President Sulyok Highlights Africa's Stability as Strategic Priority for Europe at EU-AU Summit

President Sulyok Addresses EU-AU Summit in Angola

Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok recently underscored the critical importance of Africa's stability for the European continent. Speaking at the 7th European Union-African Union (EU-AU) Summit held in Luanda, Angola, President Sulyok articulated Hungary's perspective on fostering peace and development in Africa. The summit, which took place from November 24 to 25, 2025, marked the first time in 15 years that a Hungarian head of state participated in the event.

Focus on Conflict Prevention and Root Causes

During his address, President Sulyok stressed that 'conflict prevention is more effective than crisis management.' He called upon Europe to actively support initiatives aimed at resolving armed conflicts, establishing lasting peace, and enhancing the overall security situation across Africa. A key aspect of his message was the need to tackle the fundamental drivers of instability, including illegal migration and terrorism. He also highlighted the importance of empowering young people and stimulating job creation to ensure that individuals can 'thrive in their homeland.'

Hungary's Commitment to African Development

President Sulyok detailed Hungary's ongoing commitment to African development through various programs. These initiatives primarily focus on strengthening the role of youth through education, skills development, and the promotion of entrepreneurship. As a notable example, he cited the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship program, launched in 2015. Over the past decade, this program has provided higher education opportunities in Hungary for more than 6,500 African students. Hungary also expressed its support for any endeavors that aim to deepen relations between the EU and its African partners.

Bilateral Engagements and Summit Themes

On the sidelines of the summit, President Sulyok engaged in bilateral discussions, including a meeting with Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima. Their talks explored avenues for enhanced cooperation between Nigeria and Hungary in areas such as trade, investment, technology transfer, and educational exchanges. The broader themes of the 7th EU-AU Summit encompassed crucial topics like economic cooperation, educational and development programs, and strategies for managing migration pressure.