Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán declared that Hungary and Slovakia are currently enjoying the best relationship in their shared history during a joint press conference with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Bratislava on Monday.
Orbán thanked Fico on behalf of Hungary and the Hungarian people for his ‘courageous decisions, friendship, and initiatives’ aimed at strengthening bilateral ties. Reflecting on the transformation of relations, he noted: ‘Fifteen years ago, few would have believed we’d one day speak about our countries in such terms.’
The leaders highlighted a broad alignment of interests between the two nations—particularly in trade, energy, infrastructure, and national sovereignty. Slovakia is now Hungary’s third most important trade partner, with bilateral commerce exceeding 15 billion euros.
Orbán revealed plans for three new roads, three bridges, new train connections, and the renovation of old border crossings. He emphasized the importance of increasing cross-border infrastructure and reaffirmed a commitment to further expanding gas transmission capacity between the countries by an additional 900 million cubic meters.
Regarding foreign policy, Orbán stressed the importance of peace and national sovereignty, expressing support for US-led peace efforts in the Ukraine war and calling for Brussels to support, not undermine, member states’ independent decisions. He criticized EU bureaucracy, stating that ‘democracy resides in the member states, not in Brussels.’
Orbán also restated Hungary’s hardline stance on migration: ‘We are a migration-free country and won’t sacrifice our children’s future for a failed migration policy.’
On EU decision-making, Orbán argued against surrendering unanimity in foreign policy, warning that abandoning it could lead to member states being forced into conflicts against their will.
He closed by affirming Hungary and Slovakia’s constructive role in the EU, offering solutions on energy policy and trade. Orbán extended a formal invitation to Robert Fico to visit Budapest, which the Slovak Prime Minister accepted.
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