Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban declared that the liberal international order is collapsing, signaling the start of an “era of nations” dominated by bilateral deals and personal relationships among leaders.
In a video from the Prime Minister, Orban described the current global shifts as a major rupture, crediting U.S. President Donald Trump with delivering a decisive blow to the old system. He portrayed the transition as bringing uncertainty and risks but expressed confidence in Hungary’s positioning.
“The liberal world order is breaking apart, and the era of nations has begun,” Orban said. “Times are changing. Hungary prepared early, built global partnerships, and stood firm on sovereignty. We are ready for what comes next.”
Orban emphasized that international organizations and multilateral agreements are losing reliability, urging a focus on nation-to-nation pacts. He highlighted Hungary’s strategy of forging ties with major powers including Washington, Beijing, Moscow, and Istanbul in trade, investment, and security.
“My good news is that we have started the preparation in time,” he added. “Those who today cry out loud next to their liberal international leader did not know or do not want to understand what and why Hungary is doing this â they were just laughing at Hungarian foreign policy! Today Washington, Beijing, Moscow, Istanbul are all interested in our success.”
The comments come amid broader geopolitical tensions, including U.S. withdrawal from dozens of international organizations and discussions over Arctic security. The White House announced it would exit 66 entities (35 non-UN and 31 UN-related) deemed no longer aligned with American interests.
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, speaking at her New Year’s press conference, expressed skepticism about U.S. military action to acquire Greenland and called for a stronger NATO presence in the Arctic to address concerns without unilateral moves. She described any such action as having “grave consequences for NATO” and not in anyone’s interest.
Britain and Germany are reportedly exploring increased NATO forces in Greenland to reassure the U.S. on regional security, according to Bloomberg News.
Orban’s speech, delivered during his end-of-year international press conference, positions Hungary as an early adapter to a multipolar world, directly contrasting with the critics he said once mocked the country’s foreign policy approach.
