Maia Sandu meets Hungarian leaders to discuss Moldova's European integration and regional security
The President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu, met on Saturday in Budapest with Hungarian President András Baka and Prime Minister Péter Magyar. The discussions focused on the Republic of Moldova’s European integration, economic and energy cooperation between the two countries, and regional security, in the context of the war in Ukraine and Russia’s hybrid threats.
According to the Presidency in Chișinău, the interlocutors welcomed the opening of four negotiating chapters for the Republic of Moldova’s accession to the European Union this year and discussed the steps needed to open the remaining two chapters. The officials also reaffirmed the importance of European Union enlargement for the security of the entire bloc.
“They also reaffirmed that the enlargement of the European Union is an investment in the security of the entire Union,” states the press release from the Presidency of the Republic of Moldova.
Economic cooperation, investments, and energy
During the meetings, Maia Sandu welcomed Hungarian companies' presence in the Republic of Moldova’s market and encouraged them to expand Hungarian investments in the national economy. Another topic addressed was energy cooperation, with a focus on diversifying supply sources and developing regional interconnections. Furthermore, the officials discussed the possibility of expanding direct air links between Chișinău and Budapest—a measure that could help strengthen economic relations and exchanges between the two countries.
Regional security and Russian threats
The security situation in the region was another key topic. According to the Presidency, the parties addressed Ukraine’s resistance to Russian aggression and the hybrid threats posed by Moscow.
In this context, they also noted the repeated violations of the Republic of Moldova’s airspace by Russian drones and missiles—incidents that highlight the security risks the country faces in light of the war in Ukraine.
Maia Sandu: Moldova and Hungary choose the path of a united and peaceful Europe
The visit to Budapest was accompanied by a message posted on Friday by Maia Sandu on the platform X, in which the Head of State recalled the 1956 anti-communist revolution in Hungary and the Hungarian people’s struggle for freedom and the right to determine their own future. "Seventy years ago, the Hungarians rose up for freedom and the right to decide their own future. Moscow responded with tanks, but freedom ultimately prevailed," wrote the President of the Republic of Moldova.
Seventy years ago, Hungarians rose for freedom and the right to decide their own future. Moscow answered with tanks, but freedom won in the end. In Budapest today, Moldova stands with Hungary — and we keep choosing the same path: a free country in a united, peaceful Europe. https://t.co/jsP0muQ5om
— Maia Sandu (@sandumaiamd) October 23, 2026
Maia Sandu said that the Republic of Moldova and Hungary share the aspiration for a free and united Europe, stating that both countries continue to choose the same path.
"Today in Budapest, Moldova stands alongside Hungary — and we continue to choose the same path: a free country within a united and peaceful Europe," the head of state said.
Maia Sandu’s first visit to Hungary
Maia Sandu is in Budapest at the invitation of Prime Minister Péter Magyar to attend events marking the 70th anniversary of Hungary's 1956 anti-communist revolution. On Friday, the President of the Republic of Moldova joined several other heads of state and government at a formal session of the National Assembly of Hungary and a commemorative ceremony held in Kossuth Square.
This marks Maia Sandu’s first visit to Hungary.
In 2020, the Republic of Moldova and Hungary signed a declaration of strategic partnership. The document outlines Hungary’s support for Moldova’s European integration, the maintenance of regular political dialogue at all levels, and cooperation in the economic, energy, security, education, and cultural sectors.
