To mark the 30th anniversary of its founding, the Hungarian Atlantic Council (MAT) held a full-day conference on September 23 at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. The event was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, diplomats from NATO member states accredited in Hungary, and invited guests.
In his welcome speech, Csóti György, President of the MAT, recalled that the organization was established in 1992 at the initiative of Prime Minister József Antall with the goal of supporting Hungary’s NATO accession and promoting transatlantic values and principles throughout Hungarian society. After Hungary’s accession in 1999, MAT’s mission evolved to focus on the ongoing promotion of Euro-Atlantic values and cooperation, and on maintaining strong relations with similarly committed civil organizations in other NATO countries.
In his address, Parliamentary State Secretary Tamás Vargha of the Ministry of Defence praised MAT’s contributions, noting its key role in securing overwhelming public support for NATO accession in the 1997 referendum. He emphasized that Hungary has since transitioned from a Soviet-style mass army to an effective, professional military, and continues investing in defense modernization. Vargha underlined that NATO remains the cornerstone of Euro-Atlantic and European security, especially in today’s rapidly changing and complex global security environment. Referring to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, he said the aggression has reinforced NATO’s unity, and that Russia poses the most direct threat to our security unless it changes its behavior.
Péter Sztáray, State Secretary for Energy Security and Political Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, highlighted the importance of broad political support for NATO membership, which Hungary enjoys. He emphasized that the 1997 referendum demonstrated cross-party consensus and remains an important point of reference to this day. Sztáray pointed out that Hungary has consistently pursued a stable, consensus-driven NATO policy, balancing national interests with those of allies. However, he stressed that “there is no blind Atlanticism,” referencing Hungary’s blocking of NATO-Ukraine council meetings since 2017 due to measures in Ukraine perceived as restricting the rights of the Hungarian minority.
On the Ukraine war, he stated that NATO must stay out of the conflict, although individual member states may support Ukraine. He noted Hungary’s past low defense spending—0.8% of GDP—made it difficult to demonstrate credible strength within the Alliance, which it previously compensated for through significant operational contributions. Sztáray stressed that Hungary has now become a credible NATO member thanks to its recent defense modernization and increased budgetary commitments.
Prof. E. Szilveszter Vizi, honorary president of the MAT, spoke of the organization’s successful three decades, emphasizing that both the Hungarian people and successive governments have remained committed to NATO membership.
Following the keynote speeches, two panel discussions were held: in the morning on “Thirty Years in the Transatlantic Relationship,” and in the afternoon, “Challenges Facing the Transatlantic Community.” The event concluded with closing remarks by Csóti György, who reaffirmed MAT’s commitment to peace and called for a swift resolution to the war in Ukraine.
