OPINION:
As the dust settles on the American political landscape and President Donald J. Trump begins another term in the White House, European patriots find themselves at a pivotal crossroads. Peace on our continent is closer than ever, as Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has passed the baton of leadership to Mr. Trump in the Peace Mission for Ukraine. Yet dark clouds gather over London and Paris, where the European heads of the Woke Hydra conspire to prolong the bloodshed and shift their politically corrupt machinations from the smoldering ruins of USAID back to the Old World.
Mr. Trump’s victory is a clarion call to the Western world. It signals the resurgence of national pride, economic revitalization, and a renewed commitment to sovereignty. While we believe the US President is poised to “Make America Great Again” (MAGA), it is high time for Europe to embrace its own renaissance—to “Make Europe Great Again” (MEGA).
We must reject the suffocating orthodoxy of globalism, the erosion of national identities, and the bureaucratic overreach of supranational entities. Donald Trump’s unapologetic advocacy for American interests and his focus on securing borders resonates far beyond U.S. shores. For Europe, especially in countries like Hungary, where conservative values remain strong, this presents both an inspiration and a challenge we are charged with leading.
As Elon Musk’s DOGE leads the charge against waste, the political corruption of the global progressive manipulation machine is laid bare for all to see. USAID not only squandered millions of taxpayer dollars on laughable woke projects like transgender mice but also funneled billions into silencing conservative voices, advancing the left’s agenda, and controlling public discourse. A significant portion funded leftist NGOs and media outlets in Europe, including Hungary. As Elon continues his vital work serving the American people, the Hungarian government has appointed a state commissioner to collaborate with DOGE in uncovering the full extent of the damage inflicted on our citizens and international relations.
Europe grapples with the consequences of mass migration, economic stagnation in key sectors, cultural erosion, and the overbearing influence of the Brussels deep state. Meanwhile, George Soros and his allies, reeling from their losses in Washington, are already scheming to recoup them, deepening the rift between the U.S. and the EU.
The EU, originally conceived as a guarantor of peace and prosperity, has morphed into an instrument of uniformity, stifling national identities under layers of regulations and directives. Once a “peace project,” Brussels now embraces an unmistakably warlike spirit, as Ursula von der Leyen and Emmanuel Macron conspire with the decidedly Trotsky-like figure of Keir Starmer in the UK to prolong the bloodshed in Ukraine—defying the clear wishes of the new American president. They ignore both the stark reality of Europe’s financial and military weakness and the interests of ordinary Europeans as they push for more war.
Despite Vice President Vance’s clear warning in Munich, Brussels has doubled down on centralization, censorship, electoral interference, and outright dismissal of national sovereignty. Determined to preserve their grip on power, Eurocrats and leftists insist on maintaining a “firewall” against the parties that recently formed the Patriots for Europe group—a movement promising to bring Trumpian change to the EU. We Hungarians will certainly not accept this as the status quo.
Hungary, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, has stood as a bulwark against the Left. His emphasis on national identity, Christian heritage, and border security mirrors the principles that Trump champions. This ideological alignment between Budapest and Washington offers a blueprint for other European nations. Nations thrive when they embrace their unique identities, protect their borders, maintain peace and prioritize the well-being of their citizens over abstract ideals.
MEGA is a call to action that requires Europeans to reclaim the narrative from unelected technocrats and bureaucrats. It demands policies that foster peace, economic independence, cultural pride, and national security. MEGA is also about rekindling the cultural confidence that has defined Europe for centuries. Europe is the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and art.
Yet, there is a pervasive sense of cultural self-doubt, often perpetuated by narratives emphasizing historical guilt over achievement. Embracing MEGA means celebrating Europe’s contributions to the world without apology, recognizing that pride in one’s heritage is a natural and healthy expression of identity.
As JD Vance alluded to in Munich and at CPAC, the transatlantic partnership must be recalibrated. Under President Trump’s leadership, America will adopt a realistic approach, expecting its allies to shoulder greater responsibilities for their defense and economic stability. This is not a retreat from global leadership but a challenge for Europe to mature into a self-reliant partner. Countries like Hungary are well-positioned to lead by example.
Europe’s regulatory overreach stifles innovation and entrepreneurship. To align MEGA with MAGA, Europeans must foster business growth, technological advancement, and energy independence by cutting red tape and reining in bureaucracy. Security is another pillar — peace must be restored, followed by robust defense reform and strong borders. Hungary’s firm stance on border security, often scorned by liberal elites, has ensured national stability and should serve as a model for other nations.
America First is a beacon for conservatives worldwide. Europe’s response should not be passive observation but active emulation. The path to Making Europe Great Again lies in reclaiming sovereignty, revitalizing economies, and reasserting cultural confidence. Something that we Hungarians have been at the forefront of.
As the lead organizer of CPAC Hungary, I say to all my European colleagues that the time is now. Let us rise to the occasion and “Make Europe Great Again.”
On May 29-30, the Center for Fundamental Rights will host CPAC Hungary—the world’s largest gathering of the Right—for the fourth consecutive year. Here, we will exchange ideas, strengthen alliances, and empower a new generation of conservatives dedicated to making not just America but Europe great again.
• Dr. Miklos Szanthó, Ph.D, is the Director General of the Center for Fundamental Rights and the Chairman of CPAC Hungary.