At the EU Affairs Committees meeting (COSAC) held in Budapest, Péter Sztáray, Hungary’s Secretary of State responsible for security policy and energy security, stressed the need for Europe to bolster its defense capabilities. “Europe must increase its defense spending, strengthen its technological base, and develop crisis management strategies,” he said.

Addressing the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Sztáray noted that a common stance on the aggression exists among EU members, with universal recognition of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. However, there are differing views on achieving peace.

Sztáray expressed Hungary’s belief that “a military solution to this conflict is unlikely,” calling for “major nations to persuade both sides to negotiate.” He added that without meaningful dialogue, an entire generation in Ukraine risks being lost to war.