Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni recently met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in Rome as part of his Europe tour, which included visits to Berlin and will soon take him to Paris. This tour serves as an opportunity for Orbán to meet with leaders of various EU member states and brief them on Hungary’s upcoming presidency program, as Hungary is set to take over the rotating presidency of the EU Council. During the meeting, Meloni expressed her satisfaction that some of the issues included in Hungary’s program are ones that both countries are concerned about, such as tackling illegal migration, strengthening Europe’s competitiveness, and addressing declining birth rates across Europe. However, there are also areas where the two countries hold differing views, including on the issue of Ukraine.
The timing of the meeting was significant as it occurred just before an EU summit that will be crucial for the debate over top EU jobs. At the meeting, Orbán made it clear that his party would not be joining the European Conservatives and Reformists Group (ECR) political group, which is led by Meloni. Meloni’s party remains the leading party in Italy following the EU elections, and it is expected to seek a top commission post for Italy. These dynamics add an interesting layer to the discussion between the two leaders regarding Hungary’s presidency program and the broader political landscape within the EU.
During the meeting, Orbán briefed Meloni on Hungary’s upcoming EU Council presidency program, which focuses on key issues such as illegal migration, Europe’s competitiveness, and declining birth rates across the continent. These are critical topics that both countries see as important to address in order to enhance the prosperity and security of Europe. The fact that Meloni expressed support for these priorities shows a level of alignment between Italy and Hungary on certain key issues, despite their differences on other matters such as Ukraine. This alignment could potentially lead to closer collaboration between the two countries during Hungary’s presidency of the EU Council.
The meeting between Orbán and Meloni also underscores the importance of bilateral relations within the EU, as leaders of member states seek to work together on common challenges and opportunities. By engaging in discussions and exchanges of ideas, countries like Hungary and Italy can find common ground and build partnerships that benefit the EU as a whole. With Hungary set to take on the presidency of the EU Council, it is crucial for Orbán to engage with his counterparts in other member states to ensure a successful term and advance Hungary’s priorities on the European stage.
Overall, the meeting between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in Rome showcased the importance of communication and collaboration between EU member states. As Hungary prepares to take over the rotating presidency of the EU Council, Orbán’s tour of Europe provides an opportunity to build relationships with other leaders and share Hungary’s priorities for its upcoming term. While there may be differences on certain issues, such as Ukraine, there is also common ground on key topics like illegal migration, competitiveness, and declining birth rates. By working together, countries like Italy and Hungary can contribute to a stronger and more prosperous Europe for all its citizens.
