Hungary and the Netherlands share a multifaceted relationship rooted in strong economic ties, centuries-old cultural connections, and close cooperation within the European Union and NATO. In an exclusive interview with Diplomat Magazine, H.E. Mr. Dániel Horogszegi Szilágyi-Landeck, Ambassador of Hungary to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, reflects on the current state of bilateral relations and outlines key areas for future collaboration—from defence and technological innovation to cultural diplomacy and people-to-people contacts.
Since taking up his post in 2024, Ambassador Horogszegi Szilágyi-Landeck has placed particular emphasis on building bridges, strengthening dialogue, and enhancing Hungary’s visibility across political, economic, and cultural spheres. With major anniversaries approaching in 2026 and new opportunities emerging in sectors such as AgriTech, deep tech, green energy, and defence modernisation, the Ambassador highlights a dynamic and forward-looking partnership shaped by shared European values and a commitment to peace, stability, and competitiveness.
How would you describe the current state of Hungary–Netherlands relations, and in which areas do you see the greatest potential for further cooperation—whether political, economic, or cultural?
The relationship between Hungary and the Netherlands is characterized by strong economic foundations, significant investments, and our shared alliance within the European Union and NATO, even though it is occasionally nuanced by differences in opinion regarding certain EU political issues. Having open economies, both nations share a fundamental commitment to the single European market and to fostering international trade. Economically and technologically, there is immense potential in combining Hungarian innovation with Dutch expertise in AgriTech, sustainable water management, and the circular economy. Research and development are key, joint projects focusing on autonomous systems, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and deep tech can be mutually beneficial and collectively enhance Europe’s global competitiveness. Furthermore, given our shared commitments as NATO Allies, enhancing collaboration in the defence industry presents a critical area for future growth. This includes cooperating on defence-related R&D and innovation, focusing on areas like cyber security, and exploring opportunities for Hungarian and Dutch companies to participate in each other’s defence modernization projects. Such collaboration would not only strengthen our bilateral ties but also contribute directly to our collective capabilities and resilience in a challenging security environment.
Emphasis on cultural diplomacy is one of my priorities. Hungary and the Netherlands share a centuries old shared cultural tradition and mutual sympathy. This partly to be thanked to the vivid exchange especially between Calvinist communities, to Hungarian students, the so called “peregrins” coming to the Netherlands since the17th century, but also to recent waves of Hungarians and Dutch settling for shorter or longer periods of time in the other respective country. 2026 will be a year with many important bilateral anniversaries and we are eager to use this opportunity to show even more of the rich Hungarian traditions, amazing art and attracting culture
As Ambassador, I am dedicated to further political and governmental cooperation between our countries. However, with Dutch coalition talks still ahead and the upcoming one in Hungary, for the time being we are focusing on laying the ground for collaboration.
Hungary has positioned itself as an attractive destination for investment within Central Europe. What opportunities exist today for Dutch companies looking to expand or invest in Hungary?
That is absolutely true, Hungary is one of the most attractive investment destinations in Central Europe. In our country, more than 500 Dutch companies are present, reflecting the strong confidence in our economy. The appeal for Dutch companies lies in our stability, strategic location at the crossroads of East and West, and a highly skilled workforce. But of course the attractive tax environment is also a very positive factor.
Hungary’s position along key transit routes makes it ideal for regional logistics. Furthermore, the country is rapidly becoming a central hub for European e-battery and vehicle manufacturing, offering broad opportunities across the entire supply chain. University cities across the country provide a talent pool with excellent language skills and IT knowledge, so major Dutch corporations, such as FrieslandCampina and KLM, have chosen the Hungarian capital as the location for their shared service centers. In addition, Dutch expertise in water management, waste management, and energy storage is highly sought after as Hungary pursues its own sustainability goals.
Beyond business advantages, Hungary is also a wonderful place to live. It offers a safe environment, good infrastructure, a vibrant gastronomic and cultural scene, and attractive, affordable housing prices, making it very appealing to expatriates.
As both EU member states, how do Hungary and the Netherlands work together to address shared challenges within the European Union and on the global stage?
As committed EU member states, Hungary and the Netherlands work together on numerous shared challenges, often behind the scenes. We both share a vested interest in safeguarding the integrity of the EU’s single market and enhancing European competitiveness globally. We cooperate closely in international trade forums to ensure the EU remains a powerful global player. While our energy mixes differ, we both advocate for solutions that increase energy security and affordability within the bloc. Furthermore, as key NATO allies, we actively contribute to reinforcing the alliance and participate jointly in NATO missions and capability development programs, underscoring our commitment to collective defence. With a war raging on our continent, Hungary is committed to peace and saving lives. We deem it fundamental that diplomacy gain the upper hand over weapons and we are committed to cooperate with our partners, including our ally, the Netherlands, to contribute to that goal.
Hungary is well known for its rich cultural heritage – from gastronomy and wine to classical music and innovation. How does your embassy in The Hague promote Hungarian culture and strengthen people-to-people connections?
