English Section

Poland's Tusk hails Hungary's Magyar as symbol of hope for democracy

20.05.2026 16:00
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Wednesday welcomed his Hungarian counterpart Peter Magyar, calling his election victory a sign of hope for democracy worldwide, as the two leaders pledged to revive regional cooperation and work toward a common European position on Ukraine.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk (right) and his Hungarian counterpart Peter Magyar (left).
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk (right) and his Hungarian counterpart Peter Magyar (left).PAP/Adam Warżawa

"Your historic victory in Hungary is not only Hungary's return to Europe, to high standards, to honesty, to true democracy; it is also a sign of hope for millions of people in Europe and the world that democracy, the rule of law, and decency in politics are not lost causes," Tusk said at a joint press conference.

Magyar, whose Tisza party ended Viktor Orban's 16-year rule in April elections, took office on May 9. His visit to Poland is his first foreign trip as prime minister.

On Ukraine, both leaders said they share similar views. Tusk said Poland and Hungary would work toward a joint European position, noting that Ukraine is "very interested" in accelerating EU accession talks and that Warsaw "fully supports" those plans.

Magyar said Ukraine "is a victim and has the right to defend itself by all means to protect its territorial integrity and sovereignty," while calling for a swift ceasefire followed by a lasting, internationally guaranteed peace.

The two leaders pledged to revitalize the Visegrad Group. "I have waited long years for this moment — to sit again at one table with a Hungarian, a Slovak and a Czech and talk about what we can do together for our nations," Tusk said.

Magyar announced he would invite the V4 prime ministers to a summit in late June and said the group's cooperation could be expanded to include Austria, Scandinavian countries, Croatia, Slovenia, Romania, or Western Balkan states.

Tusk also said Poland is ready to share its experience in achieving energy independence and to offer cooperation and investment in infrastructure "so that the entire region is truly autonomous" in energy supply.

He thanked Magyar for pledging full cooperation on extradition matters related to Polish politicians facing serious criminal charges who had sheltered in Hungary under the previous government.

Magyar, invoking the thousand-year friendship between Poland and Hungary, said the relationship is "opening a new chapter."

He noted a Hungarian political saying — "the express from Warsaw is arriving" — suggesting that Polish democratic changes tend to reach Hungary after some time. "Poland is a little ahead," he said.

(jh)

Source: PAP