Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar and his Czech counterpart Andrej Babiš have pledged closer cooperation on energy, migration and transport, while Magyar delivered a sharp response to speculation about Viktor Orbán becoming the next UN secretary-general.
Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar described himself as an “easygoing guy” after holding the first-ever joint Czech-Hungarian government meeting in Prague on Thursday. Speaking alongside Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, Magyar stressed that the two countries wanted to focus on practical cooperation rather than their political differences.
The talks covered energy security, migration, European Union affairs and plans for a high-speed railway connecting the Visegrád Four (V4) countries. Magyar also took the opportunity to criticise his predecessor, Viktor Orbán, over reports that the former Hungarian prime minister could be considered for the post of UN secretary-general.
‘I’m an easygoing guy’, Magyar says
Asked about his approach to cooperation with Babiš, Magyar said he was interested in Hungarian interests rather than ideological debates.
“I’m an easygoing guy. I’m interested in the interests of Hungarians,” he said, adding that he wanted to discuss concrete issues with international partners instead of focusing on subjects that divide them.
Babiš, who previously enjoyed a close relationship with Orbán, said he represented the interests of his own country and respected the choices made by other nations. He praised Magyar’s strong electoral mandate, saying he envied the Hungarian prime minister for winning such a decisive victory without needing coalition partners.
Magyar welcomed the renewed momentum behind the V4, which brings together Hungary, Czechia, Poland and Slovakia. He said cooperation between the four countries could strengthen their position in the European Council, particularly on energy and migration.
Magyar mocks prospect of Orbán leading the UN
One of the most striking exchanges came when CNN asked Magyar how he would react if US President Donald Trump backed Orbán for the UN secretary-general position.
“If someone wants to destroy the UN, take an Orbán – that would be a good start,” Magyar said.
He acknowledged that the international organisation had shortcomings but rejected the idea that it was a criminal organisation. He also referred to alleged criminal cases involving former members of Orbán’s government as part of his criticism.
The comments followed reports that Orbán’s candidacy had been discussed in US political circles. However, no confirmed appointment or selection has been announced, and the process for choosing the next secretary-general remains ongoing.
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High-speed railway could connect Budapest and Prague in three hours
Transport and energy cooperation also featured prominently in the talks. Magyar said the two governments wanted to turn broad commitments into concrete projects, including encouraging energy companies to invest in each other’s countries.
The leaders also discussed a proposed high-speed railway linking the V4 capitals. Magyar said the route could eventually cut travel time between Budapest and Prague to around three hours, while a Budapest–Warsaw journey could take approximately five hours.
The project could cost more than €10 billion, and the four countries want to secure substantial funding from the EU’s next seven-year budget. Hungary and Czechia also signed a memorandum on transport cooperation, including railway investment.
Hungary hopes to end daily €1 million EU fine
Magyar also confirmed that the Hungarian budget contains no allocation for the daily €1 million EU penalty imposed over the country’s migration policy.
He said he hoped Hungary could secure an exemption before the end of the year. Babiš also criticised the fine, calling it absurd that Hungary should pay for protecting its borders against illegal migration.
The Czech government is expected to visit Budapest in the spring for the next bilateral government meeting, with both leaders expressing confidence that closer cooperation could deliver tangible benefits for their countries.
