Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker hosted Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar in Vienna on Thursday, marking a significant step towards enhancing cooperation and revitalizing bilateral ties. This visit, Magyar’s second official trip abroad since assuming office, featured discussions with Austrian leaders and business representatives, alongside members of his delegation that included senior ministers covering foreign affairs, economy, transport, and environmental policy.
At a joint press conference, Magyar emphasized Hungary’s pledge to be a more constructive player within the European Union while safeguarding its national interests. He underscored the necessity of collaboration within European institutions and regional alliances. Stocker, on his part, acknowledged Magyar’s election win as symbolically significant, suggesting that closer cooperation between Austria and Hungary could amplify Central Europe’s influence within the EU.
The discussions between the two leaders culminated in an agreement to hold a joint cabinet meeting in September in Gödöllő, Hungary, aimed at enhancing political and economic coordination. Additionally, Magyar proposed organizing a regional summit involving Visegrád Group countries, with the potential to extend invitations to neighboring nations like Austria, Croatia, Romania, and Slovenia.
Key topics addressed during the talks included migration, energy policy, and regional security, with both governments advocating for improved cooperation on border management and supporting expedited EU expansion into the Western Balkans. In the sphere of energy, Austria and Hungary called for the expansion of cross-border infrastructure and diversification of supply networks. They also discussed major transport initiatives, such as upgrading rail links between Budapest and Vienna and extending road connections towards Austria.
Economic discussions focused on Hungary’s special taxes impacting Austrian companies. Magyar acknowledged Hungary’s challenging budgetary conditions and expressed the government’s intent to foster a more transparent and growth-oriented economic system, encouraging high-value foreign investment. Environmental issues, particularly concerning asbestos-contaminated stone shipments from Austrian quarries to western Hungary, were also prominent in the dialogue. Magyar announced the establishment of a joint Austrian-Hungarian commission to investigate and manage cleanup efforts. Stocker assured Hungary of Austria’s cooperation in addressing these environmental concerns.