Karol Nawrocki met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in Budapest on March 23rd, discussing Russia, Ukraine, and a potential energy cooperation offer.
Nawrocki-Orbán Discussions and Polish Proposal
Karol Nawrocki met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in Budapest on March 23rd. Marcin Przydacz revealed the topics discussed during the meeting, including a “tough conversation” regarding Russia and Ukraine.
Przydacz stated there were also discussions about energy and a specific offer from Poland.
Potential for Polish-Hungarian Energy Cooperation
Marcin Przydacz indicated a possibility for cooperation with Hungary, mirroring existing partnerships with the US (LNG, Świnoujście) and potential collaborations with the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
He emphasized the importance of extending such proposals rather than resorting to offense, questioning whether Hungary would take advantage of the opportunity.
Hungary Halts Gas Supplies to Ukraine, Tusk Responds
Viktor Orbán announced Hungary’s suspension of gas deliveries to Ukraine until oil supplies resume via the “Friendship” pipeline. This decision prompted a reaction from Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
Tusk stated on X (formerly Twitter) that the suspension was the “first effect” of Nawrocki’s visit to Budapest, adding that “Putin is pleased.”
Sikorski Criticizes Nawrocki’s Visit as Damaging to Polish Foreign Policy
Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski asserted that Nawrocki’s visit to Hungary and meeting with Orbán harmed Polish foreign policy.
Sikorski argued the visit was atypical, as the Polish president typically engages with counterparts of equal standing, and suggested the visit aimed to support Orbán’s election campaign.
He further stated that interfering in other countries’ electoral processes, particularly in favor of candidates aiding Putin, is not Poland’s policy and expressed disappointment with President Duda’s actions.
