Warsaw, Poland –
In a recent Facebook post, Tristan Azbej—the Hungarian Secretary of State responsible for assisting persecuted Christians and implementing the Hungary Helps program—shared highlights from the EU Foreign Affairs Council’s development meeting. The post underscored growing collaboration between Hungary and Italy on addressing crises affecting persecuted Christians worldwide.
Meeting with Italy’s Deputy Foreign Minister
Azbej expressed his pleasure in meeting his Italian counterpart, Deputy Foreign Minister Edmondo Cirielli. “It was a pleasure to meet my friend Edmondo Cirielli at the development meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council,” Azbej wrote, adding that the two nations share a common perspective on international assistance. “Together with our Italian friends, we agree that we shouldn’t bring the trouble to Europe; we should take the help where there is a problem,” he explained.
He further congratulated Minister Cirielli on his government’s recent launch of a program similar to Hungary’s Hungary Helps initiative, which is dedicated to supporting persecuted Christians. The mutual recognition between the two nations highlights an emerging partnership focused on providing aid directly to those in crisis, rather than merely addressing the symptoms of broader geopolitical issues.
A Shift in EU Perspectives
Reflecting on the broader EU meeting, Azbej remarked on a “late and slow awakening” within the bloc. “At the EU meeting, I experienced a late and slow awakening, proving the theory that ‘Hungary is not right, but will be right’,” he stated. The comment suggests that while Hungary’s proactive approach may have initially been met with skepticism by some EU members, there is a growing acknowledgment of the value of targeted, on-the-ground assistance.
Looking Ahead
Azbej’s post, which also included an invitation to read a detailed article in the comments, signals Hungary’s determination to shape international development policies based on principles of localized support and Christian solidarity. As Hungary continues to advocate for policies that focus on direct assistance in crisis areas, its emerging partnerships with countries like Italy may play a pivotal role in influencing future EU strategies on migration and humanitarian aid.
This development comes at a time when the EU is reassessing its approach to international crises, and Hungary’s model—emphasizing both humanitarian support and cultural values—appears to be gaining traction among like-minded nations.