Relationships of Hungary with the states of the Visegrád Group (2014–2021)

Abstract

The article examines main directions of the development of cooperation between Hungary and the states of the Visegrád Group from 2014 to 2021. On one hand, Hungary builds its relations with Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic in the context of the decisions taken within the framework of the Visegrád Group, on other hand, through bilateral cooperation. The author notes that Hungary is confident in its ability to defend its interests more effectively in the EU and beyond, using the format of the Visegrád Group. V. Orban’s government seeks to maximize the expansion of political and economic cooperation between the states of the Visegrád Group. Nevertheless, Hungary’s increased interest in developments related to the situation of the Hungarian minority in Slovakia complicates contacts between Budapest and Bratislava. The article emphasizes that the position of Hungary coincides with the positions of its partners in the Visegrád Group on most issues on the international agenda (migration crisis, EU development prospects, assessment of Ukrainian and Belarusian events, accession to the EU of the states of the Western Balkans and Turkey). At the same time, Hungary’s policy does not always find understanding among other members of the Visegrád Group due to Hungary’s close relations with Russia and a tough stance on Ukraine’s language policy. Nevertheless, Hungary will strive to maintain a strategic partnership with Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, including by intensifying contacts in the field of defense and security.