The tensions between Poland and Hungary in recent years arise from differences in their strategic positions and national interests within the European Union (EU). While the two nations have long co-operated around shared values and policies, their approaches have increasingly diverged on issues such as the rule of law, migration policies, and the EU’s budgetary decisions. This divergence now impacts both bilateral relations and the broader cohesion of the EU. Poland’s aspirations for regional leadership and Hungary’s pursuit of a more independent foreign policy have further heightened these tensions, with the potential to shape the political trajectory of Central Europe.
In a 2016 speech in Kraków, Poland, Viktor Orbán highlighted the strength of Polish-Hungarian friendship, stating: “There is no people in the world that appreciates Poland and Poles as much as Hungarians, and Poles appreciate Hungarians as much.”[1] Within eight years, however, this amicable tone gave way to stark criticism. Speaking at the Tusványos summer camp in 2023, Orbán accused Poland of pursuing “the most hypocritical policy in Europe,” signalling a deepening rift. Poland’s strong reaction to this remark further exacerbated the strain in relations.[2]
The previously close relationship between Hungary’s Fidesz party and Poland’s former ruling Law and Justice Party (PiS) has been undermined by the Ukraine war and political shifts. The situation escalated with Donald Tusk’s 2023 electoral victory, which brought a centrist coalition to power in Poland. Relations between Orbán and Tusk deteriorated sharply, as Orbán’s anti-European Union stance contrasted with Tusk’s pro-EU policies. Orbán’s earlier alliance with the PiS, rooted in resisting EU concerns over democracy and the rule of law, faltered under the strain of geopolitical events.
The war in Ukraine fractured this alliance further. Poland emerged as one of Ukraine’s strongest supporters, while Hungary maintained close ties with Russia. Orbán’s remarks on the conflict provoked outrage in Poland, with Donald Tusk condemning Hungary’s stance and urging Poles to “vote out the most pro-Putin government in Europe”.[3] Tusk’s electoral victory isolated Orbán further and allowed Poland to refocus on mending its relationship with the EU. Unlike Orbán, Tusk aims to restore Poland’s democratic values and secure EU funding. Consequently, Polish-Hungarian relations reached an unprecedented low. Hungarian political scientist Zgut-Przybylska encapsulated the situation: “The Orbán government has decided to end Polish-Hungarian friendship completely.”[4]
Relations deteriorated further when Hungary granted political asylum to former Polish Deputy Minister of Justice Marcin Romanowski, triggering a new diplomatic crisis. Romanowski, accused of 11 charges including misusing funds for crime victims and attempting to defraud the state, became a symbol of the discord. The Polish government deemed Hungary’s decision a ‘hostile attitude’ and a violation of EU principles.[5]
Orbán defended his actions, asserting that Hungary would offer asylum to those fleeing ‘political persecution’ in Poland. In response, Poland summoned Hungary’s ambassador and vowed to appeal to the European Commission for intervention. This move not only strained bilateral ties but also raised broader concerns about rule-of-law standards within the EU. Such a development deepened the rift in relations between Poland and Hungary, despite their ideological affinity. The two countries risked becoming increasingly isolated within the EU.
The Romanowski case underscored the growing divide between Poland’s efforts to restore the rule of law and combat corruption, and Hungary’s increasingly authoritarian governance. While the two countries once shared ideological affinities, this incident exposed their deepening divergence. Hungary’s decision is widely perceived as contrary to EU values, fuelling ongoing debates about judicial independence and governance. The repercussions of this crisis risk further isolating both nations within the EU, potentially weakening their alliance and creating new conflicts within the bloc.
Viktor Orbán alleged that the government led by Donald Tusk was orchestrated by the European Union to unseat the prior right-wing populist administration.[6] However, Orbán has provided no evidence to substantiate these claims. The Polish government came to power following the 2023 elections, which witnessed a record voter turnout. In response, Orbán drew parallels to Hungary, suggesting that the EU sought to topple his own government and replace it with what he described as a puppet regime.[7] The Polish Foreign Ministry dismissed these allegations, underscoring that the current government reflects the will of Polish voters.
Orbán’s rhetoric aligns with his enduring clash with the EU, which intensified after the Union withheld funds due to Hungary’s alleged violations of democratic norms. Simultaneously, Hungary’s alignment with Russia and China, coupled with its pursuit of investments and loans from authoritarian regimes, has fuelled Orbán’s increasingly strident criticism of Brussels.
To summarise, the tensions between Poland and Hungary underscore their sharply diverging political trajectories and the mutual recriminations that now characterise their relationship within the European Union. Hungary’s decision to grant political asylum to a Polish opposition figure and Orbán’s depiction of the Polish government as an EU ‘puppet’ have aggravated the discord. Poland, for its part, perceived Hungary’s actions as overtly antagonistic.
These tensions carry significant implications for the two nations’ standing and alliances within the EU. Poland, under Tusk’s leadership, has committed to restoring democratic values and adherence to the rule of law, while Hungary, under Orbán, has embraced a more authoritarian approach, distancing itself from the Union. The once-close alliance between the two nations has splintered, contributing to the broader fragmentation within the EU. This schism could complicate efforts to foster unity and co-operation within the Union.
[1] Csongor Körömi, “Fratricide: How Poland and Hungary went from friends to foes”, Politico, https://www.politico.eu/article/poland-hungary-krakow-viktor-orban-politics-eu-europe-brussels/, (Retrieved: 22.12.2024).
[2] Ibid.
[3] Ibid.
[4] Ibid.
[5] Vanessa Gera, “Diplomatic spat erupts after Hungary gives asylum to Polish politician suspected of corruption”, AP News, https://apnews.com/article/poland-hungary-asylum-politician-dispute-6c528154f2ca2a67ef45fad333aa1984, (Retrieved: 22.12.2024).
[6] Justin Spike, “Hungary’s Orbán claims Poland’s center-right government was installed by the EU”, AP News, https://apnews.com/article/orban-polish-government-installed-eu-a2754cd1727ff01c7b5ce19b94bf41de, (Retrieved: 22.12.2024).
[7] Adam Easton, “Hungary sparks row with Poland by granting asylum to ex-minister”, BBC, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9dp61weeggo, (Retrieved: 22.12.2024).
