Budapest: Deputy Prime Minister Zsolt Semjén announced that the Hungarian nation “has become a world nation,” a development seen as an opportunity by the Hungarian government. Speaking at the 13th session of the Hungarian Diaspora Council in Budapest, Semjén emphasized the global presence of Hungarians, describing it as a chance to transform challenges into opportunities. He referred to the Hungarian diaspora as a “bridgehead” for Hungary, impacting culture, the economy, and various facets of life.
According to About Hungary, funding for policies supporting Hungarians across borders has increased more than tenfold since 2010. The Hungarian government is backing 5,500 ethnic Hungarian organizations and has completed 9,300 projects involving these communities. Semjén noted that Hungary has played a role in rebuilding 3,700 churches and 1,000 kindergartens and creches abroad. Moreover, 230,000 children enrolled in Hungarian schools outside Hungary receive an annual grant of 100,000 forints (EUR 245) from the go
vernment.
Through the “Beyond the Borders” program, 530,000 children have traveled to regions with significant Hungarian populations. This year, 52,000 students will benefit from this support, with additional assistance provided for visiting Hungary or other countries with ethnic Hungarian communities.
Semjén cited Israel’s diaspora policy as a model, stating that Hungary is a safe haven for all Hungarians worldwide. He expressed the nation’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all Hungarians, preserving the nation, and ensuring Hungary remains a homeland for its people.
He likened the Hungarian nation to a three-legged stool, supported by Hungarians in their homeland, the Carpathian Basin, and the diaspora. If any of these “legs” were to falter, the entire structure would collapse. He emphasized the Diaspora Council’s role in preserving the Hungarian nation and mentioned the government’s comprehensive support system for Hungarians abroad, including initiatives for mothers and neonatal bonds.
Semjén shared his ambition of achieving “legal unification of the nation through the citizenship law,” with 1.2 million Hungarians having acquired citizenship. On support for Transcarpathian Hungarians, he stressed Hungary’s commitment to peace and the protection of minority rights.
He expressed gratitude to diaspora Hungarians for their loyalty to the nation and their advocacy for “the Hungarian cause,” assuring them of mutual support. Lorinc Nacsa, the state secretary for Hungarians across borders, highlighted the participation of Hungarians from 30 countries in the meeting.
