Germany's Envoy Urges Hungary to Stay True to Allies

Germany's ambassador to Hungary, Julia Gross, has urged Hungarian officials to resist actions weakening trust with NATO and the EU. She criticized Hungary's solo talks with Putin and delayed NATO ratifications. Speaking on German Unity Day, Gross emphasized Hungary's significant trade ties with Germany.

Germany's ambassador to Hungary, Julia Gross, delivered a stark message urging Hungarian public figures to counteract measures she claims are damaging the trust of Hungary's NATO and EU allies. Her speech, notably not attended by senior Hungarian officials, marked German Unity Day and highlighted Hungary's path diverging from its allies.

The absence of senior officials was notable, especially as Hungary's foreign minister had addressed the same event a year earlier. The Hungarian government has not yet commented on their absence. Germany plays a pivotal role in Hungary's economy, with major car manufacturers investing heavily since the mid-1990s.

In her address, Gross highlighted several actions impacting Hungary's credibility. She criticized Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's independent discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin last July, without EU member state support, and slammed the delayed ratification of Sweden's NATO accession. Gross also alluded to unsettling political statements undermining allied solidarity.

(With inputs from agencies.)