Photo: EPA
Hungary's new government says it is working to rebuild trust with NATO allies and end the country's previous pro-Russian course, Defense Minister Romulusz Rusin-Szendi said at the Budapest Energy and Strategy Talks, according to Telex.
The minister said one of the government's first steps was to apologize to allies, including Finland, whose NATO accession had been delayed by the previous administration.
"We are closing the door to the Russians," Rusin-Szendi said, adding that Russian intelligence had tried to "enter through the back door."
He stressed that Hungary's interests align with those of its allies and that restoring mutual trust is a key priority.
The government also reaffirmed its commitment to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035. However, Rusin-Szendi said education and healthcare remain the country's immediate budget priorities.
Hungary also plans to continue modernizing its armed forces, expand cooperation with European defense companies, and encourage them to establish production facilities in the country.
