Poland and Hungary: In the shadow of the war in Ukraine

EUROPE NOW © FRANCE 24

For the latest edition of Europe Now, we head to Poland and Hungary. These two EU members both border Ukraine and have both taken in large numbers of Ukrainian refugees. But on more political issues, their governments' responses to the war have been drastically different. Our team meets lawmakers from across the political spectrum of both countries to discover why the Polish and Hungarian governments have taken such different stances. We also explore other key issues, such as the ever-expanding EU files on degradations of rule of law.

In Poland, we meet Deputy Foreign Minister Marcin Przydacz; Radek Sikorski, Member of the European Parliament and former foreign minister (European People's Party); Róża Thun, Member of the European Parliament (Renew Europe group); and Agata Kluczewska, President of the Wolno Nam Foundation in Krakow.

FRANCE 24 also talks to Hungarian MEPs Balazs Hidvéghi (Fidesz Party) and Katalin Cseh (Renew Europe Groupe) to explore key issues, such as growing EU concern over rule of law deterioration in both countries.

In Poland, our correspondant Magda Chowdownik meets Ukrainian refugees who are trying to rebuild their lives.

And in Hungary, our reporter Luke Brown crisscrosses the country to ask how Prime Minister Viktor Orban won re-election, while also examining concerns about corruption and human rights degradations that worry European decision makers.

_{Show presented by Catherine Nicholson, produced by Johan Bodin, filmed on location by Pierre Lemarinier, with Luke Brown.}

_{In partnership with the European Union. The action was co-financed by the European Union in the framework of the European Parliament's grant programme in the field of communication. The European Parliament was not involved in its preparation and is, in no case, responsible for or bound by the information or opinions expressed in the context of this action. In accordance with applicable law, the authors, interviewed people, publishers or programme broadcasters are solely responsible. The European Parliament can also not be held liable for direct or indirect damage that may result from the implementation of the action.}