European Leaders Gather In Budapest Amidst Trump Victory

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At a gathering of the European Political Community, an informal meeting of members of the Council of Europe, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said that Europe must react to a changing world and defend its sovereignty in the aftermath of the U.S. elections that saw a decisive victory for Donald Trump.

Following the Budapest Summitt, Orbán and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama held a joint press briefing to share insights from the gathering, which saw participation from many European leaders and top officials representing various institutions.

Orbán began by stressing that Europe faces an “unprecedented, complex, and dangerous” situation. Threats to peace, stability, and prosperity come from multiple fronts: the war in Ukraine, escalating conflicts in the Middle East, instability in North Africa, ongoing migration pressures, and economic fragmentation reminiscent of the Cold War.

“History has accelerated,” the Hungarian Prime Minister stated, adding that recent events, such as the U.S. elections, signify the beginning of a new global chapter. “Big questions are on the table — war or peace, migration or protection, bloc formation or connectivity, submission or European sovereignty,” he said, noting that leaders collectively sensed an urgency to respond.

On security, Prime Minister Orbán observed that there was broad agreement that Europe must take on more responsibility for its peace and defense. “We cannot expect Americans to defend us alone,” he affirmed, calling for Europe to play an influential role in upcoming dialogues that will shape the region’s future. “Europe must participate with real weight in negotiations that will shape its destiny,” he added.

Turning to migration, Orbán described it as a persistent challenge that has increasingly tested Europe’s institutional framework, with growing dissatisfaction across the continent. He argued that addressing migration would require overcoming “judicial activism” within European courts, which he believes often obstructs decisive action. Referring to Hungary’s model, he emphasized, “The Hungarian model is the only one I’ve seen in a decade that works: stay outside while we assess your application. If accepted, you enter; if not, you don’t.” Without broad European resistance to judicial practices, he noted, progress on migration control will be limited.

Edi Rama echoed these sentiments, calling the summit a “special day” and expressing his gratitude to PM Orbán for bringing together Europe’s “black sheep” to discuss sensitive issues openly. He praised the unique format of the European Political Community, describing it as a privilege to collaborate with Hungary as Albania prepares to host the next summit in Tirana.

Rama highlighted his optimism about Albania’s path to EU membership and thanked Hungary for its unwavering support, especially as momentum builds for Western Balkan integration into the EU.

Prime Minister Orbán also commented on the changing dynamics surrounding Ukraine, noting that the recent U.S. election has shifted momentum toward a peace-oriented approach. While leaders held differing opinions on the specific path forward, the Hungarian Prime Minister stated, “Ceasefire is the first step,” emphasizing the urgency of halting the loss of life. “Stop the killing — that’s my proposal,” he said, highlighting that a ceasefire would pave the way for essential dialogue toward a long-term resolution. Both leaders expressed gratitude to French President Emmanuel Macron, whose initiative founded the European Political Community platform and affirmed their commitment to strengthening this collaborative effort, with the next summit set for May in Tirana.