Magyar Visits Poland in Bid to Reset Ties With Warsaw and EU

Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar has begun a two-day visit to Poland, his first foreign trip since taking office, in a symbolic move expected to open a new chapter in Budapest’s relations with Warsaw and the European Union.

Magyar is due to meet Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Since taking office in 2023, Tusk’s government has rebuilt ties with Brussels, prompting the EU to release billions in funds that had been frozen over rule of law concerns. Hungary’s new government is seeking a similar reset after the defeat of former Prime Minister Viktor Orban in April.

Relations between Poland and Hungary deteriorated under Orban because of his stance on Ukraine and close ties with Russia. Polish officials now speak of a return to the “best traditions” of bilateral relations.

Energy is expected to be one of the main topics of the talks. Magyar wants to end Hungary’s dependence on Russian energy by 2035, while Poland plans to offer Budapest access to US liquefied natural gas through a new terminal in Gdansk.

(reuters, bak)