Hungary is looking to deepen its partnership with Germany’s state of Baden-Württemberg after a series of high-level meetings in Budapest, with economic cooperation, youth exchanges and regional development among the key priorities.
Foreign Minister Anita Orbán announced on Facebook that she had welcomed Thomas Strobl, the newly elected president of the Baden-Württemberg state parliament, for talks at her office. According to the minister, Hungary was honoured that Strobl chose the country for his first official foreign visit since taking office.
Orbán highlighted Baden-Württemberg’s importance as one of Hungary’s closest economic partners, noting that it ranked as the country’s second most significant trading partner among Germany’s federal states in 2025.
Mercedes-Benz investment strengthens partnership
The foreign minister also pointed to the recent inauguration of Mercedes-Benz’s new production facility in Kecskemét, describing it as another milestone in bilateral economic relations. Stuttgart, the capital of Baden-Württemberg, is home to Mercedes-Benz’s global headquarters.
Orbán said Hungary sees further opportunities to expand economic cooperation while also strengthening ties between young people through new exchange programmes.
Another key topic of discussion was cooperation within the European Union’s Danube Region Strategy, which she described as a successful example of how Central European countries and regions can work together to deliver tangible results in areas such as economic development, energy, environmental protection and competitiveness.
At the end of the meeting, Strobl invited Orbán to Baden-Württemberg to continue their discussions.
Hungarian Parliament speaker welcomes ‘new momentum’
Parliament Speaker Ágnes Forsthoffer also met Thomas Strobl at the Hungarian Parliament, calling the visit a hopeful sign for future Hungarian-German cooperation.
In a Facebook post, Forsthoffer said Hungary and Baden-Württemberg are placing their relationship on “new foundations”, with plans to strengthen economic, professional and political cooperation. She added that the two sides are planning exchange programmes for young people, members of parliament and civil servants to encourage closer institutional ties.
First official trip seen as symbolic
Forsthoffer described Strobl’s decision to make Hungary his first official foreign destination as a symbolic gesture reflecting the importance of bilateral relations.
She also noted that Baden-Württemberg’s governing coalition has committed to strengthening cooperation with Hungary’s new government, adding that Budapest intends to continue rebuilding and expanding its international partnerships.
What this means for Hungary
The meetings signal that Hungary is seeking to strengthen relations not only with Germany at the federal level but also with individual German states that play a major role in trade and investment. Baden-Württemberg is one of Germany’s strongest industrial regions and home to global companies including Mercedes-Benz, making closer cooperation economically significant for Hungary. Expanded youth exchanges and collaboration under the EU Danube Region Strategy could also deepen long-term institutional and regional ties.
If you missed it: Mercedes-Benz opens Europe’s largest plant in Hungary after EUR 1 billion expansion