Promoting Hungarian culture is one of the main priorities of our Embassy in The Hague. We believe that culture is one of the strongest tools to build and strengthen people-to-people connections. At every event we organize, whether it’s a diplomatic reception, a commemorative ceremony, or a smaller gathering, we try to represent Hungarian gastronomy. This can range from offering traditional bites made with products brought directly from Hungary, such as Hungarian ham, to serving classic dishes like Hungarian Chicken paprikás (pronounced: paprikash) at formal dinners.
We regularly organize wine tastings, where we not only promote the excellent quality and diversity of Hungarian wines but also maintain and develop cultural, business, and partner relations. Beyond our own events, we actively support and participate in Hungarian and Dutch cultural programs, concerts, and community gatherings. We make a continuous effort to stay informed about Hungarian initiatives in the Netherlands and to support them whenever possible.
We are fortunate to have a close relationship with the members of the large Hungarian diaspora, estimated at 25-40 thousand strong, which allows us to reach a broad audience and stay connected with the community. For example, in October, we organized one of our most successful events of recent years, a commemorative concert and reception at the beautiful Kloosterkerk in The Hague to mark the anniversary of the 1956 Revolution and Freedom Fight. The event hosted over 200 distinguished guests, including ambassadors, diplomats, business representatives, and representatives of Hungarian organizations in the Netherlands. The concert featured outstanding Hungarian musicians such as Márta Ábrahám and László Borbély, professors of the Liszt Academy in Budapest, as well as Máté Lachegyi, a Hungarian artist living in the Netherlands who plays an important role in preserving Hungarian culture here.
We also organize and co-host other cultural events throughout the year, such as the upcoming Advent Concert with the Hungarian Choir of The Hague and the annual Hungarian Family Day in Wassenaar, in cooperation with major Hungarian organizations in the Netherlands. Moreover, we aim at promoting, sharing, and supporting as many Hungarian events, programs, and cultural visits as we can, and at staying up-to-date with any related information.
Through these initiatives, our goal is to make Hungarian culture visible, appreciated, and accessible to both Dutch and Hungarian audiences, while strengthening personal and cultural connections between our two nations.
Since your arrival in the Netherlands, what have been your main diplomatic priorities, innovative changes, and what message would you like to share with our readers about Hungary’s vision for the future?
Since spring 2024, the time of my appointment as Ambassador of Hungary to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, we have achieved several important milestones, including successful high-level ministerial meetings, Hungary’s EU Presidency, our active participation in the NATO Summit 2025, and on my initiative, the establishment of both a new Defence and a new Agricultural Attaché Office. These developments have enhanced our presence and capacity to foster even closer cooperation.
My main diplomatic priorities have focused around building bridges, if possible, not trenches. Bridges between people, for trade and companies, bridges for cultural and scientific cooperation, but also bridges over difficult political topics. This involves maintaining an open, honest dialogue with our Dutch partners, always based on mutual respect and interest in each other’s values and background. It was for example my honour and privilege to be the first foreign Ambassador ever to present our EU Presidency in the Dutch parliament, which has since then become a habit. We have also strengthened bilateral relations across multiple dimensions, from political to economic and cultural. We continue to support Hungarian and Dutch citizens through our consular services and actively promote investment, trade, and tourism. At the same time, we have placed particular emphasis on fostering cultural exchange and maintaining close ties with the Hungarian community in the Netherlands.
A quantifiable objective is deepening economic and investment ties. I aim to increase bilateral trade, with a particular focus on the high-tech and digital sectors. Crucially, we are also committed to significantly developing cooperation in both the defence and agricultural sectors.
In The Hague, the international city of peace and justice, Hungary attaches great importance to multilateral diplomacy. We are proud of our active engagement in the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), where I currently hold the vice-chairmanship of the Conference of State Parties – a position, my country did not have for nearly 30 years. A great common achievement of my whole multilateral team! Beyond this, we maintain close dialogue with other international organisations and EU agencies based in the Netherlands.
Furthermore, I am personally keen to learn more about traditional Dutch family-owned businesses. I believe that, unlike large multinational corporations, the investment and business decisions of family enterprises often incorporate emotional aspects that go beyond purely economic figures.
Finally, I prioritize introducing my country to the Dutch people through soft diplomacy tools, sharing our culture, history, and vibrant contemporary life.
My message to your readers about Hungary’s vision for the future is this: Hungary is a country of stability and dynamic development in the heart of Europe. We are a nation deeply rooted in European culture but firmly focused on the future, with a long term vision. The Hungarian plan is to preserve our sovereignty, boost our own and the European competitiveness and continue to be a reliable partner to the Netherlands, EU member states, and across the oceans, both East and West, because connectivity and proactice diplomacy is of the utmost importance in our times. Our aim is to maintain dialogue with everyone and work together for peace and prosperity.
