Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker and Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar met in Vienna on Thursday to strengthen cooperation and reinvigorate relations between their countries. This marks Magyar’s second official foreign visit since assuming office, during which he engaged with Austrian leaders, business figures, and regional officials. The Hungarian delegation included key ministers covering areas like foreign affairs, economy, transport, and environmental policy.
At a joint press conference, Magyar emphasized Hungary’s dedication to becoming a more constructive EU partner, while also upholding national interests. He highlighted the significance of collaboration within European institutions and regional alliances. Stocker noted the symbolic significance of Magyar’s electoral victory and expressed optimism that closer ties between Austria and Hungary could enhance Central Europe’s influence within the EU framework.
The leaders agreed to convene a joint cabinet meeting in September in Gödöllő, Hungary, to further political and economic coordination. Additionally, Magyar revealed plans for a regional summit involving Visegrád Group countries, possibly extending invitations to neighboring nations such as Austria, Croatia, Romania, and Slovenia.
The discussions covered key issues like migration, energy policy, and regional security. Both governments endorsed enhanced cooperation on border management and supported accelerating the EU’s expansion into the Western Balkans. In the energy sector, Austria and Hungary emphasized the need for expanded cross-border infrastructure and diversified supply networks. Major transport projects, including improvements to rail links between Budapest and Vienna and the extension of road connections towards Austria, were also on the agenda.
Economic relations were scrutinized, particularly concerning Hungary’s special taxes impacting Austrian companies. Magyar acknowledged the challenging budgetary situation in Hungary, expressing intentions to develop a more transparent and growth-oriented economic system to attract higher-value foreign investments. Environmental issues were also discussed, focusing on asbestos-contaminated stone shipments from Austrian quarries to western Hungary. Magyar announced the formation of a joint Austrian-Hungarian commission to investigate and manage cleanup efforts, with Stocker pledging Austrian cooperation in addressing Hungary’s environmental concerns.