Czech-Hungarian Defence Policy Discussion in Budapest
Text: Ministry of Defence | Photo: Lajos Szabó | 12:43 February 12, 2026A meeting of Czech and Hungarian defence policy directors was held in Budapest on 9 and 10 February 2026. MoD Deputy State Secretary for Defence Policy László Hajnik received Czech Defence Policy Director Martin Riegl. Military-to-military cooperation, current NATO and EU topics and the global security policy situation were at the centre of the meeting.
After being informed in detail about the Hungarian national defence and military development program, the Czech delegation expressed its appreciation for the Hungarian results achieved in recruitment, especially in the reserve forces. The parties agreed that, in order to retain personnel, beyond raising the salaries, it is also necessary to improve the military infrastructure and change the public opinion on national defence.
They reaffirmed their commitment to meeting the defence spending target set at the Hague NATO Summit, also mentioning the difficulties. They agreed that the changing US engagement will put an increased burden on European allies, meaning a further challenge to the strategic strengthening of NATO’s Eastern Flank.
In harmony with the standpoint that problems should be dealt with at their place of origin, cross-border terrorism and security challenges relatable to illegal migration justify both countries’ efforts in the Sahel.
Deputy State Secretary Hajnik reasserted the unchanged Hungarian standpoint regarding the Russo-Ukrainian conflict, while Mr. Riegl informed the Hungarian delegation about the Czech government’s more moderate approach to supporting Ukraine, valid as of December.
Both parties deemed the security situation in the Western Balkans fragile, due to which there is a continuing need to maintain NATO and EU operational engagements in the region.
