Hungary and Germany have agreed on closer political, economic and diplomatic cooperation, while Prime Minister Péter Magyar’s November visit to Berlin is already being prepared.
Budapest and Berlin seek to strengthen ties
Hungary and Germany are preparing to open a new chapter in their bilateral relations, Hungarian Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Anita Orbán said following talks with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in Budapest.
The two sides agreed on a series of measures aimed at strengthening political dialogue, economic cooperation and people-to-people ties. Orbán said the meeting had also begun preparations for Prime Minister Péter Magyar’s visit to Berlin on 9–10 November.
The timing has historical significance: the Berlin Wall fell on 9 November 1989, one of the defining events of the end of the Cold War.
In a joint statement, the two countries said they wanted to renew their partnership and open a new, trust-based chapter in Hungarian-German relations, nearly 35 years after the signing of their friendship treaty in 1992.
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Economic and energy cooperation in focus
Hungary and Germany said they intend to further develop and broaden their economic ties, including beyond the automotive industry, where German companies have a major presence in Hungary.
The two governments also stressed the importance of strengthening the European single market and creating an attractive, innovation-friendly and reliable investment environment.
They agreed that Europe needs to preserve and develop the foundations of a competitive industrial sector so that the continent can remain competitive globally.
Energy security was another key area of cooperation. Hungary and Germany called for greater European coordination to protect the region’s energy security.
The countries also said they face significant migration pressure and share the goal of stopping illegal migration and strengthening the protection of the EU’s external borders.
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Closer cooperation between foreign ministries
The two countries agreed on a number of concrete measures to deepen cooperation. These include strengthening the Hungarian-German Forum, which brings together political and civil society representatives. The next forum, scheduled to take place in Berlin in autumn 2026, is being presented as a concrete sign of a new beginning in bilateral relations.
Hungary and Germany will also establish regular professional consultations between their foreign ministries on bilateral relations and European policy, as well as on geo-economic and defence industry issues where relevant.
The ministries plan to increase exchanges on strategic planning and communication, including cooperation on the challenges posed by disinformation. A regular dialogue between Hungarian and German think tanks will also be established.
The two sides additionally agreed to expand exchanges between young diplomats and connect training programmes preparing participants for diplomatic service. The countries also plan to increase the exchange of diplomats between their foreign ministries.
Cooperation in education and culture
Budapest and Berlin also intend to maintain close cooperation with Andrássy University Budapest, youth exchange organisations and other partners in culture, language and education. The two sides will examine the possibility of organising a Hungarian-German Year of Culture in 2028.
The joint statement also highlights the role of science, education, culture, civil society and youth exchanges in strengthening mutual understanding between the two countries.
Germany’s large Hungarian diaspora and Hungary’s German minority will continue to receive particular attention, with the two governments also stressing the importance of the future and accessibility of German-language education in Hungary.
Shared positions on European and international issues
The joint statement says Hungary and Germany want to work together for a strong, secure, free and competitive Europe as EU member states and NATO allies.
On Ukraine, both countries reaffirmed their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and backed the European Council’s June 2026 conclusions calling for an immediate ceasefire and a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.
They also said they would increase efforts to promote peace and security in the Middle East and South-West Asia, while supporting Israel’s right to self-defence.
On the Western Balkans, Budapest and Berlin said they share an interest in peace, stability, successful EU integration and economic development, and pledged to support candidate countries on their path towards EU membership.
The statement also refers to the 70th anniversary of Hungary’s 1956 revolution and uprising, saying it reinforces the two countries’ commitment to European values, including human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and the protection of human rights.
