BRUSSELS/VILNIUS - Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Wednesday that the European Union needs to change if the bloc wants to be able to face its challenges.

Orban, whose country currently holds the rotating EU Council presidency, made the remarks at a European Parliament session in Strasbourg, France.

He highlighted competitiveness as a key issue for the country's presidency. Orban criticized the EU's green transition plan, noting that moving away from Russian fossil fuels has hurt the EU's growth in the gross domestic product (GDP).

On migration, Orban called for stronger support for EU countries on the bloc's external borders and criticized the EU's handling of illegal migration. He proposed the creation of a regular Schengen summit to address the challenge.

Orban also called for accelerating the EU's accession procedures for Western Balkan countries.

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Prioritize EU security

Also on Wednesday, talks on the defense capabilities of EU member states were held between Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and President-elect of the European Council Antonio Costa in Vilnius.

Nauseda emphasized the need to prioritize EU security, enhance the defense industry, and support EU enlargement, according to Lithuanian President's Office.

Nauseda underlined the importance of ensuring that the EU's next multiannual financial framework reflects current geopolitical realities by providing sufficient funding for the defense industry, supporting Ukraine and preparing for EU enlargement.

He also highlighted the importance of maintaining the EU's global competitiveness, expressing support for developing the EU's foreign economic policy.

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Costa, former prime minister of Portugal, will take office as President of the European Council on Dec 1.