On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, observed annually on 23 October, András Baka President of Hungary hosted a reception for the ambassadors of the European Union Member States accredited to Hungary at the Sandor Palace in Budapest.
“The memory of 1956 survived decades of oppression and contributed to laying the intellectual foundations for the democratic transformation of 1989. This transformation opened the way for nations separated for decades by the Iron Curtain to once again build a common European future.
Hungary’s tragedy also reinforced the recognition in Western Europe that preserving freedom and security requires closer cooperation. The 1956 Revolution thus became part of the historical process that ultimately led to a more united Europe.
Today, as a member of the European Union, Hungary shares responsibility for maintaining this cooperation and upholding the principles on which it is founded.”
In response to the President’s address, H.E. Ragnar Almqvist, Ambassador of Ireland to Hungary,whose country currently holds the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union, paid tribute to the heroes of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution.
Source and photos: Sandor Palace
