Kosovo or not? Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok’s post sparks outrage!

At midnight on 31 December 2024, Romania and Bulgaria formally joined the Schengen Area, marking a significant milestone in the history of the European Union. The event held particular importance for Hungary, as the removal of regular border controls with neighbouring Romania opened up new opportunities for free movement and cross-border cooperation.

While the political and economic implications dominated public discussions, an unexpected diplomatic complication arose due to a map error in a Facebook post by Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok.

Opening ceremonies and diplomatic importance

Following the enlargement at the end of the year, ceremonies were held to celebrate the opening of border crossings between Hungary and Romania. Lieutenant General of Police János Balogh and Chief Inspector Cornel-Laurian Stoica symbolically affirmed the cooperation between the two countries. According to Telex, Hungarian State Secretary Levente Magyar emphasised at several events that the border opening was not just a logistical achievement but also a cultural and social bridge between Hungary and Romania.

The free movement enabled by the Schengen Area was also seen as a revival of historical ties between Hungary and Transylvania. In his speech, Levente Magyar stated that the enlargement was not only a source of national pride but also the beginning of a new era of shared development.

Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok’s facebook post

The celebrations were overshadowed by an embarrassing mistake. In an official Facebook post, Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok welcomed Romania and Bulgaria’s accession to the Schengen Area, highlighting the importance of solidarity and shared progress.