Hungarian ambassador visits Carinthia: New ways of cooperation!

Hungarian ambassador visits Carinthia: New ways of cooperation!

The Hungarian Ambassador Bátorfi made her first official visit to Carinthia on June 26, 2025. The reason for this important event was the 35th anniversary of the Hungarian Honorary Consulate in Klagenfurt. During the visit she met with representatives from politics, business and culture, including State Governor Peter Kaiser. The discussions with the state government focused on important topics such as sustainable development, green technologies, securing skilled workers and digitalization. This shows the desire of both sides to intensify cooperation.

A significant part of the visit took place in Lakeside Park, where an exchange between experts from science and business took place. The participants included University Rector Ada Pellert and Chamber of Commerce President Jürgen Mandl. A central goal of the exchange was to intensify relations between Klagenfurt and the Hungarian sister city of Zalaegerszeg.

Art, music and new projects

The ambassador and her interlocutors expressed agreement on initiating joint projects in the areas of art and music. An exchange with the Collegium Hungaricum is planned, which could represent an important cultural bridge between the two cities. Honorary Consul Mag. Konstanze Röhrs emphasized her joy about the visit and the intensive discussions, which could provide an opportunity for new collaborations.

Ambassador Bátorfi's visit is not only a sign of friendship between Hungary and Austria, but also reflects the deep-rooted diplomatic relations between Hungary and Germany. These were established on December 20, 1973 and have continued to develop since then. The opening of the Hungarian border with Austria on September 11, 1989, which enabled many GDR citizens to travel to the Federal Republic of Germany, was very formative for this relationship. Against this background, bilateral relations play an important role, which were also consolidated through the founding of the Hungarian-German Forum.

Recent developments and strategic significance

German reunification on October 3, 1990 led to a dynamic development of political cooperation that continues to this day. Hungary has several foreign missions in Germany, including an embassy in Berlin and consulates general in Munich, Düsseldorf and Stuttgart. Numerous honorary consulates and Hungarian cultural institutes also enrich bilateral relations. High-level visits between the two countries are now frequent, underscoring the vibrant political, economic and cultural ties.

The focus is currently on the Hungarian EU Council Presidency, which lasts from July 1st to December 31st, 2024. On June 18, 2024, Hungarian EU Minister János Bóka presented the motto “Make Europe Great Again” (MEGA), which is intended to symbolize that Europe is stronger together than alone. This strategic orientation suggests that Hungary does not seek to weaken the EU, but rather emphasizes its strengthening in the geopolitical context and highlights the need for Europeans to act confidently internationally.

The developments show that Hungary and Germany as well as the close cooperation with Austria play a central role in the current political framework in Europe and can continue to shape the future positively.