Germany eyes fresh start with Hungary as foreign minister makes first visit since Orban ouster
Berlin says the visit could reopen political and economic cooperation as both sides discuss security, Ukraine and EU enlargement.
- On Monday, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul visited Budapest, marking the first official German diplomatic trip in nearly seven years to restore ties following former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's defeat.
- Prime Minister Peter Magyar's pro-European government replaced Orbán's 16-year rule this year; German officials described the visit as an opportunity to "open a new chapter" in bilateral relations.
- Wadephul arrived with a business delegation and met President András Baka and Economy Minister István Kapitány, noting that German companies employ around 250,000 workers in Hungary.
- Emphasizing that Germany and Hungary have "an enormous amount of catching up to do," Wadephul stated that predictable rules and the rule of law are essential for investor confidence.
- Discussions covered European security and Russia's war in Ukraine, with Wadephul highlighting that Hungary's implementation of EU requirements and rule of law reforms are vital benchmarks for long-term integration.
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40 Articles
With a view to his visit to Hungary today, Federal Foreign Minister Wadephul spoke of a new chapter in diplomatic relations.
For the first time in seven years, a German Foreign Minister visits Hungary. Johann Wadephul has to take a prompt stand on the political situation in his home country.
Johann Wadephul held a joint press conference with Anita Orbán, where the Hungarian Foreign Minister announced that Péter Magyar will meet with Chancellor Merz in Germany on the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.
After the change of government in Budapest, the German-Hungarian relationship is finally to flourish again. However, the nice words of Wadephul's visit cannot hide the fact that there are still differences.
The German Federal Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, arrived in Hungary after almost 7 years, the Office of the President of the Republic wrote in a statement.
Germany news: Foreign minister seeks reset with Hungary
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is visiting Hungary as Berlin seeks to rebuild relations with Budapest. Meanwhile, Germany's homeownership rate has fallen to its lowest level in 20 years. DW has the latest.
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