European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will visit Budapest on Friday, October 23, where she is scheduled to deliver a speech marking the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. The commemorative event takes place as relations between Hungary and the European Union are entering a new phase following a change of government in Budapest.
The participation of the Commission President was confirmed Monday by a spokesperson for the European Commission. The news was first reported by the Hungarian portal 24.hu and subsequently carried by TASR.
Von der Leyen Alters Original Plans
President von der Leyen had initially planned to travel to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, over the weekend for the European Union-Gulf Cooperation Council summit. However, the event was postponed, leading to changes in her official schedule.
After attending engagements in Strasbourg and Brussels earlier in the week, she will head to the Hungarian capital on Friday to give her address at the anniversary celebrations.
Budapest has also invited several other foreign dignitaries to the commemorative events. Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar stated he invited world leaders, with the exception of Russian President Vladimir Putin. While initial reports suggested French President Emmanuel Macron would attend, the French embassy later clarified Macron would not be present at the commemorations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was also invited, though Magyar expressed doubts as to whether the Ukrainian head of state would participate.
Hungarian Revolution Began on October 23, 1956
Hungary commemorates October 23 as the start of a nationwide uprising against Soviet dominance and the communist regime. The revolution began with a student demonstration, gradually joined by others across the country.
Protesters demanded political reforms, free elections, the withdrawal of Soviet troops, and greater Hungarian independence. The demonstrations escalated into an armed uprising, which the Soviet military bloodily suppressed in November 1956.
One of the central figures of the revolution was then-Prime Minister Imre Nagy. He attempted to implement reforms and announced Hungary’s intention to withdraw from the Warsaw Pact. After the uprising was crushed, Nagy was arrested and executed in 1958.
The anniversary is one of Hungary’s most significant national holidays, commemorating the nation’s struggle for freedom and independence.
Budapest and Brussels Relations Evolving After Change in Government
Von der Leyen’s visit comes after a shift in Hungary’s political leadership. Prime Minister Péter Magyar and his government have stated their intention to resolve longstanding disputes with European institutions and move relations with the EU forward.
Under former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Budapest was frequently at odds with Brussels over issues including the rule of law, use of EU funds, and support for Ukraine. The new government has indicated a willingness to change direction and open talks on matters that have hindered improved relations.
However, participation in the commemorative event does not automatically signal that these disputes are resolved. Any further negotiations and specific agreements will depend on subsequent steps by both sides.
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This article was translated from the original Slovak version with the assistance of AI.
