“Stronger together”: Babiš and Magyar pledge closer cooperation
The Czech and Hungarian governments have agreed to strengthen bilateral ties and coordinate more closely on EU affairs, security, energy and transport. At their first joint meeting in Prague on Thursday, Prime Ministers Andrej Babiš and Péter Magyar also backed closer cooperation within the Visegrad Group (V4) and the development of high-speed rail links across Central Europe.
The two governments held their first joint session at Prague’s Kramář Villa on Thursday, with Magyar accompanied by eight ministers. Babiš described the meeting as a “significant milestone in bilateral relations” and the discussions as “beneficial and concrete”.
He stressed the importance of pulling together, maintaining regular dialogue and strengthening cooperation within the V4, which comprises Czechia, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia.
“Central European countries have much greater strength when they talk to each other and seek common solutions. That is why we welcome the revival of the Visegrad Four format and cooperation with other partners,” Babiš told journalists at a joint press briefing following the talks. He added that Czechia would strive to strengthen ties within the V4 group during its upcoming presidency.
Prime Minister Magyar echoed those sentiments noting that the grouping had recently gained “new energy and impetus” and could become stronger than ever. He highlighted the importance of having reliable allies at EU level.
“It is clear that we are much more successful this way than if we acted separately,” the Hungarian prime minister said.
Thursday’s talks covered security cooperation, energy, climate policy and migration. Babiš said the two countries were working together at the European Council to push for lower energy prices and reduced prices for emissions allowances, as well as to postpone the introduction of the EU’s second emissions trading system, known as ETS2. He added that the two governments shared similar positions on migration.
Magyar likewise stressed the importance of bilateral trade, saying authorities in both countries should help businesses develop commercial ties. He also highlighted cooperation in research and development.
Transport was another key topic. The two countries’ ministers signed a memorandum providing a framework for closer cooperation in road and rail transport, particularly the development of high-speed rail connections.
“It is time to connect Prague, Brno, Bratislava and Budapest with a high-speed rail line,” Magyar said. He also referred to existing transport links with Poland and other countries, while Babiš noted that Central Europe was lagging behind in high-speed rail development.
The ministers also coordinated their positions ahead of the final stages of negotiations on the EU’s next seven-year budget. Magyar noted that negotiators still faced “several battles” and argued that joint efforts could deliver better results. The two countries also discussed plans for joint purchases of medicines.
