Germany seeks closer ties with Hungary after Orban ouster

Key facts

• German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul visited Budapest on Monday, marking the first such visit in seven years.
• Germany aims to rapidly restore relations with Hungary under new Prime Minister Peter Magyar.
• Hungary's new foreign minister, Anita Orbán, met with Thomas Strobl, president of Germany's Baden-Württemberg state parliament.
• Baden-Württemberg is Hungary's second most significant trading partner among German federal states.
• Mercedes-Benz inaugurated a new production facility in Kecskemét, Hungary.

Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul described his visit to Budapest on Monday as an opportunity to rapidly restore relations following the ouster of former Prime Minister Viktor Orban. This marks the first visit by a German foreign minister in nearly seven years. Wadephul stated that while there is "much ground to make up," the "political change in Hungary offers an opportunity to rapidly restore our relations to a foundation of mutual trust and reliability." Germany has welcomed a new start under Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar, who assumed office this year after Orban's 16-year rule.

In parallel, Hungary is seeking to deepen its partnership with Germany's state of Baden-Württemberg. Foreign Minister Anita Orbán announced she had welcomed Thomas Strobl, the newly elected president of the Baden-Württemberg state parliament, for talks. Orbán highlighted Baden-Württemberg's importance as one of Hungary's closest economic partners, ranking as the country's second most significant trading partner among German federal states in 2025. The inauguration of Mercedes-Benz's new production facility in Kecskemét was also cited as a milestone in bilateral economic relations.

EU diplomats also expressed optimism about potential changes in EU foreign policy following Orbán's electoral defeat. Ministers meeting in Luxembourg noted that new leadership in Budapest could unblock previously stalled dossiers, including aid for Ukraine and sanctions against Russia. Estonia's Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna noted a "new feeling in the room" and that Hungary "chose Europe."