Péter Magyar, Hungary’s incoming prime minister, aims to deepen Central European cooperation to increase the region’s EU influence by leaning on shared Austro‑Hungarian history and strong economic and cultural ties with neighboring states.

He proposes merging the Visegrád Group with the Slavkov format to form a more integrated regional bloc, signaling a clear shift in regional cooperation strategy.

Austria appears receptive, with officials suggesting a stronger Central European bloc could boost voting power and influence in the EU, echoing a Benelux‑style model.

EU talks continue on Hungary’s compliance, with Brussels pressing Budapest to lift its veto on a large Ukrainian loan and to back sanctions on Russia as early signs of reform.

A primary objective is unlocking blocked EU funds and coordinating with Poland to learn from its post‑reform restoration experience.

Experts say the bloc could gain bargaining power in Brussels, though divergences remain among member states on Ukraine policy and fund allocations.

Behind‑the‑scenes discussions between Polish and Hungarian officials emphasize tangible reforms, not just promises, to unlock EU funding and restore trust.

Magyar indicated he would discuss blocked assets of the Ukrainian Oschadbank with President Zelenskyy only after officially taking office.

A top priority is unlocking EU funds, including 18 billion euros in frozen funds and 16 billion euros in defense loans, while ending Hungary’s 1‑million‑per‑day fine for migration‑policy non‑compliance.

Overall goal is to unblock 18 billion euros of frozen EU funds and gain access to 16 billion euros in defense loans, alongside lifting penalties for migration policy non‑compliance.

Hungary seeks to end the 1 million euro daily fine by EU for migration policy non‑compliance while securing the 18 billion euro fund unlock and 16 billion euro defense loan access.

There are policy differences among Central European states on Ukraine aid and EU enrollment, with Austria and Poland pushing for more aid while Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia are more cautious, complicating a unified stance.