Poland Excludes Hungary from EU Presidency Gala Over Political Asylum Row

Tensions rise as Poland and Hungary clash over asylum granted to a fugitive Polish minister, highlighting divisions within the EU as Poland begins its six-month presidency.

• Poland barred Hungarian officials, including Prime Minister Viktor Orban, from attending the EU presidency inauguration gala in Warsaw, citing Hungary's asylum decision for a Polish ex-minister facing corruption charges.
• The asylum granted to Marcin Romanowski, a former Polish deputy justice minister, has deepened the rift between the two nations, with Poland calling the move a 'hostile act' and recalling its ambassador to Budapest.
• Hungary's Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto criticized Poland's decision as 'childish,' reflecting escalating tensions between the two previously allied nations.
• Poland's EU presidency begins at a critical juncture for Europe, with challenges including the ongoing war in Ukraine, strained EU-China trade relations, and the anticipated return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency.
• Despite its ambitions to lead on European security and Ukraine support, Poland faces domestic political distractions and skepticism about its ability to unify EU policies during its six-month term.

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