Warsaw, Poland –
Hungary’s Azbej Champions a New Model of International Partnership at EU Meeting
Warsaw, Poland – Tristan Azbej, Hungary’s Secretary of State for Assisting Persecuted Christians and head of the Hungary Helps program, has taken to Facebook to share his latest diplomatic engagement. In his post, marked with the message “✌🏻From Washington ✈️ to Warsaw,” Azbej announced his attendance at the EU Foreign Affairs Council’s Minister’s Development Meeting in Warsaw—a mission assigned to him by Minister Szijjátó Péter.
In his post, Azbej outlined Hungary’s vision for partnerships with developing countries across Europe and beyond. “What kind of partnership do we, Hungarians, want between the developing countries of Europe and the world?” he asked, emphasizing a clear alternative to prevailing international policies.
According to Azbej, Hungary’s approach is rooted in three key contrasts:
- Migration: Instead of policies that encourage migration, Hungary favors providing local support to empower communities at home.
- Gender Ideology: Rather than promoting gender ideology, the Hungarian stance is one of Christian solidarity.
- Global Policies: Eschewing what he describes as “confused ideas” that border on colonization, Hungary aims to focus on prioritizing European interests.
“Hungary is helping – with a sensitive heart and a common mind,” Azbej concluded in his post, underscoring the nation’s commitment to compassionate yet principled international engagement.
This declaration reflects Hungary’s ongoing efforts to shape a distinctive and value-based foreign policy. By promoting local support and Christian solidarity while resisting policies perceived as encouraging migration and ideological imposition, Hungary is seeking to redefine its role within the EU’s broader international development framework.
As discussions at the EU Foreign Affairs Council continue, Azbej’s remarks signal a growing call among some member states for development policies that are closely aligned with national interests and cultural values. The outcome of these discussions could mark a significant shift in the EU’s approach to international partnerships, especially in regions where migration and ideological influences remain contentious issues.
At a meeting of the European Union’s Foreign Affairs Council on international development held in Warsaw on Tuesday, Tristan Azbej—the Hungarian Secretary of State responsible for assisting persecuted Christians and implementing the Hungary Helps program—stated emphatically that Hungary’s position, while not yet fully embraced, is destined to prevail.
Speaking to MTI by phone, Azbej remarked, “It has also been proven in the European Union’s development policy that Hungary is not right, but will be right.” He noted that despite a delay of nearly a decade, the speech by Jozef Síkela, the new European Commissioner for International Partnerships, signaled a welcome turning point. Azbej highlighted that the EU may soon begin to prioritize migration prevention as a strategic goal—a policy Hungary has long advocated through its own initiatives.
However, Azbej expressed disappointment that the EU did not adopt such policies back in 2014. “Instead of supporting programs like Hungary Helps, which aim to prevent migration, the EU chose to criticize Hungary for its proactive measures,” he said.
During the meeting, discussions also covered European involvement in crisis zones such as Ukraine, Syria, and the Sahel region, along with the EU’s Global Gateway strategy and the Team Europe initiative. Azbej emphasized Hungary’s humanitarian efforts, revealing that over the past seven years, Hungary has provided approximately 24 million dollars in aid to the Syrian population. This support, he explained, was made possible only through the collaboration of church organizations amid the sanctions imposed on the Assad regime. He noted that while today’s Syria may be ready for the return of displaced people, ensuring their safety will depend on a new leadership that respects the religious and human rights of minorities, including Christians.
On the Ukraine front, Azbej reiterated Hungary’s call for an immediate ceasefire, citing the country’s largest-ever humanitarian aid operation which not only provided essential local assistance but also welcomed nearly 2 million Ukrainian war refugees. He also drew attention to Hungary’s efforts in the African Sahel region, emphasizing that residents there must not be neglected in the name of European security—a concern Hungary has addressed through its Chadian engagement initiated two years ago.
In a pointed critique, the Secretary of State warned that some EU member states continue to leverage development policy outside Europe to promote LGBTQ ideology, a move he likened to strategies used by the recently fallen American government. “There is reason for cautious optimism as the rejection of the Hungarian position has decreased,” he stated, but warned that ideological motivations still persist among certain states.
On a more positive note, Azbej shared that on the sidelines of the council meeting, preliminary talks with the Italian Deputy Foreign Minister have already paved the way for an Italian-Hungarian cooperation aimed at jointly assisting Middle Eastern Christians. He also commended similar initiatives: Austria’s caretaker government launched a relief program last year in cooperation with Hungary, and the Cypriot government recently appointed a special official to support Middle Eastern—specifically Syrian—Christians.
According to Azbej, the EU’s development policy should ultimately reflect the interests of its member states by:
- Implementing on-site assistance to prevent migration.
- Cooperating with credit-based organizations, including Christian communities in crisis areas.
- Promoting the peaceful coexistence of communities with diverse cultural and religious backgrounds.
As Hungary continues to champion a development policy rooted in tangible, on-the-ground support and the protection of religious freedoms, Azbej Tristan’s message remains clear: while Hungary may not be “right” in the eyes of some today, its vision is poised to shape tomorrow’s EU policy.