of our integration, a story that resonates with Hungary’s current narrative.

Just as Malta embraced the EU, opening its doors to new opportunities and ideas, Hungary is doing the same. Orbán’s visit to Poland was a clear signal that Hungary is ready to re-engage with the EU, ready to embrace the opportunities that come with integration.

What’s Next for Hungary and Malta?

As we look ahead, we can’t help but wonder what the future holds for Hungary and, by extension, Malta. With the EU’s eastern flank stabilizing, what new opportunities will arise? Will we see a resurgence in EU-funded projects, like those that transformed Republic Street? .

But one thing is certain: Malta and Hungary, despite our differences, share a common thread. We are both EU nations, shaped by our experiences, guided by our hopes, and driven by our dreams. And , let’s remember that our journeys, though unique, are interconnected. After all, we’re all part of the same EU tapestry.

As Maltese journalist and author Manuel Delia once said, “Malta is where Europe begins.” Perhaps, in a way, Hungary is where Europe’s unity is reaffirmed.