Hungary's new Prime Minister Peter Magyar meets French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace on Wednesday, as the two leaders look to strengthen European support for Ukraine following the end of Viktor Orbán's 16-year rule.
Emmanuel Macron and Peter Magyar "will discuss key European issues, notably support for Ukraine and the continuation of sanctions against Russia, European security and defence, strengthening European competitiveness, and preparations for the next multiannual financial framework," the French presidency said on Tuesday.
"This visit will also serve to deepen bilateral relations between France and Hungary through the development of cooperation in several strategic areas, such as nuclear energy, defence and infrastructure," it added.
Magyar, who defeated Viktor Orbán in April's general election, made his first foreign visit to Poland on 19 and 20 May, seeking to repair relations strained by his predecessor's closeness to Moscow despite Russia's ongoing offensive in Ukraine since 2022. He subsequently visited Austria and Belgium on 29 May before travelling to Berlin on Tuesday.
EU funds
In Brussels, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the release of more than €16 billion in funds earmarked for Hungary that had been frozen under Orbán, subject to the new government delivering on promised reforms.
For 16 years, the European Union was confronted with a prime minister who maintained close ties with Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, and who blocked a series of EU initiatives, including on Ukraine.
Unlike his predecessor, Magyar has affirmed Ukraine's right to defend itself against Russian aggression, and has announced plans to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in June, a relationship that stood in stark contrast to the openly hostile ties between Zelensky and Orbán.
(with AFP)
