Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán met at Palazzo Chigi to discuss European policy, bilateral relations, and international challenges. The meeting highlighted their shared commitment to strengthening political dialogue and coordination on strategic issues.
Positive outcomes of Hungary’s EU Council presidency
Meloni praised Orbán for the achievements of Hungary’s EU Council presidency, emphasizing the significance of the Budapest Declaration on Competitiveness and progress in Albania’s EU accession talks. Advances in Bulgaria and Romania’s path toward joining the Schengen Area were also noted.
Economic ties and strategic investments
The leaders reaffirmed the importance of the bilateral partnership, highlighting the trade volume of 14 billion euros between Italy and Hungary in 2023. Special focus was placed on investments in strategic sectors like infrastructure and energy, with the aim of further boosting economic cooperation.
Peace and international security: Ukraine and the Middle East in focus
Discussions covered the situation in the Middle East and the necessity of achieving a stable and lasting peace in Ukraine, in line with international law and the UN Charter. Both leaders also reiterated their commitment to the Ukraine Recovery Conference, set to take place in Italy in July 2025.
NATO and Europe: a shared commitment
The dialogue included the Italian Armed Forces’ role in supporting Hungary-led multinational battalions within NATO. Meloni and Orbán stressed the importance of enhancing stability in the Western Balkans, supporting the region’s EU enlargement process.
Irregular migration: concrete solutions and international cooperation
Irregular migration was a key topic. Meloni and Orbán emphasized the need for an updated legal framework to facilitate returns and discussed the importance of working with origin and transit countries. They reiterated the urgency of tackling the root causes of migration and combating human trafficking, drawing inspiration from the Italy-Albania cooperation model
