Magyar’s visit to Poland: rebuilding bridges and reviving Central European unity

Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar embarked on his first foreign trip since taking office with a two-day visit to Poland that began on 19 May.

The journey, rich in symbolism and substance, underscores his commitment to repairing relations strained under his predecessor Viktor Orbán and repositioning Hungary firmly within the European mainstream. Accompanied by a high-level delegation of ministers, Magyar’s itinerary took him from the historic streets of Krakow to Warsaw and Gdansk, signaling both respect for shared heritage and a forward-looking agenda of practical cooperation.

The visit opened in Krakow, where Magyar arrived via commercial flight from Budapest. He was joined by key figures including Foreign Minister Anita Orbán, Economy and Energy Minister István Kapitány, Transport and Investment Minister Dávid Vitézy, Defence Minister Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi, and others.

I am on my way to my first official visit to Poland as Prime Minister.

We are arriving in the beautiful city of Kraków on a commercial flight via Vienna, from where we will continue by train to Warsaw later this evening.

Joining the prime ministerial delegation are Foreign… pic.twitter.com/UMlWvWrzYm

— Magyar Péter (Ne féljetek) (@magyarpeterMP) May 19, 2026

In a gesture blending tradition and diplomacy, the prime minister laid wreaths at the monument to Pope John Paul II and at sites honoring Hungarian-Polish historical connections, including the Cross of St. Hedwig of Anjou and the tomb of King Stephen Báthory in Wawel Cathedral. Guided by Metropolitan Cardinal Grzegorz Ryś, the delegation explored the cathedral’s treasures, with particular attention to elements reflecting centuries of intertwined Polish and Hungarian legacies. Cardinal Ryś presented Magyar with a rare 17th-century copperplate engraving of Krakow from Alain Mannesson Mallet’s Description de l’Univers.

Magyar captured the spirit of the moment on social media, quoting the famous saying in both Polish and Hungarian: “A Pole, a Hungarian, two nephews, both for the saber and for the glass, both brave, both lively, may God bless them.” His remarks to reporters struck a conciliatory tone, directly addressing the recent chill in bilateral relations that intensified after Poland’s Law and Justice (PiS) party lost power in late 2023. “We simply have to return to normalcy,” he said. “We have to talk to each other and look for what unites us, our similarities – and in the case of Polish-Hungarian relations, this is not difficult.”

A symbolic journey through shared history

The choice of Krakow as the starting point carried deep resonance. Wawel Cathedral and its surroundings represent not only Polish national identity but also longstanding bonds between the two nations. By emphasizing cultural and spiritual connections early in the trip, Magyar highlighted the enduring foundation beneath political disagreements. The delegation’s movement by train from Krakow to Warsaw further reinforced this message. Magyar wryly noted he was traveling on a “high-speed rail line built with EU funds –  by this ‘bad Brussels’,” gently mocking Orbán-era Euroscepticism while expressing his government’s desire to expand such infrastructure links, particularly a future high-speed Budapest-Warsaw connection.

This approach contrasts sharply with the tensions of recent years. Under Orbán, Hungary’s close ties with Russia and reluctance to support robust aid to Ukraine created friction even with Poland’s previous right-wing government. Relations reached a low after Donald Tusk’s pro-European coalition took power in 2023, with public clashes over rule-of-law issues, Ukraine policy, and Hungary’s granting of asylum to Polish figures wanted by prosecutors, including former Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro. Magyar has signaled a clear break. He pledged to share information about Ziobro’s departure with Polish authorities and has committed to reducing Hungary’s dependence on Russian energy by 2035. Energy cooperation is expected to feature prominently, with Poland prepared to offer Hungary access to U.S. LNG through a new terminal in Gdansk scheduled for 2028.

Forging concrete cooperation and a stronger Visegrád future

Beyond symbolism, the visit lays groundwork for tangible collaboration in infrastructure, transport, agriculture, culture, and defense. Dávid Vitézy highlighted discussions on integrating Hungary into Central and Eastern Europe’s developing high-speed rail network. Defence ministers from both countries are set to coordinate closely, while broader talks address support for Ukraine and the future of the Visegrád Group (V4), comprising Poland, Hungary, Czechia, and Slovakia.

Magyar has expressed ambition to revive and expand the V4, potentially including Austria and other like-minded nations. “I remember well when Hungarian-Polish cooperation, the Visegrád Four, were at their peak in the early 2010s,” he said. “We will return to this. In fact, our goal is for the V4 to expand.” This vision aligns with Tusk’s recent overtures toward regional cooperation, including his post-election comments about the “three musketeers” awaiting the fourth partner.

In Warsaw, Magyar was scheduled to meet Prime Minister Donald Tusk, President Karol Nawrocki, and parliamentary speakers. A stop in Gdansk to meet legendary Solidarity leader Lech Wałęsa added further historical weight. These engagements come as Magyar seeks to unlock frozen EU funds and demonstrate Hungary’s reliability as a partner. Observers note parallels with Tusk’s own success in securing billions in EU resources after addressing rule-of-law concerns.

The timing and scope of the visit reflect mutual interest in turning the page. Polish officials have welcomed the “symbolic” gesture, while analysts emphasize the need to rebuild trust eroded by years of divergent foreign policies. Magyar’s delegation size and cross-sectoral composition suggest serious intent to move from rhetoric to results. As one Polish diplomat observed, the new Hungarian government is demonstrating that friendship with Poland matters.

Historically, Polish-Hungarian ties have weathered empires, wars, and ideological shifts. The “two nephews” proverb evokes a brotherhood forged in battle and celebration alike. After a period of drift, Magyar’s trip represents a deliberate return to that tradition while adapting it to contemporary challenges: energy security, regional connectivity, support for Ukraine, and effective European cooperation.

The visit concludes with a brief stop in Vienna before returning to Budapest by train, completing a Central European loop that itself symbolizes interconnected futures. For a prime minister barely ten days in office, the journey sends a clear message: Hungary has changed, it is open for partnership, ready to prioritise what unites over what divides, and determined to restore its relationships to their “rightful place.”

Sources: Focus Europe.pl, Polskie Radio, Reuters, Visegrad Insight

Hungary’s new chapter: Péter Magyar takes the helm as prime minister

Caption: Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar lays flowers at the John Paul II Monument at Wawel Castle in Krakow, Poland, 19 May 2026. The head of the Hungarian government began a two-day visit to Poland, during which he will visit Krakow, Warsaw, and Gdansk. He is accompanied by seven ministers. This is Prime Minister Magyar’s first foreign trip since taking power in Hungary. EPA/Lukasz Gagulski 

• Hungary
• Peter Magyar
• Poland
• Visegrad Group

Updated: May 20, 2026 - 12:30