During a visit by Péter Magyar, Prime Minister of Hungary, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz reaffirmed his intent to revitalise relations between Hungary and Germany. Merz emphasised that the aim was to “capitalise on the momentum of the government’s fresh start”. In addition to Federal Chancellor Merz and Prime Minister Magyar, several ministers from both countries also took part in the talks at the Federal Chancellery. 

Federal Chancellor Merz spoke of a “new beginning for our relations” and highlighted the close economic ties between the two countries. The two nations intend to strengthen economic links, as well as to deepen cooperation in the areas of energy and defence. The Chancellor also announced plans to strengthen cultural ties, for example through the German-Hungarian Year of Culture in 2028.  

The most important points in brief: 

• Support for Ukraine: At the press conference, the Federal Chancellor made it clear that we “must not let up on financial support for Ukraine at this stage”, citing its importance for the security of Europe as a whole. With regard to Moscow, he spoke in no uncertain terms: “Russia still only understands the language of force.” This highlights the need for Europe to present a united front, he said, both “in its willingness to engage in serious negotiations” and in continuing to exert pressure on Russia and providing long-term support to Ukraine.
• Prospects for candidate countries: Another topic of discussion was the enlargement of the European Union. Federal Chancellor Merz praised the progress made by the candidate countries and called for credibility in European commitments: “If these candidates are ready for accession, then we must honour our promise to allow it.” With Montenegro, in particular, the EU is “on the verge of concluding accession negotiations”. With regard to Ukraine and Moldova, Merz called for all chapters of negotiation to be opened as soon as possible.
• A “future-proof“ EU budget: The Chancellor called for a swift conclusion to the negotiations on the EU’s future Multiannual Financial Framework – although he conditioned it on certain requirements being met. The budget must be “future-proof“, he said, but also financially sustainable for the Member States. The Chancellor was unequivocal: “I therefore expect the new proposals from the President of the European Council, António Costa, to bring about significant changes.” Without these changes, “it will not be possible to conclude negotiations any time soon”, Merz emphasised.

Read the transcript of the press conference here (in German only):