European leaders commit to taking greater responsibility for own security-Xinhua

The fifth European Political Community (EPC) summit is held in Budapest, Hungary on Nov. 7, 2024. European leaders have agreed on the need for Europe to assume greater responsibility for its own security rather than relying solely on the United States, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said Thursday following the fifth European Political Community (EPC) summit.(Xinhua/Liu Yuxuan)

BUDAPEST, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- European leaders have agreed on the need for Europe to assume greater responsibility for its own security rather than relying solely on the United States, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said Thursday following the fifth European Political Community (EPC) summit.

Leaders from nearly 50 European nations and international organizations gathered here for the one-day summit, addressing urgent issues such as irregular migration, security, and connectivity across the continent.

At a joint press conference with his Albanian counterpart Edi Rama, the Hungarian prime minister highlighted the multiple threats to European peace, stability, and prosperity, which include the ongoing armed conflict in Ukraine, the escalating tensions in the Middle East, persistent illegal migration, and an unprecedented level of global economic fragmentation since the Cold War.

"Big, critical issues are on the table: war or peace, migration or security, fragmentation or connectivity, subordination or European sovereignty," he noted while stressing the importance of collective European action in addressing these challenges.

As Hungary holds the rotating presidency of the European Union, Orban pointed to several areas of consensus reached during the summit, including the need to respond to the results of the recent U.S. election, a call for swift peace efforts in Europe, and the need for Europe to assume greater responsibility for its own security rather than relying solely on the United States.

Rama, whose country will host the sixth EPC summit in May 2025, expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to engage in open discussions with European leaders, praising the EPC format for its unique energy and freedom, which fosters candid conversations on sensitive issues.

Rama also noted that the current level of engagement between the European Union and non-EU European countries was unimaginable a few years ago.

Looking ahead, Rama expressed optimism about Albania's future within Europe, recognizing the crucial support of Hungary's presidency in launching direct EU accession negotiations. He said he hopes that Albania, along with other Western Balkan nations, will be able to join the EU within the decade.

Established in 2022, the EPC serves as a platform for political dialogue and cooperation among European nations. Its aim is to address common challenges and strengthen the continent's security, stability, and prosperity. The EPC summit convenes biannually, alternating between EU and non-EU countries. ■

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban speaks at a press conference in Budapest, Hungary on Nov. 7, 2024. European leaders have agreed on the need for Europe to assume greater responsibility for its own security rather than relying solely on the United States, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said Thursday following the fifth European Political Community (EPC) summit.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (R) and his Albanian counterpart Edi Rama shake hands at a press conference in Budapest, Hungary on Nov. 7, 2024. European leaders have agreed on the need for Europe to assume greater responsibility for its own security rather than relying solely on the United States, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said Thursday following the fifth European Political Community (EPC) summit.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (R) and his Albanian counterpart Edi Rama attend a press conference in Budapest, Hungary on Nov. 7, 2024. European leaders have agreed on the need for Europe to assume greater responsibility for its own security rather than relying solely on the United States, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said Thursday following the fifth European Political Community (EPC) summit.