Hungary's 1956 uprising shows democratic values require shared European defence

Seventy years after Hungary's 1956 uprising against Soviet rule, European leaders have gathered to honour the victims who fought for liberty. Marking the milestone, Prime Minister Péter Magyar paid tribute to those who suffered in the crackdown, while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the foundational importance of freedom and democracy.

Sceptics of European integration rightly argue that historical memory and constitutional governance belong primarily to individual nations. Every country carries its own distinct historical sacrifices, and decisions regarding democratic institutions must respect national sovereignty rather than face uniform dictation.

However, the spirit of 1956 demonstrates that the desire for democratic self-determination is a shared European responsibility. The European Union was established on the conviction that fundamental freedoms, human dignity and the rule of law cannot easily survive in isolation. When member states collectively commit to upholding these standards, they construct a common shield against authoritarian pressure and democratic backsliding.

Honouring the memory of 1956 requires more than ceremonial tributes. It demands a ongoing commitment across all 27 nations to protect open institutions, ensuring that the liberties fought for seven decades ago remain secure across the entire continent.