CAN HUNGARY BE FRIENDS WITH ITS NEIGHBOURS?

The new Hungarian government has launched a diplomatic effort to reset relations with Ukraine shortly after taking office. The move signals a broader attempt to improve ties with Hungary's neighbours following years of regional tensions.

Why does it matter?

Hungary shares borders with seven countries and hosts significant Hungarian minority communities beyond its frontiers, particularly in Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, and Slovakia. Stable relations with neighbouring states are therefore not only a foreign policy concern but also a national interest.

A constructive relationship with Ukraine is especially important because of the Hungarian community living in Transcarpathia, near the Hungarian-Ukrainian border. Improving bilateral ties may help address longstanding disputes while strengthening regional cooperation.

More broadly, the new government will need workable relations with all neighbouring countries if it wishes to build a stable economic environment and a predictable geopolitical position. Good neighbourly relations can facilitate trade, infrastructure development, energy cooperation, and regional security at a time when Central Europe faces growing strategic uncertainty.