The United States and Europe Mutually Need Each Other

Speaking at the conference held in the National University of Public Service, Dr. István Simicskó pointed out that the current security risks severely affect Europe. In the interest of maintaining the security of the continent, there is a great and continuing need for the United States, but, as he noted, the United States, too, needs Europe.

“Cooperation is the only way to meet the challenges of the present age", the Minister or Defence emphasized. He stated that for Hungary, the transatlantic relationship “is not merely a rational interest" because “we form a community of shared values with all NATO member countries", and the relations with the United States have outstanding significance.

The Minister of Defence, who recently took office, said that there would be some minor corrections in issues of national defence, but for the Euro-Atlantic relations, this entails that they must be further strengthened. Dr. István Simicskó added that the challenges must be reassessed in light of the changes to the geostrategic situation. The war in Ukraine and the activity of the Islamic State are eroding the Hungarians’ sense of security. He drew attention to the fact that the current mass migration provides certain terror organizations with “a good opportunity" to send their members to Europe.

According to Dr. István Simicskó, “we are living in a difficult period", so the strengthening of the Euro-Atlantic thought is especially important. For this reason too, Hungary is committed to continuing the excellent cooperation on the transatlantic level and with the United States.

In her “Remarks on Transatlantic Thought", Ambassador Colleen Bell emphasized that “America needs a strong Europe, and Europe needs a strong America". As she said, “the United States is deeply invested in the health and success of Europe".

Speaking about the current challenges to NATO, the diplomat mentioned the „Russian aggression in Ukraine" and the ensuing crisis in the country. In connection with this, she said that the Readiness Action Plan is a priority for NATO, as it includes new „assurance measures which have brought about an enhanced and continuous military presence of NATO forces in the eastern part of the Alliance."

Colleen Bell thanked all member states involved in the Readiness Action Plan, including Hungary. In her remarks, the US ambassador said that “Hungary’s membership in NATO is particularly fitting,…as a key ally."

She pointed out that Hungary – which celebrated in 2014 the 15th anniversary of its accession to NATO – assumed important roles in multinational exercises and tasks in recent years. By way of example, she mentioned the currently ongoing Brave Warrior military exercise, which involves more than 500 US troops working together with others, and the Hungarian Defence Forces’ role in the Baltic Air Policing Mission until the end of this year.

Speaking about the current challenges in security policy, Colleen Bell drew attention to the “menace of terrorism from the Middle East and North Africa" and the situation of these regions. As she noted, NATO must “address the situation in Syria and Afghanistan" as well.

President of the Hungarian Atlantic Council (HAC) Szilveszter E. Vizi gave a presentation, in which he reminded his audience that “around 85 per cent of Hungarian people voted for NATO" in the referendum held on Hungary’s accession to NATO. “Since then, the Atlantic thought, Atlanticism has been enduringly popular among the Hungarian people", the President of the HAC added, pointing out that the Atlantic thought has enjoyed the continuing support of all Hungarian governments so far.

The President of the HAC told his audience that some days ago NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg had identified the security of North Africa, mass migration and cyber security among the current challenges. According to Szilveszter E. Vizi, these challenges require common responses.

Photos by Mária Krasznai-Nehrebeczky and Szilárd Koszticsák (MTI)