Summary

Poland excluded Hungary’s ambassador and Prime Minister Viktor Orban from an event marking the start of its EU presidency, citing Hungary’s asylum for Marcin Romanowski, a Polish ex-deputy minister under investigation for misuse of public funds.

Romanowski, who denies the allegations, was granted asylum after Hungary argued he had immunity as a European rights assembly member.

Polish officials, including Prime Minister Donald Tusk, have criticized Orban’s pro-Russian policies and stance on Ukraine, escalating tensions between the two nations.

Poland now assumes its six-month EU presidency.