go to the original language article
Budapest – Prime Minister Viktor Orbán held talks in Bucharest this year with Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, following their meeting last year, his press chief informed MTI. The two leaders discussed current issues in Hungarian-Romanian bilateral relations. Viktor Orbán also assured his counterpart that as the rotating president of the EU Council, Hungary will put Romania’s full Schengen accession on the agenda this fall.
After the talks, Marcel Ciolacu confirmed on his Facebook page that he had discussed matters of common interest on the agenda of bilateral relations between the two countries and Romania’s full Schengen accession with Viktor Orbán.
“In this semester, Hungary is presiding over the EU Council, and in this capacity, Romania relies on Hungary’s sincere actions to strengthen the European strategic agenda. I also expressed my gratitude to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán for his clear support of Romania’s full accession to the Schengen area,” wrote the prime minister.
According to his post, Ciolacu held “pragmatic” talks with Orbán. He recalled that the volume of bilateral trade between the two countries is around 13 billion euros. “We agreed with our Hungarian partner that there are still untapped opportunities. (…) We agreed on preparing a feasibility study for one of the flagship projects of our bilateral relations – the Budapest-Bucharest high-speed railway. This is a strategic investment of regional interest and affects the rail networks of the Central European region,” wrote Ciolacu. (July 26.)
***
Later, at a press conference, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu stated that his discussion with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán took place in the framework of an “informal working breakfast” and the main topic was Romania’s full accession to the Schengen area.
Ciolacu said he considered it natural to meet with the prime minister of a neighboring state over an “informal working breakfast.” According to his report, the most important topic of the discussion was Romania’s full Schengen accession, but issues such as joint economic investments and energy corridors were also addressed.
Regarding Romania’s full Schengen accession, the Romanian prime minister said that Viktor Orbán unequivocally stated that he supports Romania’s endeavor unconditionally, as he has done so far.
Journalists also asked him what reactions he expects from EU leaders following the meeting, given that the Hungarian prime minister recently visited Russia and China. “This is a natural meeting between two states, what are we talking about?” replied Ciolacu. (July 26.)
***
Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu did not wish to comment on the Hungarian prime minister’s speech at Tusványos on Sunday. He was questioned about Viktor Orbán‘s appearance at Bálványos Free Summer University and Student Camp at a press event. He dismissed the question, stating that the Hungarian prime minister did not make any remarks concerning Romania at the Bálványos Summer University and Student Camp.
“Did they expect me not to let him into Romania? As far as I know, he made similar statements in Brussels and Budapest as well. It is not my place to comment on his statements,” said Ciolacu.
The prime minister said that at the informal meeting, he discussed economic issues with Orbán. He reminded that Hungary is Romania’s third most important EU trading partner. He added that the Romanian government keeps its word, and they will indeed launch the Budapest-Bucharest high-speed rail project. The first step will be to prepare a feasibility study for the investment.
When asked about the cost and completion time of the investment, the prime minister stated: “What matters is not the cost, but the (…) multiplying effect this investment will have on the Hungarian and Romanian economies”
The Hungarian prime minister, currently in Romania, delivered a speech at the Bálványos Free Summer University and Student Camp in Tusnádfürdő. Viktor Orbán stated, among other things, that we must not forget that Donald Trump might win the US presidential election, and in that case, Europe will have to bear the consequences of supporting the war in Ukraine. (July 28.)