Poland has announced plans to take legal action against Hungary after the latter granted asylum to Marcin Romanowski, a Polish opposition politician wanted for multiple criminal charges. Deputy Foreign Minister Andrzej Szejna confirmed Poland's intention to bring the matter before the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), asserting Hungary acted contrary to the principle of mutual respect among EU member states.
This diplomatic dispute follows Hungary's December 19 decision to shelter Romanowski, formerly the Deputy Justice Minister under the Law and Justice (PiS) government, who faces serious criminal allegations including participation in organized crime and abuse of power. Polish authorities swiftly issued national and European arrest warrants, to which Hungary responded by granting asylum.
Szejna emphasized the importance of compliance with EU laws, stating, "Hungary has clearly violated the principle of sincere cooperation"—a core tenet of EU treaties. The Polish government asserts the legal process could span up to two years involving initial claims to the European Commission before reaching court.
Poland's foreign ministry reacted by summoning the Hungarian ambassador for consultations and sending a formal protest note. This marked unprecedented diplomatic escalation between the two long-standing allies, whose relationship had traditionally been characterized by mutual support and historical bonds, famously encapsulated by the saying, "Pole and Hungarian brothers be." For over 150 years, these countries have collaborated during significant periods of struggle, including aiding each other during nationalist uprisings.
Yet, the recent asylum incident, which Szejna decried as "an unfriendly action" on Hungary's part, has strained this camaraderie. He noted the Hungarian government has harmed its own standing within the EU by undermining collective security measures, such as the European Arrest Warrant.
Romanowski himself has presented conditions under which he would return to Poland, insisting on the reversal of judicial reforms enacted since the PiS's departure from power less than one year ago. His requests include guarantees for fair trial standards, showcasing the judiciary's current polarization within Poland it faces under the newly elected coalition government.
After Hungary's decision, the political climate has worsened, with Tusk's government accusing Budapest of siding with Russian interests. Szejna labeled Hungary's actions as "pro-Russian," reflecting growing geopolitical tensions affecting relationships within Europe.
The Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's motives are questioned. He has previously expressed admiration for Poland's historical struggle against communism but appears to be exploiting the situation for domestic political narratives. Meanwhile, Poland's renewed fight against corruption is seen as inconsistent by Hungarians, who recall previous asylum grants for politicians accused of wrongdoing.
Commenting on the incident, Tusk criticized Hungary's alignment with non-democratic regimes, likening Orbán's Hungary to authoritarian states like Belarus under Alexander Lukashenko. Tusk highlighted the importance of maintaining democratic integrity within the EU framework, promoting cooperation as foundational to the European Union's stability.
The long-standing friendship appears increasingly fractious, exemplified by political leader exchanges, wherein Tusk and Orbán's dialogues have elevated tensions rather than eased them. Both leaders have employed strong rhetoric, labeling each other’s governments hypocritical.
Historically linked through cultural and political solidarity, Poland and Hungary now stand at distinct crossroads. Poland pursues greater EU integration and solidarity, distancing itself from past populist approaches. Conversely, Hungary appears to embrace more nationalist and isolationist rhetoric, as evidenced by Orbán's recent comments.
The stakes are high for both countries, as Hungary faces scrutiny from Brussels over its democratic backsliding, which Poland is now tangentially involved with through this asylum case. The incident has become emblematic of wider challenges facing the EU, as the political dynamics evolve with each country juggling its narrative interests against collective European stability.
