Finnish-Hungarian relations are the bilateral relations between Finland and Hungary. Both countries are members of the European Union, Council of Europe, NATO, and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. Both people’s language are part of the Finno-Ugric language family. In March 2023, Hungary fully approved Finland's application for NATO membership.[1] There is minor tension in Finno-Hungarian relations at the advent of the Russo-Ukrainian and the Russo-Georgian wars, as Finland places themselves as staunchly against Russia[2] in these conflicts, where as Hungary is far more neutral.[3]
At the end of the 19th century the Finno-Ugric linguistic affinity became widely accepted after extensive public debate. In the First World War, particularly the Russian and Finnish Civil Wars, Hungary supported separatists, mainly Poland, but this included Finland to an extent.
Hungary recognized Finland on August 23, 1920. Finland recognized Hungary on September 10, 1920.
See also: Hungarian volunteers in the Winter War. When the Winter War broke out between Finland and the Soviet Union, many Hungarians felt great sympathy towards the Finns and wanted to help them.[4]
The Hungarian government officially did not support Finland, but secretly started searching for ways of helping.[5] In addition, non-governmental organisations began to organize support for Finland. Hungary helped Finland by giving monetary donations, armaments and military volunteers.
After the loss of Continuation War, Finland discontinued diplomatic relations on September 20, 1944.[6]
Diplomatic relations were re-established on May 20, 1947. Finland has an embassy in Budapest and an honorary consulate in Pécs. Hungary has an embassy in Helsinki and 4 honorary consulates (in Turku, Mariehamn, Tampere and Joensuu). Both countries are full members of the European Union and NATO.