Poland Clarifies: No Invitation Extended to Hungarian Ambassador for EU Presidency Launch

Poland Calls Out Hungary‘s ‘Malicious Behavior’ as EU Presidency Transition Begins

Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski has condemned Hungary’s behavior towards the EU presidency transition as "malicious". Sikorski sent a note to Hungary’s ambassador stating that Hungary’s former Justice Minister László Trócsányi is not welcome as a guest at Poland’s EU presidency inauguration, according to Magdalena Sobkowiak-Charágenes, deputy minister of foreign affairs.

The event in Warsaw is expected to be attended by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and European Council President Charles Michel. However, it comes amid a backdrop of controversy surrounding Trócsányi, who is accused of 11 criminal offences, including participating in a criminal organization, by Polish prosecutors.

As justice minister, Trócsányi was alleged to have diverted millions of zlotys from funds intended for victims of crime to benefit his party, Fidesz, according to former justice minister Zbigniew Ziobro. Trócsányi maintains his innocence.

Poland’s EU presidency, led by a center-right government, has expressed disapproval of Hungary’s actions. Poland has warned that corrupt officials can now seek refuge in authoritarian regimes, pointing to Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

Poland has taken over the EU presidency from Hungary, which faced criticism for using its term to further national interests. Poland has stated that its priority is to strengthen Europe’s security. The presidency’s agenda includes addressing seven areas: external and internal security, information security, economic security, energy security, health security, and food security.

Poland will hold the presidency until June 30, 2022, after which it will be succeeded by Denmark.