‘Within a short time, two alliances emerged with nearly identical membership and objectives. Still, they are linked not only by this, but also by the fact that both alliances bypass EU institutions—and indeed the European Union as a whole—despite being composed largely of EU member states.’

‘In the EP, immigration is the issue where the malfunction of the traditional Christian Democrat–Liberal–Social Democrat centrist coalition is most evident. That is why the increasingly strict approach of the right-wing parties in recent times naturally fits into the right-wing coalition, and thus the Patriots’ search for an alliance.’

‘If we add to this that the National Assembly is also one of the national legislatures with traditionally strong powers in European politics, then it becomes clear why the relationship between the Hungarian legislature and the European Parliament is considered exemplary by experts.’

‘The successful Danish referendum allowed the Maastricht Treaty to enter into force in November 1993, while Denmark was also able to preserve key elements of its national sovereignty.’

‘As a result of intense negotiations, Margaret Thatcher secured a rebate of two-thirds of British contributions from the Community budget. The agreement was a huge success for Margaret Thatcher personally, and it also clearly demonstrated the British government’s ability to assert its national interests.’

‘The Hague Summit, held on 1 and 2 December 1969, officially marked the end of the neo-functional era of European integration and the beginning of the intergovernmental period.’

‘60 years ago, in January 1966, the Luxembourg compromise resolved the first major crisis of European integration, the so-called Empty Chair Crisis. The conflict, which was triggered by the French, was not only epoch-making because it was the first major crisis after the start of European integration.’

‘The European Commission immediately embraced the initiative and began drafting a policy proposal under the same name, with the aim of creating a unified pan-European company structure…However, the member states are likely to be less enthusiastic, as the planned 28th regime would in fact reduce national jurisdiction.’

‘Although the first full year brought policy successes, the Commission has not yet been able to achieve any real success in any of the key areas. The extremely uncertain international political situation and the Commission’s declining authority as a result of its failures do not bode well for the future.’

‘In recent years, the European Union has been seeking the glamour of international politics. It wants to behave like a great power, while its vocation should be to organize close cooperation between sovereign states. It wants to wage war when its mission is to bring peace. Under the current leadership, it has abandoned its mission as set forth by the Founding Fathers, and this could cost it its existence.’