Hungary to Open Embassy Branch in Jerusalem, First EU Member to Do So

Hungary will open a diplomatic branch in Jerusalem early next year, becoming the first European Union member state to establish an official presence in the city following the United States’ recognition of it as Israel’s capital in 2017.

The new site called the Hungarian Academy will function both as a cultural center and as an extension of Hungary’s embassy in Israel. Located in the Talbiyeh neighborhood next to the YMCA, it is expected to begin operating in January when its director arrives.

Hungary’s main embassy will remain in Tel Aviv, though Budapest has operated a separate trade office in Jerusalem since 2019. The new facility will join similar diplomatic outposts from the Czech Republic and Slovakia nearby.

The move comes amid strong bilateral ties between Hungary and Israel, underscored by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s support for Israel during the 2023 Gaza war and his refusal to recognize International Criminal Court arrest warrants against Israeli leaders.

Hungary’s honorary consul in Israel, David Wiernik, called the development “much more than a symbolic move,” emphasizing the “excellent” and deepening relationship between the two countries.

With this step, Hungary joins a small but growing group of nations recognizing Jerusalem’s centrality to Israel’s identity a move likely to further strengthen its standing as one of Israel’s closest allies within the European Union. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for updates.