In a formal ceremony on Monday, Austrian politicians Christian Hafenecker and Harald Vilimsky were recognized for their contributions to Hungarian-Austrian relations and their commitment to upholding conservative values across Europe.
The two Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) leaders received the prestigious Officers’ Cross of the Hungarian Order of Merit (Civil Division) at Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s office.
Gergely Gulyás, head of Orbán’s office, presented the awards, applauding the FPÖ leaders for their unwavering support in deepening ties between the two nations. “Our Austrian friends have done a great deal to support Hungarian-Austrian friendship and the defense of traditional values in Europe,” Gulyás wrote in a social media post. He also commended them for standing alongside Hungary in “strengthening the representatives of normality in the EU.”
The FPÖ and Orbán’s Fidesz party share a strong political alliance, both as members of the “Patriots for Europe” parliamentary group and through their shared advocacy for national sovereignty, stricter immigration policies, and resistance to what they see as ideological overreach from Brussels. Both parties have also taken firm stances against “woke ideology,” LGBTQ activism, and the influence of foreign-backed NGOs.
FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl’s party recently won Austria’s September elections but has faced resistance from establishment parties that have long sought to block FPÖ from forming a government. Despite this, Hafenecker has emphasized Austria could benefit from Hungary’s policies, particularly in areas such as family support, cultural identity, and national sovereignty.
He has also highlighted the importance of diplomatic cooperation, bilateral committees, and economic collaboration between Austria and Hungary.
This recognition underscores the growing conservative coalition within Brussels, as the Patriots for Europe faction aims to challenge the dominance of liberal policies and EU centralization. With figures like Hafenecker and Vilimsky playing key roles, the movement continues to gain traction across Europe.
