Hungary and Austria signal stronger ties as parliamentary leaders stand together

Hungary and Austria intend to further deepen their close bilateral relationship at the parliamentary level, despite growing political tensions within the European Union and an increasingly uncertain global environment. This was stated on Monday in Vienna following talks between László Kövér (Fidesz), Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly, and Walter Rosenkranz (FPÖ), President of Austria’s National Council.

The two parliamentary leaders held a working meeting at the Austrian Parliament before addressing the press, underlining both historical ties and shared strategic interests between the neighbouring countries.

Kövér: Economic interdependence, peace efforts, and criticism of EU pressure

Speaking for the Hungarian side, Kövér stressed that Austrian–Hungarian relations are built on shared history and strong economic links. He noted that Austria was Hungary’s second-largest foreign investor in 2023, with investments exceeding €10 billion, and that more than 2,200 Austrian companies operate in Hungary, employing around 76,000 people. Austria also ranks fourth among Hungary’s trading partners.

At the same time, Kövér acknowledged that bilateral trade declined in 2024 and stagnated in 2025, attributing this to the economic impact of Russia’s war in Ukraine on the wider Central European region.

“Even if we may imagine different paths toward peace, there is no disagreement between us that the war must end as soon as possible,” Kövér said.

He also reiterated Hungary’s opposition to the EU–Mercosur trade agreement, warning that it would pose serious risks to both Hungarian and Austrian farmers and undermine rural communities that, in his words, “carry Europe’s most deeply rooted values.”

Rosenkranz: Practical cooperation and a stronger Central European voice

From the Austrian perspective, Rosenkranz emphasised the importance of pragmatic cooperation, particularly in areas with direct impact on citizens. He highlighted cross-border emergency service cooperation, especially joint ambulance services in border regions that have been operating since September last year.

According to OE24.at, Rosenkranz also thanked Hungary for what he described as its leading role in combating illegal migration, calling it a key contribution to regional security.

Referring to broader geopolitics, he said that although diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine are now more intensive than ever, the outcome remains difficult to predict.

Joint rejection of Karl Habsburg’s accusations

Both parliamentary leaders strongly rejected recent remarks by Karl Habsburg, who accused the Patriots group in the European Parliament of being a “fifth column of Moscow.”

“Karl Habsburg is simply wrong,” Rosenkranz said, adding that the Patriots group is not linked to Russian interests. He also stressed that Habsburg holds no official political role, describing him as a private individual.

Kövér went further, drawing a historical parallel with post–World War II communist practices in Hungary. He said that attempts to exclude the Patriots group from political discourse—or even to discuss banning its member parties—strongly resemble communist-era tactics, when opponents were labelled enemies of democracy to justify their marginalisation.

Background: the Patriots group in the European Parliament

The Patriots group was formed after the 2024 European Parliament elections, largely at the initiative of Hungary’s Fidesz and Austria’s Freedom Party (FPÖ). It has since become the third-largest political force in the European Parliament.

Karl Habsburg had previously claimed that the group consists of “brutal nationalists” working against European integration and maintaining links to Russian President Vladimir Putin—claims firmly dismissed by both Kövér and Rosenkranz.

Orbán’s potential mediation role and a changing world order

Rosenkranz also referred to Hungary’s international positioning, noting that Prime Minister Viktor Orbán maintains communication channels with both Moscow and Washington, including former US President Donald Trump.

“Under certain circumstances, Viktor Orbán could play a very important mediation role in the future,” Rosenkranz said.

He added that recent global developments—from Ukraine to other international flashpoints—demonstrate that the world order is undergoing a profound transformation, and argued that Europe must act more confidently and cohesively on the global stage.

Minority rights and cultural cooperation

On minority issues, the meeting struck a notably cooperative tone. Kövér urged Austria to adopt a modernised minority law reflecting changing settlement patterns, arguing that Hungarian-language minority education should be possible not only in Burgenland but also in Vienna.

Rosenkranz expressed openness to the issue and concluded the meeting by showing Kövér a recently opened exhibition on recognised ethnic groups in the Austrian Parliament.

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