What is the "special relationship" between Poland and Hungary?

After Hungary elected a new prime minister, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that he believes Poland and Hungary's new government will establish an "unusual good relationship."

Poland and Hungary maintain a "special relationship," rooted in a millennium of shared history, often summarized by a proverb: "Poles and Hungarians are two good friends." This enduring bond, celebrated annually on March 23, is characterized by cultural ties, mutual support, and a shared history of struggle, strengthening cooperation between the two nations in Central Europe.

Key aspects of Poland-Hungary relations:

Historical Alliance: Historically, the two countries have never experienced major military conflicts and share deep-rooted historical affinities.

Unity and Culture: This friendship is frequently referred to as "brotherhood," with its origins tracing back to medieval royal connections and continuing into modern political collaboration.

Political Ties: In recent years, especially during the rule of Hungary’s Fidesz party and Poland’s Law and Justice Party, the two nations have frequently aligned politically and consistently supported each other on issues concerning EU rule of law.

Symbolic Friendship: Both countries officially celebrate "Poland-Hungary Friendship Day," reflecting a profound symbolic bond that transcends political changes.

Geopolitical Alliance: The two often coordinate interests within the Visegrád Group (V4) and hold similar views on sovereignty issues.

However, this "special relationship" faces numerous complexities, particularly regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, where both governments adopted different response strategies, leading to political tensions between them.

The Visegrád Group (V4) is a regional cooperation organization comprising four Central European countries—Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. Established on February 15, 1991, the group promotes political, economic, and cultural collaboration within the EU and NATO. The V4 operates actively within the EU and represents a significant subregional force influencing European policy.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1862340731513996/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.