Hungary Declines Joint EU Condolence Statement
On the first anniversary of the tragic Novi Sad railway station collapse, Hungary emerged as the only European Union member state to refuse to sign a joint condolence statement issued by the EU Delegation to Serbia. The statement, which expressed 'deepest condolences and sincere sympathy' to the victims' families, was endorsed by the embassies of 26 EU countries, underscoring Hungary's increasingly independent foreign policy trajectory within the bloc.
The Novi Sad Railway Station Tragedy
The event commemorated occurred on November 1, 2024, when the newly renovated roof of the Novi Sad railway station in Serbia tragically collapsed. The disaster claimed the lives of 16 people, including children. This incident sparked widespread protests across Serbia against the government of President Aleksandar Vučić, drawing significant attention to alleged shortcomings in safety regulations, governmental corruption, and irresponsibility. The modernization of the railway station was part of the larger Belgrade–Budapest railway line project, which involved Chinese investment and has been subject to claims of abuses and political interference by opposition groups.
EU's Unified Message and Hungary's Silence
The joint statement from the EU Delegation to Serbia, released around November 1-2, 2025, not only offered sympathy but also reaffirmed the importance of fundamental rights, including freedom of assembly and freedom of the press, calling for restraint and avoidance of violence. While other EU nations aligned with this message of solidarity, Hungary's Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided no official explanation for its refusal to sign. This decision is consistent with the Orbán government's pattern of diverging from EU consensus on various international issues, including those concerning Russia, China, and political developments in the Western Balkans.
Broader Diplomatic Context
The refusal comes amidst recent diplomatic tensions, including an incident where Serbian authorities designated several Hungarian students as 'national security risks' and denied them entry into Serbia during the commemorations. These students had intended to show solidarity with Serbian student movements protesting the railway station collapse. While László Kövér, the Hungarian House Speaker, had previously sent condolences to his Serbian counterpart shortly after the 2024 collapse, the current refusal to join the collective EU statement signals a distinct diplomatic posture. European officials, such as European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos and European Parliament rapporteur for Serbia Tonino Picula, have emphasized the need for accountability and justice regarding the tragedy, with the European Parliament adopting a resolution condemning political polarization and state repression in Serbia.
5 Comments
Mariposa
Hungary had previously expressed condolences, which suggests a degree of sympathy. Their refusal of the *joint* EU statement likely stems from a broader disagreement with the EU's political agenda or specific clauses within the statement, not necessarily a lack of care for the victims.
Michelangelo
Hungary consistently undermines EU unity. This is disgusting.
paracelsus
Victims deserve universal sympathy, not political games. Hungary failed.
anubis
The article highlights valid concerns about corruption and safety in Serbia, which the EU statement addresses. Hungary's refusal, while perhaps rooted in deeper diplomatic issues, still makes them appear insensitive to the victims' plight.
paracelsus
It's about an independent foreign policy, not a lack of sympathy.