ON
← Back to feed
Magyar: We are ready to talk about Ini and open a new chapter with Croatia
Croatia🏛️ PoliticsCenter9/2/2026

Magyar: We are ready to talk about Ini and open a new chapter with Croatia

Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar stated that Budapest is ready to open a new chapter in relations with Croatia regarding the issue of INA and MOL, announcing recent talks on this matter. During the sidelines of the Bled Strategic Forum, Magyar briefly spoke with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, who later confirmed that Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman would meet with his Hungarian counterpart Anita Orban in Bled. Magyar mentioned that a meeting between the two prime ministers could follow soon. He emphasized that both countries have domestic responsibilities but see an opportunity for improved bilateral relations. When asked if Hungary is willing to hand over MOL CEO Zsolt Hernádi, who is wanted by European authorities, Magyar did not directly answer, reiterating the possibility of opening a new chapter. Plenković noted that the relationship between INA and MOL has been complicated for over a decade due to arbitration processes, disputes over management rights, and share buyback issues.

Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar has announced that Budapest is ready to open a new chapter in relations with Croatia regarding the state-owned energy company INA and the Hungarian firm MOL. The announcement came during discussions at the Bled Strategic Forum, where Magyar met briefly with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković. Both leaders have agreed to convene ministers of foreign affairs and economy to address the complex relationship between INA and MOL. Magyar stated that they had already initiated talks on the issue, emphasizing that while both nations will defend their national interests, there is an opportunity to move forward. He noted that the two countries share domestic responsibilities and that this presents a chance for progress. However, when asked directly whether Budapest would hand over MOL’s chairman, Zoltán Hernádi, who is under investigation in a European arrest warrant, Magyar declined to answer explicitly. Instead, he reiterated his stance that there is potential for a new beginning in bilateral ties. Croatian Prime Minister Plenković echoed this sentiment, stating that the relationship between INA and MOL has hindered the broader bilateral relations between the two countries. He argued that these relationships should be at a much higher level, considering factors such as protection of minorities, economic cooperation, tourism figures, and energy connectivity. Plenković concluded that Croatia believes it is in a position to work towards resolving the issue and moving forward. The historical context of the dispute between INA and MOL is deeply rooted. Their relationship has been marked by decades of complexity, including arbitration proceedings, disputes over management rights, and the question of share buybacks, which could lead to the return of INA to Croatian ownership. These issues have created a long-standing tension that has affected diplomatic and economic ties between the two neighboring states. Magyar, who recently ousted Viktor Orbán from power through a decisive election victory in April, emphasized that the current government is committed to addressing past grievances and fostering stronger cooperation. His administration has already taken steps to review MOL's operations, uncovering $129 million in discrepancies on its accounts. This financial scrutiny adds another layer to the ongoing negotiations, suggesting that economic considerations play a key role in the dialogue. Both sides have expressed a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue, though the path ahead remains uncertain. While Magyar and Plenković have outlined a shared vision for improved relations, the resolution of the INA-MOL dispute will require careful negotiation and compromise. The upcoming meetings between their respective foreign ministers, scheduled for Monday at the Bled forum, represent a crucial step toward achieving this goal. As the discussions unfold, the focus will remain on balancing national interests with the pursuit of mutual benefit. With both governments acknowledging the need for reconciliation, the coming days will determine whether this new chapter in their relationship can truly begin.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 4 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

Responsible editor: Matej BašaSpotted an error? Report it

4 reports

N1 Hrvatska logoN1 HrvatskaIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 858/31/2026
We are ready to open a new chapter with Croatia

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced readiness to open a new chapter in relations with Croatia regarding the issue of the Hungarian minority (MOL). During discussions at the Blech Forum, both leaders agreed to hold meetings between their foreign ministers to address this matter. Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković emphasized that bilateral relations should be at a higher level, focusing on protecting minorities, economic cooperation, tourism, and energy connectivity. The relationship between Hungary and Croatia has been complex for decades, marked by arbitration processes, disputes over management rights, and potential repatriation of Hungarian assets. Both leaders acknowledged the need to resolve these issues to move forward.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced discussion between Hungarian and Croatian officials regarding the complex bilateral relationship, particularly concerning the Hungarian minority. It reports on the willingness of both sides to engage in dialogue while acknowledging existing tensions and challenges. No

Why factuality (90): This article provides a clear and concise summary of the statements made by both Magyar and Plenković regarding the potential new chapter in Croatian-Hungarian relations concerning INA and MOL. All key points from the event are covered accurately and align closely with the other articles.

Why objectivity (85): The article maintains a neutral tone throughout, presenting the statements of both leaders without editorializing or bias. It avoids using emotionally charged language and sticks to factual reporting.

