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Trump's Greenland demands should be taken seriously, Szijjarto says
"The US President's statements on this issue are very serious, and European politicians and the European media, pretend that this does not exist, "Hungary's Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said during an interview with pro-government think tank XXI. Century Institute.
A large part of the conversation revolved around US President Donald Trump's recent claims that he wants to "buy" the vast Arctic territory. Trump previously floated this idea in 2019 saying it's an "absolute necessity" for international security. "I think Greenland we'll get because it has to do with freedom of the world," said the President.
Szijjarto went on to say that "European politicians are frustrated because they know that not only do they remember what they said about Trump, but Trump remembers what they said about him" and that "we should finally believe that this is happening." German Chancellor Olaf Scholz earlier warned that "borders cannot be changed by force," adding that his comments were addressed to "the people concerned."
By 2026, only Hungary and Denmark may remain outside the EPPO
The European Parliament’s Petitions Committee has debated a citizen’s request for Hungary to join the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO). Any EU citizen can submit petitions on matters within the bloc’s competence, and this appeal called for Hungary.
A European Commission official responded with little encouragement. “I thank the petitioner for their question, but I fear I may disappoint them,” they said. The EPPO was established through enhanced cooperation, meaning membership is not mandatory. While Denmark has a permanent opt-out on justice and home affairs, only Hungary and Ireland have yet to sign up. However, Dublin has signaled its intention to join by the summer of 2026, which could leave Hungary as the last remaining non-member. Denmark would need a referendum to reverse its opt-out.
Szijjártó backs sanctions extension, says Hungary secured guarantees
The Council of the European Union has extended economic sanctions against Russia for another six months. Hungarian foreign minister Péter Szijjártó announced the decision on his social media, stating “Hungary has received the guarantees it requested regarding our country's energy security.”
Szijjártó met with EU counterparts on Monday, where the sanctions were unanimously approved. Typically renewed without debate, the extension was delayed after Hungary blocked the process on Friday, forcing further negotiations.
The Hungarian government had long questioned the timing of the decision, citing the US presidential elections. However, following US President Donald Trump’s recent threats to impose harsher measures against Moscow, Hungarian PM Prime Minister Viktor Orbán set a new condition for Budapest’s approval. Speaking on Friday, he said Hungary would only lift its veto if Ukraine resumed gas transit to the EU. “I pulled the handbrake,” Orbán declared. “If the Ukrainians want help, for example with us sanctioning the Russians, then they should reopen the pipeline.”