Croatian President after meeting with Hungarian counterpart: EU must accept differences between states
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"We rely on each other, we have never had serious misunderstandings, minor ones yes. However, what binds us is the awareness that we rely on each other and that we agree on many things,†the President of the Republic Zoran Milanović said at a press conference after meeting with Hungarian President Katalin Novák.
In his statements to the press, President Milanović commented on the 1990s and the Homeland War, pointing out that at that time only a few countries were open to help Croatia. “They were Hungary, Austria and Germany. Everyone in their own way and within their capabilities, but in relative terms Hungary helped the most. Years later, I cooperated with Prime Minister Orbán.
"We didn’t agree on some things, but we did agree and still agree on many important things. And one of them is the right of states to regulate their affairs and relations between people and communities, in their own way,†said President Milanović.
Both states, Croatia and Hungary, operate within the framework of these rules and European values, said the Croatian President, who pointed out that these rules and values cannot and are not the same in every state.
He added that the European Union cannot function in the way the bureaucracy in Brussels functions and in the way its political mentors want. “We must get rid of the illusion that we are all equal,†he said.
“I am here as a friend and I feel accepted as a friend. We will always talk about differences, but also about similarities and about the support that we must always give to each other, simply out of common interest. This should very much be discussed.
"The European Union functioned well, that was the task and historical goal of my generation of people, politicians. And we achieved that goal. And the creation of a single European state? – never,†said President Milanović, citing the example of the exit of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union, from which a lesson should be drawn.
“Croatia did not join the European Union to become a small and well-oiled cog in a big machine, but to maintain its viability, identity and openness. It lives on openness, primarily on tourism, and that is why it is very important for us that Hungary is also economically successful and stable, that your currency is stable, that you are good clients and guests in Croatia,†President Milanović said.
In this regard, he mentioned the introduction of the euro in Croatia, which Hungary did not introduce.
“It is not an easy decision. It is not an easy decision to give up the national currency forever. Croatia made that decision.
"I have some dilemmas, but the decision has been made and there is no going back.
"We entered Schengen to the delight and satisfaction of some of our northern neighbours who will now stop doing the work that Croatia is taking on with full responsibility because the borders still exist regardless of Schengen,†he added.
Concluding his remarks, President Milanović said that if the European Union wants to move forward and develop without major tensions, it must accept the differences that exist between states.
Speaking at the press conference, the President of Hungary Katalin Novák said: “I am especially pleased that the first guest from abroad is the President of the Republic of Croatia, Zoran Milanović, whom I thank for accepting my invitation and for hosting him here in Budapest.
"To all of us he is a very popular politician because he often acts very bravely on the European stage.â€
She said that Hungary and Croatia have long-standing and historical ties. “Last year we celebrated the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two states.
"This year we have another very important event for Hungary. This year, Veszprem is the European Capital of Culture, where tomorrow President Milanović and I will jointly open the event,†said the Hungarian President.
President Novák summarized the meeting with President Milanović in several points, on which she said they mostly agreed, including the following: the issue of the war in Ukraine and the condemnation of Russia’s aggression; the pursuit of peace and territorial integrity; the continued integration of the Western Balkans into the European Union; halting illegal migration to Europe; the strengthening of infrastructure ties between Croatia and Hungary; energy cooperation aimed at reducing Hungary’s dependence on energy products from Russia; addressing the demographic crisis through the exchange of experiences.
“I am pleased that President Milanović will meet the Croatian community here and personally see how much the Croatian minority is receiving in Hungary.
"I am grateful to President Milanović because the Hungarian minority in Croatia can count not only on understanding, but also on increasing support and help,†said the Hungarian President, pointing out that Hungary views Croatia as a partner with which it has very strong ties.
“Croatia and Hungary are Central European states that can help make the European Union stronger. We discussed Croatia’s membership in the Schengen Area and the introduction of the euro, and the new opportunities this will open up for Croatia.
"As the President of Hungary, I can confirm that we support Croatia’s membership in the Schengen Area as well as the introduction of the euro,†said the Hungarian President and concluded that the abolition of borders helps mutual trade relations as well as tourism.
After giving their statements, the two Presidents took questions from journalists. When asked if they had discussed the INA-MOL issue, the Presidents said that it was not a topic of the meeting because it is a problem that can and must be solved by the Governments.
Replying to a journalist’s question, President Milanović clarified his earlier statement about a proxy war.
“I want as little hypocrisy as possible, for the rules to be as clear as possible and a battle to preserve human lives.
"When I say that it is a proxy war, it means a proxy war in which the only real victim is Ukraine, and that both Washington and Moscow are responsible for this and that they must sit down together – I then quote the words of the Ukrainian defence minister. But does anyone in the media read anything?
"So, I literally quoted the words of the current minister of defence who said that NATO is fighting against Russia with Ukrainian blood and energy. Those are not my words, but there is no understanding for them,†warned President Milanović.
He concluded his comment with the message: “I will not allow – and I believe that I have a mandate of the Croatian people for this – to turn us into an ordinary little dog in a pack that follows others and just barks.
"Just as I will not let the generator be hatred toward anyone – Russians, Serbs, Jews – anyone who at some point is not suitable. Because, I don’t know Russians well and I have worked with them very little, unlike Orbán. My attitude towards them was always cold out of mistrust.
"Everything in my life that I did, ninety percent, was related to the USA. Do I have the right to say what I am saying? I have an obligation, not a right,†said President Milanović. ■