German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, yesterday, applauded Hungary for its crucial contribution to overcoming the division of Europe and for German reunification.
In a joint press conference with Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok, Steinmeier also urged Hungary to use its current European Union Council presidency to strengthen the EU.
A report by the German News Service (delivered by dpa) informed that Steinmeier was participating in the commemorative event marking the 35th anniversary of the Pan-European Picnic in the Hungarian-Austrian border town of Sopron, which had been utilized by 600 to 700 East German (DDR) citizens to flee to the West.
“The symbolic border opening for three hours on August 19, 1989, brought the first breach in the Iron Curtain, which had long divided Europe. The Pan-European Picnic was a “milestone on the path to German reunification.
“Germany will always be grateful to the people of Hungary for their contribution to our unity. And as the federal president, I sincerely say: Thank you, dear Hungarians,” Steinmeier said.
Europe owes its freedom and unity also to the courage of the Hungarian people, their love of freedom, and passion for Europe, he said.
“We need this passion for Europe today,” Steinmeier emphasized, without directly addressing Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who is controversial and often perceived as a hindrance in the EU because of his independent policies.
The unity and capability of the EU must be maintained, especially in light of new geopolitical challenges, he said, adding: “With its EU Council presidency, Hungary plays an important role in strengthening the unity within the EU and advancing constructive and shared solutions for our common future topics.”
Like all other EU members, Germany hopes that Hungary will embrace and fulfill this role.
On his part, Hungarian President Sulyok emphasized that his country places great importance on national identity, culture, tradition, language and sovereignty, saying: “We believe that our different opinions about Europe do not separate us but always connect us.”
In August 1989, the Austrian chapter of the Pan-European Movement and the newly-formed Hungarian Democratic Forum jointly organized an event in Sopron, on the border between the two countries.
The gathering included a symbolic opening of the border that allowed people on both sides to celebrate together and campaign for European unity.
Leaflets publicizing the event soon reached thousands of East Germans holidaying in Hungary and almost 700 crossed the border to Austria unopposed by guards.
Read Also: Umahi’s performance wins Igbo support for Tinubu’s Govt, says Ohanaeze
The incident was highly embarrassing to the East German government, which largely collapsed only three months later.
Orbán, whose authoritarian leanings and sympathy for Russian President Vladimir Putin have attracted heavy criticism in the EU, is not participating in the memorial event.
Meanwhile, due to the ongoing uncertain situation in the Middle East, Germany’s Lufthansa Group has cancelled additional flights to the region.
All flights to and from Tel Aviv, Tehran, Beirut, Amman and Erbil in the Kurdistan region of Iraq will remain suspended until next Monday, August 26, the company announced in Frankfurt.
Until then, the group’s airlines will also avoid using the airspace over Iraq and Iran.
The previous flight stoppage was in effect until Wednesday.
The reason for the ban is the tensions between Israel and Iran, which are feared to potentially lead to a wider war far beyond the Gaza Strip.
Lufthansa is offering free cancellations to travelers with tickets until August 31.
The flight restrictions apply to all airlines in the group and to both cargo and passenger aircraft equally. In addition to the core airline, the Lufthansa Group includes Swiss, Austrian, Brussels Airlines and Eurowings.
