Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán boldly claimed that “the coming era, the coming century will be the century of Eurasia,” urging Hungary to carve out its own role in the region without relying on European strategies.
Speaking at Budapest’s Eurasia Forum, hosted by the Hungarian National Bank, he emphasized Hungary’s need for independence in navigating this shifting global dynamic.
“Hungary must determine its place within this framework on its own and not derive it from a European strategy,” Orbán stated, underscoring the nation’s “very deliberate national and economic strategy.”
Orbán linked Hungary’s frequent clashes with the European Union (EU) to its unique strategic approach. “All our disputes with Brussels stem from the fact that Hungary has an independent strategy that starts from new realities, acknowledges the given circumstances and defines Hungary’s place in this context, regardless of Brussels’ doctrine,” he explained.
He highlighted Eurasia’s global significance, noting that the region accounts for 70% of the world’s GDP, boasts three-quarters of top scientific clusters, and houses 15 of the 20 leading financial hubs. Contrasting this dominance, Orbán criticized Europe for failing to adapt to these changing realities. “It either does not recognize the significance of Eurasian integration or refuses to embrace it,” he said, accusing Western elites of clinging to outdated notions of superiority while Asian economies surge ahead.
Hungary’s approach, he said, focuses on diversifying trade, investments, and energy resources. Over the last decade, the nation has doubled its exports both eastward and westward, attracting major investments from Germany, China, South Korea, and the United States. Orbán also highlighted upcoming milestones, such as the completion of significant infrastructure and manufacturing projects in 2024. These include the Chinese-funded Budapest-Belgrade railway and new facilities like BMW plants and Chinese battery factories.
The Eurasia Forum, gathering global policymakers, business leaders, and economists, served as a platform to explore Eurasia’s growing economic and geopolitical opportunities. Orbán’s remarks painted a picture of Hungary firmly planting itself in a rapidly evolving world order.
