Donald Tusk has openly denounced Budapest’s supposed mishandling of EU confidential information as a “disgrace” and sharply criticized its increasing allegiance to Moscow. This situation transcends a mere political dispute; it represents a profound division that has developed over many years. Below is an overview of the timeline.
Not long ago, Poland and Hungary formed the dominant partnership in Central Europe.
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During the previous Law and Justice (PiS) administration in Poland, Warsaw and Budapest stood united, providing mutual protection against sanctions imposed by the EU. Yet, Russia’s full-scale assault on Ukraine in early 2022 fractured this alliance significantly.
Poland emerged as Kyiv’s foremost supporter, while Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán declined to cut relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The discord intensified so much that Jarosław Kaczyński, the conservative leader in Poland, advised Orbán to have his vision checked in light of Russian war crimes.
In the present day, the tensions have escalated further. Budapest now acts as a refuge for PiS politicians wanted by authorities and fleeing from Donald Tusk’s government. One example is former Polish Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro, who is currently residing in Hungary to avoid facing 26 charges including corruption and abuse of power.
The relationship completely collapsed this week following allegations that Hungary’s foreign minister leaked sensitive EU meeting information to Moscow. In response, Tusk revealed that Warsaw suspected this treachery for an extended period.
The conflict is now creating deep divisions within Poland itself. Polish President Karol Nawrocki, aligned with MAGA, is openly defying pro-EU Tusk by visiting Budapest to show support for Orbán just before the elections scheduled for April 12.
This development marks a sorrowful chapter in history. The two countries once shared monarchs during the late Middle Ages, such as Louis the Great and Stephen Bathory.
After enduring centuries of empires, global conflicts, and communism side by side, it appears that current geopolitical dynamics and Russian affiliations are straining a bond long captured in the saying: «Pole and Hungarian, two good friends, together for the sword and the wine.”
For the complete report, watch the Euronews video featured above.