Hungary’s recent decision to grant asylum to Marcin Romanowski, a Polish opposition figure facing corruption charges, has deepened tensions between Warsaw and Budapest while exposing broader divisions within the European Union (EU). This diplomatic dispute reflects ongoing ideological and political fractures within the EU, particularly regarding the rule of law and governance.
Hungary’s Asylum Decision
Romanowski, a former Polish deputy justice minister, was granted asylum by Hungary on December 19, 2024, despite facing corruption charges in Poland. This move has been seen as a direct challenge to Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s efforts to hold former officials accountable for past misconduct. In response, Poland is considering legal action against Hungary through the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), citing a violation of the EU’s principle of sincere cooperation.
Poland’s government, under Tusk, has made accountability and judicial reform a key priority. By granting asylum to Romanowski—who is subject to a European Arrest Warrant—Hungary is seen as undermining these efforts, challenging EU legal norms, and testing principles of mutual trust between member states.
For its part, Hungary, under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, has defended the decision, citing concerns over the fairness of Romanowski’s potential trial in Poland. This justification reflects a deeper rift within the EU over judicial independence and democratic standards. Hungary itself has frequently clashed with EU institutions over accusations of democratic backsliding, making this latest controversy part of a broader pattern of disputes between Budapest and Brussels.
A Growing Divide in the Visegrád Group
This asylum decision also underscores the weakening unity of the Visegrád Group (V4), traditionally a bloc advocating for shifting Europe’s political center away from Brussels, France, and Germany. Historically aligned on issues like migration and EU governance, the V4 has become increasingly fragmented, particularly since Poland’s 2023 government shift.
Hungary and Poland were once strong allies in challenging EU policies, but this solidarity ended with Tusk’s entry into government. The upcoming Polish elections in 2025 could further reshape regional dynamics, potentially altering the balance of power and cooperation among V4 members. This fragmentation weakens their collective ability to influence EU policies, particularly regarding relations with Russia and energy security.
Hungary’s Energy Strategy and Its Geopolitical Implications
Hungary’s energy policy is another point of contention within the EU. The country remains heavily reliant on Russian gas, importing approximately 7.5 billion cubic meters annually via the TurkStream pipeline while also negotiating to maintain the Ukrainian transit route. With Ukraine refusing to extend the agreement beyond 2024, Hungary faces a complex challenge in securing its energy supply.
Hungary’s position on Russia further isolates it within the EU. Unlike most European nations that have distanced themselves from Moscow following the Ukraine invasion, Hungary continues to engage diplomatically. Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó’s frequent visits to Russia highlight Budapest’s independent stance, often at odds with the broader Western consensus. Additionally, Hungary has consistently opposed EU sanctions on Russia and sought exemptions to continue transactions with Gazprombank, the sanctioned Russian financial institution that processes its energy payments.
The Broader Impact on EU Unity
The Hungary-Poland dispute over Romanowski’s asylum, coupled with Hungary’s energy policies, illustrates the ongoing challenge of maintaining EU unity. These issues highlight tensions between national sovereignty and the supranational governance expected within the EU framework.
Hungary’s justification for granting asylum—citing concerns over fair trials—mirrors ongoing EU debates about judicial independence and democratic governance. Meanwhile, Budapest’s energy strategy, prioritizing national interests over EU solidarity, further complicates the bloc’s ability to act cohesively on foreign policy and security matters.
Ultimately, Hungary’s asylum decision and energy policies reflect broader geopolitical realities. As the EU seeks to maintain a united front on rule of law, external relations, and energy security, internal divisions like these continue to challenge its stability and global influence. This situation underscores how global politics rarely conform to binary oppositions, instead reflecting a complex interplay of strategic priorities, national sovereignty, and regional cooperation.
