Hungarian Envoy Declared ‘Unwelcome’ at Poland’s EU Presidency Gala

Poland and Hungary's Diplomatic Rift Deepens, Highlighted by Gala Snub

Polish Deputy European Affairs Minister Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka revealed that Poland had initially extended invitations to the entire diplomatic corps for a theatrical gala. However, in the wake of developments involving Marcin Romanowski, a former Polish deputy justice minister, the invitation to Hungary’s ambassador was rescinded. “[Foreign] Minister Sikorski sent a note to the Hungarian ambassador that he was not a welcome guest at the theater,” Sobkowiak-Czarnecka explained, confirming reports from Polish media. Additionally, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán was not on the guest list. “We are waiting to see if a lower-ranking representative will appear,” she added.

This diplomatic fallout ties back to Romanowski, a Member of Parliament from the nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party, who is currently facing 11 charges in Poland over alleged misuse of public funds during his tenure as deputy justice minister from 2019 to 2023. A European arrest warrant was issued against him by a Warsaw court, just before Hungary granted him asylum. These events have further strained relations between the neighboring nations.

The relationship between Poland and Hungary, once allies, has grown increasingly tense since Poland’s current Prime Minister Donald Tusk and his centrist coalition ousted the PiS in late 2023. Divergent approaches to the European Union’s response to Russia’s war in Ukraine have exacerbated the divide, with Poland standing firmly with Kyiv, while Hungary has showcased a more pro-Moscow stance under Prime Minister Orbán.

Controversy also surrounds the invitation to the gala. According to Polish outlet Onet, the Hungarian ambassador had initially confirmed his attendance weeks ago before the sudden rescission of his invitation. This decision prompted a sharp response from Hungary’s Foreign Affairs Ministry. In a statement emailed to POLITICO, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó criticized Poland’s actions, describing them as “pathetic and childish.”

The dispute underscores the growing fractures in EU unity, particularly among Central European states that once presented a more cohesive front. How this will affect broader EU policies remains to be seen.

Reporting contributed by Csongor Körömi.