The two rogue boys of the EU, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Slovakian PM Robert Fico, have welcomed Donald Trump’s victory and predicted that changes are needed in Europe as a result of the Americans’ choice.
Viktor Orban has already called for a new EU strategy regarding Ukraine, while Fico says that Donald Trump’s victory is a defeat for liberal and progressive ideas, according to TASR.
At the same time, Fico criticized the media and how they covered the period leading up to the elections. In his opinion, the result is exactly the opposite of the image that the media tried to create.
Saying that he respects the American electorate's decision, the Slovak Prime Minister noted that this raises questions about international relations and cooperation between the United States and the European Union.
"I think we will sweat in the EU because we cannot be as bold as the future US president's administration will be," Fico warned, emphasizing that he is also waiting for the moves Trump will make regarding the conflict in Ukraine.
"I base my expectations on the fact that Donald Trump himself announced that he will be particularly active on this issue," said Fico.
Given that Trump could interrupt US aid to Kiev to defend itself against Russia, the question arises whether Europe will be able to assume financial and military support for Ukraine on its own, Viktor Orban also stated at a summit of Turkish-speaking countries in the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek.
"There are serious doubts in this regard, so a new European strategy is needed," Orban said, according to the Hungarian state news agency MTI.
An informal EU summit is scheduled for Friday in Budapest, following a meeting on Thursday of the European Political Community (EPC). The outcome of the US elections and its implications are likely to be among the dominant topics.
Hungary currently holds the rotating presidency of the EU for a period of six months.
In a Facebook video, Viktor Orban described Donald Trump's victory as "brilliant" and said it would "bring hope for peace in the world."
The Hungarian Prime Minister maintains a good relationship with both Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
He half-heartedly supports EU sanctions against Moscow and has repeatedly threatened to veto the bloc's sanctions resolutions against Russia.
Moreover, Orban is a staunch opponent of arms deliveries to Ukraine, without which this country would be defenseless against Russian aggression.
In short, Viktor Orban presents himself as a "man of peace," notes DPA. According to experts, a peace plan considered by Orban would be entirely to Putin's liking and would mean Ukraine's surrender.