Hungary's support for persecuted Christians: Patriarch received in Budapest

Hungary's support for persecuted Christians: Patriarch received in Budapest

The Syrian Orthodox Patriarch Mar Ignatius Aphrem II met in Budapest with the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to discuss the worrying security situation of the Christian communities in Syria. According to the MTI news agency, it became clear that the recent outbursts of violence significantly endanger the living conditions of these communities. Orban confirmed his commitment to support persecuted Christians and referred to the Hungarian aid program "Hungary Helps", which aimed at helping endangered groups worldwide, such as Kathpress reported .

This encounter takes place in a tense political climate. Hungary has held the EU Council Presidency since the beginning of July, but is criticized for orban's controversial foreign policy. The spokesman for the German Federal Foreign Office already pointed out "considerable damage" that the Hungarian Presidency had caused. Countries such as Sweden and Lithuania have decided not to send ministers to Budapest for Council meetings in order to set a sign of protest against Orban's diplomatic decisions. These measures could also have an impact on upcoming EU summit meetings, such as Tagesschau reported .

concern about the security of the Christian communities in Syria and the raised voice of the EU countries against Orban's approach illustrate the tensions within the European Union. While Hungary tries to profile themselves as supporters of the persecuted Christians, the pressure on the Orban government is growing to rethink their internationally controversial decisions.