Orbán stands with Georgia against EU, backs sovereignty efforts

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has voiced his support for the Georgian government's efforts to safeguard the country's sovereignty and independence.

Orbán's remarks emphasized Georgia's challenges and praised its government's resilience in maintaining sovereignty under demanding circumstances, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

"Georgia is a beautiful country. Its government is striving admirably to uphold sovereignty and independence amidst significant challenges," Orbán stated.

His stance diverges from that of the EU leadership and most member states, underscoring his solidarity with Georgia despite broader European positions.

Georgia's relations with the West have deteriorated significantly after the adoption of a controversial foreign agents law.

The law requires non-governmental organizations (NGOs) receiving foreign funding and engaging in broadly defined political activities to register as foreign agents.

This move has sparked criticism from Western governments and human rights organizations, who argue that it restricts civil liberties and targets independent voices.

The European Union and the United States have voiced concerns, warning that the law could undermine democratic progress and lead to strained diplomatic relations with Georgia.

On July 9, Pawel Herczynski, EU Ambassador in Georgia, announced that a total of 30 million euros ($32.5 million) in financial support, earmarked for Georgia’s Defense Ministry in 2024, has been frozen by the EU.