Hungary - A Pivotal Actor of Diplomacy between East and West - A Geneva Security Debate

Описание: Hungary - A Pivotal Actor of Diplomacy between East and West - A Geneva Security Debate
08 January 2026

As Europe confronts increasingly complex security and political challenges—including Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, and intensifying great-power competition—Hungary is articulating a foreign policy shaped by its historical experience, geographic position, and emphasis on national sovereignty. This approach now unfolds against the backdrop of a renewed transatlantic alignment, as reflected in the United States’ November 2025 National Security Strategy, which places stronger emphasis on burden-sharing within the EU–U.S. partnership.

H.E. Mr. Péter Sztáray, State Secretary for Security Policy at the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, plays a key role in shaping Hungary’s concrete contributions to European security. In the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine, State Secretary Sztáray has emphasized the protection of NATO’s eastern flank, the management of security risks in Central and Southeastern Europe, and the importance of maintaining Alliance unity while addressing regional vulnerabilities.

The discussion will explore Hungary’s role within this evolving strategic environment, focusing on its approach to regional cooperation through NATO and the EU’s emerging defense initiatives, as well as its interpretation of the balance between national autonomy and collective security commitments. Attendees will gain new insights into how Hungary frames security and stability efforts within a broader European and global security architecture.

Opening Remarks
Ms Alexandra Matas, Director, International Security Dialogue Department, GCSP

Speakers
H.E Mr Péter Sztáray, State Secretary for Security Policy and Energy Policy, Hungary
Ambassador Thomas Greminger, Executive Director of the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP)

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