Hungary will return to the European table as a sovereign, constructive partner committed to helping address the continent’s key challenges, Prime Minister Péter Magyar said on Tuesday during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin.
Magyar stated that Hungary intends to play an active role in resolving major European issues, including negotiations on the European Union’s next Multiannual Financial Framework, efforts to combat illegal migration, initiatives to strengthen competitiveness, and broader foreign policy challenges.
Reflecting on his government’s electoral victory, the prime minister said the administration had received an unprecedented mandate from Hungarian voters. He stressed that such strong public support also brings significant responsibility and heightened expectations, both domestically and across Europe.
Magyar noted that memories of Hungary’s contribution to the fall of the Iron Curtain and Germany’s reunification remain strong in Germany. He said he was pleased that Hungary had been able to contribute to those historic developments and described Germany as one of Hungary’s natural allies.
He also welcomed the prospect of commemorating the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution in what he described as a free and sovereign European country, extending an invitation to Chancellor Merz to attend the 23 October celebrations.
While acknowledging that Hungary and Germany would not always agree on every issue, Magyar emphasized that European cooperation is built on compromise. He pledged that Hungary would seek to implement and respect decisions reached within the European Union, while maintaining open and honest dialogue with its partners.
‘While acknowledging that Hungary and Germany would not always agree on every issue, Magyar emphasized that European cooperation is built on compromise’
Economic cooperation featured prominently in the discussions. Magyar highlighted Germany’s position as Hungary’s largest foreign investor and one of its most important trading partners, noting that annual bilateral trade reaches approximately €67 billion. He praised German companies operating in Hungary and said the combination of German investment and Hungarian expertise offers significant potential in fields such as research and development and defence.
The prime minister announced plans to consult closely with major German investors as part of efforts to attract further investment and improve the business environment. He also underlined the government’s commitment to strengthening political, cultural and economic ties between the two countries.
On energy policy, Magyar said Hungary aims to diversify its energy sources to improve both energy security and price competitiveness.
Addressing relations with Ukraine, the prime minister confirmed that technical-level talks are ongoing regarding the language, cultural and educational rights of the Hungarian minority living in Ukraine. He described the negotiations as encouraging and expressed optimism that a long-standing dispute could soon be resolved.
Magyar said he would be prepared to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy if an agreement is reached on minority rights, arguing that the ability to use one’s native language in education, administration and cultural life represents a fundamental human right.
He reiterated that the protection of the Hungarian minority remains a key condition in Hungary’s position on Ukraine’s EU accession process, while expressing confidence that a solution may be close.
‘The protection of the Hungarian minority remains a key condition in Hungary’s position on Ukraine’s EU accession process’
The prime minister also announced that Budapest will host a Visegrád Group summit on 23 June, attended by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Czech political leader Andrej Babiš and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. Magyar said he would propose expanding regional cooperation to include countries such as Austria, Germany, Croatia, Slovenia and Romania in order to strengthen Central Europe through infrastructure, economic and cultural partnerships.
Responding to questions from journalists, Magyar said he and Chancellor Merz agreed that more German companies would be interested in investing in Hungary if concerns over corruption were addressed. He identified anti-corruption measures and strengthening the independence of the judiciary and investigative authorities as top priorities for his government.
The prime minister added that these commitments are also linked to a political agreement with the European Commission concerning €16.4 billion in EU funds earmarked for Hungary, including plans to strengthen the powers of the Integrity Authority.
Magyar also reaffirmed that Hungary would not send troops or weapons to Ukraine under his government.
Commenting on domestic politics, the prime minister sharply criticized President Tamás Sulyok, accusing him of failing to defend democratic institutions and national unity during previous years. Magyar argued that his government had received a clear mandate to remove officials whom it believes failed in their constitutional responsibilities.
He also announced Hungary’s support for Germany’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
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