With the election of the Péter Magyar government, a new era has begun in Hungary, and a new era has also begun for Europe with Hungary, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday at the Élysée Palace in Paris, where he received Prime Minister Péter Magyar.

The French president said that Péter Magyar’s rise to power is clear proof of how strongly the Hungarian people are committed to the values of the European Union. He welcomed the agreement in principle announced by the European Commission last week on the release of a large portion of previously frozen EU funds, as well as the Hungarian government’s decision to join the European Public Prosecutor’s Office.

“These are decisions that serve the interests of Hungary and the EU,” he said.

Macron highlighted that during their talks they would discuss the creation of a more sovereign Europe, capable of acting to ensure the continent’s security and defence, while also aiming to strengthen competitiveness and protect democracy.

Support for Ukraine will also be an important topic, following the recent approval of the €90 billion loan for Ukraine and the adoption of the 20th package of sanctions against Russia.

The French president stressed that pressure on Russia must be maintained, while also thanking Péter Magyar for his clear position, the government’s cooperative spirit and its commitment. An important goal is for Ukraine to be able to join the European Union on the basis of its own merits, he added.

Macron stated that today’s visit to Paris also provides an opportunity to modernise bilateral partnership based on the 1991 treaty of understanding and friendship. Hungary and France can strengthen their strategic cooperation in defence, energy, agriculture and the fight against disinformation.

Macron also expressed his satisfaction that Hungarian students will be able to return to the Erasmus programme from autumn.

Artificial intelligence was used for the translation of parts of the original Hungarian text.