Minister Byrne attends Hungarian revolution anniversary
Minister Thomas Byrne represented Ireland at the 70th anniversary of Hungary’s 1956 Revolution in Budapest. The event honoured the bravery of those opposing Soviet rule and highlighted Ireland’s historical solidarity and ongoing EU collaboration with Hungary.
Source:
Gov.ie / MerrionStreet
•
⏱️ 1 min read
Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, attended commemorations in Budapest on 23 October marking the 70th anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution of 1956, a pivotal uprising against Soviet domination. He paid tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those who fought for freedom, independence, and human dignity during this historic struggle.
Reflecting on Ireland’s connection to the events, Minister Byrne noted the strong sympathy in Irish public opinion, which was shaped by Ireland’s own history of national struggle. Irish communities, charities, and church organisations generously supported Hungarian refugees, with Ireland accepting 541 as part of a UN response. During his visit, Byrne held discussions with Hungary’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Orbán, along with State Secretaries András Bíró-Nagy and Krisztián Mészáros.
These meetings focused on Ireland’s EU Presidency priorities, including negotiations around the next long-term EU budget and the enlargement of the European Union. The Hungarian Revolution began with student protests demanding political reform and Soviet troop withdrawal, but was violently suppressed by Soviet forces on 4 November 1956, resulting in thousands of casualties and mass displacement.
Reflecting on Ireland’s connection to the events, Minister Byrne noted the strong sympathy in Irish public opinion, which was shaped by Ireland’s own history of national struggle. Irish communities, charities, and church organisations generously supported Hungarian refugees, with Ireland accepting 541 as part of a UN response. During his visit, Byrne held discussions with Hungary’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Orbán, along with State Secretaries András Bíró-Nagy and Krisztián Mészáros.
These meetings focused on Ireland’s EU Presidency priorities, including negotiations around the next long-term EU budget and the enlargement of the European Union. The Hungarian Revolution began with student protests demanding political reform and Soviet troop withdrawal, but was violently suppressed by Soviet forces on 4 November 1956, resulting in thousands of casualties and mass displacement.
1 views