Manfred Weber, the leader of the European People’s Party (EPP) in the European Parliament and Péter Magyar, the deputy leader of the newly formed Respect and Freedom (Tisza) party, discussed Tisza’s joining the EPP group and the two parties’ cooperation possibilities, at their meeting in Budapest on Friday. According to a statement from the Tisza party, the party will confirm its bid to join EPP at its meeting next week. The statement quoted Magyar as saying that his party would work in the EPP and in the European Parliament „in a constructive way” to promote the interests of Hungarian voters and towards ensuring that the proceedings now blocking the release of EU funds to Hungary should be closed as soon as possible. „It has become clear at today’s talks, contrary to repeated lies by government propaganda, that neither the EPP, nor its leader, Manfred Weber, has a pro-war stance,” the Tisza party said. It quoted Weber as saying that he had never made statements attributed to him by ruling Fidesz on the reintroduction of the compulsory military service. Magyar called the meeting „historic”, one that „marks the beginning of a new, prosperous relationship”.