Government: Moscow is now the most direct threat to our security

Hungary is by now “an important, significant, determinative” member of NATO, a state secretary of the defence ministry said on Friday.

At a conference marking the 30th anniversary of the Hungarian Atlantic Council (MAT), Tamás Vargha praised the council’s “superhuman” efforts, adding that it had been crucial to the success of the 1997 referendum on Hungary’s accession to NATO. Hungary changed its “soviet-style, mass army” into an effective and professional one, Vargha said, noting government efforts to gradually raise salaries and army developments.

Vargha noted NATO’s crucial role in ensuring security in the Euro-Atlantic region and Europe. “In a fast-changing, unpredictable and complicated security environment the role of NATO is highly appreciated,” he said. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has solidified unity within NATO, Vargha said, adding that Moscow was now “the most direct threat to our security, and this will only change if Moscow changes its aggressive stance.”

He emphasised that everything must be done to promote the restoration of peace in Ukraine.

In response to the Russian threat, NATO has greatly increased its defence capabilities, while the Hungarian military is being developed further in light of the situation, he said, adding that “we believe that peace requires strength”.

Read also Government: Moscow is now the most direct threat to our security

Péter Sztáray, state secretary at the foreign ministry, said in his address that Hungary had “broad political support” which was crucial for a country’s “credible and strong” NATO membership. Ever since the 1997 referendum, people’s “support for NATO, irrespective of their political affiliation”, had been an important point of reference, he added.