Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán yesterday emphasized the strategic importance of Serbia for Hungary’s security, especially in light of energy needs.
Following a meeting of the Hungarian-Serbian Strategic Cooperation Council, Orbán and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić announced plans for new joint investments in energy and infrastructure, including projects for crude oil and gas transport, electricity pipeline construction, and gas trade and storage. Additionally, the two countries aim to modernize the Röszke-Horgos border crossing to make it “the most modern, fastest, and most cultured border crossing in Europe.”
Orbán highlighted that Serbia now serves as a crucial energy transit route for Hungary, a role that’s grown due to disruptions from the war in Ukraine. He also revealed that a joint electricity exchange between Hungary and Serbia will launch by year-end, and the Budapest-Belgrade railway line is set for completion by 2026.
President Vučić noted that Hungary and Serbia currently have 180 joint agreements and expressed gratitude for Hungary’s support in Serbia’s EU integration. He also stressed the significance of staying neutral in the Russian-Ukrainian war, saying, “If there is no peace, there is no economy, no development, no progress in any social sphere.” Vučić added that relations between the two nations have strengthened on multiple fronts, with both countries committed to remaining allies.
