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Honorable Speaker. Thank you of the Republic of Hungary.

Dear Prime Minister Péter, Heads of state and government.

President of the European Commission,

Honourable Members of the Parliament of the Hungarian government, Excellencies. 70 years ago.

The Hungarian people stood up against the totalitarian communist regime. For a simple but fundamental right. To live in freedom and democracy.

The response by the Soviet Union was brutal repression.

Thousands were killed and many more were forced into exile. But the uprising was not defeated.

In the hearts and minds of the Hungarian people. The desire for freedom endured.

Indeed, The revolution of 1956 revealed to the whole world something fundamental about the Hungarian people a profound,

deep-rooted yearning for independence and self-determination.

The same spirit of patriotism found renewed expression in all decisive moments of Hungarian history.

It was the motivation of the heroic days of the 1848 revolution. And it was once again.

The driving force in 1989 when Hungarians were pioneers in removing the Iron Curtain.

1956 was not just a date in Hungarian history.

The 1956 revolution demonstrated that the struggle against totalitarian oppression was unfinished,

that Europe itself was unfinished, and tragically.

And complete The memory of the 1956 revolution is also a reminder that democracies must not be complacent in the face of tyranny and imperialism.

Excellencies Hungary's accession to the European Union in 2004 was a crucial step in reuniting Europe.

In fact, by joining the European Union,

Hungary reconfirmed what more than 1000 years of history has repeatedly shown.

The Hungarian nation lies at the heart of Europe.

That is the true spirit of the European Union free nations joining together to build peace,

security and prosperity through cooperation.

Because our union is built on a simple conviction.

We are united in our values,

driven by common goals and enriched by the national diversity.

Europe's strength lies precisely in its many languages,

histories, cultures, and traditions.

Those differences do not weaken us, they enrich our common project,

and our constant efforts to build European unity do not threaten national identities.

Quite the opposite by reinforcing Europe's competitiveness, Europe's strategic autonomy,

Europe's defense, and by protecting common borders together.

The European Union nations are strengthening themselves in the face of common threats and global challenges. Hungary is a case in point.

Over the past 22 years,

European integration has created new opportunities for Hungarian citizens and driven significant economic and social progress.

Hungary's economy has nearly tripled in size,

while average salaries have increased fivefold.

Today,

the European Union accounts for almost 80% of Hungary's exports and nearly 70% of its imports.

Underscoring the country's deep economic integration in the European single market.

Yet the benefits of European integration extend far beyond trade and economic growth.

Their true measure lies in the difference they make to people's lives and the opportunities they create.

For Hungary, as for Europe as a whole,

the experience of European integration underscores the close link between prosperity and democracy.

Because sustainable growth depends not only on economic opportunity, but also on strong institutions,

good governance, freedom of expression, and academic freedom.

These are essential foundations for public trust, a predictable business environment,

and the confidence that enables companies to invest, innovate and create jobs.

Excellencies In a troubled world,

Hungarians continue to recognize the value of our Union. Official figures tell a powerful story.

80% of Hungarians trust the European Union as a source of stability and consider membership highly beneficial.

This reflects the value Hungarians place on the European Union that delivers security and prosperity and that gives Europe a stronger voice in the world while being anchored in shared values.

May the courage and the legacy of those who stood up in 1956 continue to inspire Hungary and all of Europe to defend democracy,

uphold our common values, and build a union that is stronger,

more united, and more prosperous than ever. Thank you very much.