HRT (Hrvatska radiotelevizija) logoHRT (Hrvatska radiotelevizija)State / PublicCenterFactual 85Objective 808/31/2026
Magyar: We are ready to talk about Ini and open a new chapter with Croatia

Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar stated that Budapest is ready to open a new chapter in relations with Croatia regarding the issue of INA and MOL, announcing recent talks on this matter. During the sidelines of the Bled Strategic Forum, Magyar briefly spoke with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, who later confirmed that Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman would meet with his Hungarian counterpart Anita Orban in Bled. Magyar mentioned that a meeting between the two prime ministers could follow soon. He emphasized that both countries have domestic responsibilities but see an opportunity for improved bilateral relations. When asked if Hungary is willing to hand over MOL CEO Zsolt Hernádi, who is wanted by European authorities, Magyar did not directly answer, reiterating the possibility of opening a new chapter. Plenković noted that the relationship between INA and MOL has been complicated for over a decade due to arbitration processes, disputes over management rights, and share buyback issues.

Bias read (Center): The article presents statements from both Hungarian and Croatian leaders without overtly favoring one side. It includes direct quotes from both Magyar and Plenković, providing balanced perspectives on their discussions and the historical complexities between the two nations. The framing remains fact

Why factuality (85): The article accurately summarizes the main points of the discussion between Magyar and Plenković regarding the future of relations between INA and MOL. It also includes relevant background information about the complex history of these relationships. However, it omits some specific details mentioned

Why objectivity (80): The article presents the information in a mostly neutral manner, focusing on the statements made by both leaders. While it does not take sides, it emphasizes the complexity of the situation, which could be seen as slightly leaning towards highlighting the challenges rather than neutrality.

Novi list logoNovi listIndependentCenterFactual 80Objective 759/2/2026
Croatia is asking Hungary for more management rights, we have learned the key demands

Croatia and Hungary are reportedly entering new negotiations regarding their shared ownership of INA, Croatia's national oil company, focusing on management rights. Croatia holds 44.83% of INA's shares, while Hungary owns 49.08%, meaning neither has a majority stake. The discussions center around ensuring management rights align with ownership percentages, which could lead to joint governance structures if voting deadlocks occur. These talks follow recent conversations between Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar at the Bled Strategic Forum. Past tensions include legal disputes over management control and allegations of corruption involving former Croatian leaders. Additionally, Croatia is advised to monitor Hungary’s growing influence over Serbia’s NIS, potentially impacting regional energy dynamics.

Bias read (Center): The article presents both Croatian and Hungarian perspectives neutrally, emphasizing the complexity of the situation without overtly favoring either side. It includes historical context and legal precedents, providing balanced information on the dispute over management rights and ownership stakes in

Why factuality (80): The article provides detailed information about the ownership structure of INA and MOL and the legal issues surrounding Zsolt Hernady. This information is consistent with the other articles but lacks some of the more recent developments reported elsewhere. It also introduces additional context about

Why objectivity (75): While the article attempts to remain objective, it places emphasis on the legal troubles of Zsolt Hernady and the implications for the negotiations, which might subtly suggest a negative view of the Hungarian side. The tone is generally neutral but occasionally highlights the complexities and confli

Jutarnji list logoJutarnji listIndependentCenterFactual 75Objective 658/31/2026
Magyar: We are ready to talk about INA and open a new chapter with Croatia

Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar stated that Budapest is ready to discuss relations with Croatia regarding INA and open a new chapter between the two countries. He mentioned recent talks on this issue at the Bled Strategic Forum, where he briefly spoke with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković. Both leaders instructed their foreign affairs and economic ministers to engage in discussions about INA and MOL relations. Plenković noted that these issues have hindered bilateral relations, which could otherwise be stronger due to shared interests in minority protection, economic exchange, tourism, and energy cooperation. The relationship between INA and MOL has been complex for over a decade, involving arbitration processes, disputes over management rights, and questions about share buybacks and potential Croatian ownership.

Bias read (Center): The article presents both Hungarian and Croatian perspectives neutrally, quoting statements from both prime ministers without overtly favoring one side. It provides background on the historical tensions between INA and MOL but does not take a stance on the resolution of those issues.

Why factuality (75): The article accurately reports the statements made by Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar regarding willingness to discuss relations between INA and MOL with Croatia. It includes details about the meeting at the Bled Strategic Forum and mentions the upcoming ministerial talks. However, it adds an

Why objectivity (65): The article contains emotionally charged language such as 'liquidated the largest shareholder' and '129 million dollars found on their account,' which may imply wrongdoing without evidence. The tone leans slightly toward sensationalism, especially in this section, though the rest of the reporting re

How each side covered it

The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.

How each side covered it

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Covered around the world

The same event as reported in other countries.

Covered around the world

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Claims check

Key factual claims, and how many sources assert vs dispute each.

Claims check

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Keep the news honest.

ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.

Become a Supporter

Related stories