Finland–Hungary relations

Finnish-Hungarian relations are the bilateral relations between Finland and Hungary. Both countries are members of the European Union, Council of Europe, NATO, and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. Both people’s language are part of the Finno-Ugric language family. In March 2023, Hungary fully approved Finland's application for NATO membership.^[1] There is minor tension in Finno-Hungarian relations at the advent of the Russo-Ukrainian and the Russo-Georgian wars, as Finland places themselves as staunchly against Russia^[2] in these conflicts, where as Hungary is far more neutral.^[3]

Finnish-Hungarian relations

Finland	Hungary
Diplomatic mission
Embassy of Finland, Budapest	Embassy of Hungary, Helsinki

History

Embassy of Hungary in Helsinki, foyer of the reception area with a wall carpet designed by András Gönci in 1999

Before independence

At the end of the 19th century the Finno-Ugric linguistic affinity became widely accepted after extensive public debate. In the First World War, particularly the Russian and Finnish Civil Wars, Hungary supported separatists, mainly Poland, but this included Finland to an extent.

Independence

Hungary recognized Finland on August 23, 1920. Finland recognized Hungary on September 10, 1920.

World War II

Urho Kekkonen visit in Hungary in 1963

Hungarian volunteers leaving Finland after the Winter War. The group was led by Captain Imre Kémeri Nagy. Seeing him off was Lieutenant General Oscar Enckell.

See also: Hungarian volunteers in the Winter War

When the Winter War broke out between Finland and the Soviet Union, many Hungarians felt great sympathy towards the Finns and wanted to help them.^[4]

The Hungarian government officially did not support Finland, but secretly started searching for ways of helping.^[5] In addition, non-governmental organisations began to organize support for Finland. Hungary helped Finland by giving monetary donations, armaments and military volunteers.

After losing the Continuation War, Finland discontinued diplomatic relations on September 20, 1944.^[6]

Post World War II

Diplomatic relations were re-established on May 20, 1947. Finland has an embassy in Budapest and an honorary consulate in Pécs. Hungary has an embassy in Helsinki and 4 honorary consulates (in Turku, Mariehamn, Tampere and Joensuu). Both countries are full members of the European Union and NATO.

Resident diplomatic missions

• Finland has an embassy in Budapest. The current Finnish ambassador to Hungary is Jari Vilén^[7]

  

  Embassy of Hungary in Helsinki

• Hungary has an embassy in Helsinki. The current Hungarian ambassador to Finland is H.E. Klára Breuer^[8]

Finnish Embassy in Budapest

See also

• Foreign relations of Finland
• Foreign relations of Hungary
• Hungarians in Finland