The Embassy of Switzerland in Hungary is pleased to announce the launch of the 2026 anniversary year, marking 80 years since diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Hungary were resumed following a brief interruption at the end of the Second World War. The milestone laid the foundation for a partnership that has grown steadily over the last decades.
Today, Switzerland and Hungary enjoy close and multifaceted relations spanning politics, diplomacy, business, culture, education, science and people-to-people exchange. Under the anniversary motto “Connected in many ways!”, the Embassy - together with its partners - will present a diverse programme of events throughout 2026.
Anniversary logo
The programme will be presented under a shared visual identity in form of an anniversary logo. It features the national colours of both countries and incorporates the edelweiss and tulip - symbolising the flourishing and continued cultivation of bilateral relations.
A year of dialogue, culture and exchange
The anniversary programme reflects the richness and diversity of Swiss–Hungarian relations, with a particular focus on culture, economic cooperation, diplomacy and science. As the official acts to resume diplomatic relations took place between September and November 1946, many key events will be held during in the second half of the year.
The anniversary year will be officially kicked off on 30 April, in collaboration with the magazine Art is Business, which will dedicate a special issue to Swiss culture, art and business. On 9 June, a Swiss-Hungarian Innovation Forum at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics, will bring together leading representatives from innovation, research and business.
Following the summer break, the programme will continue with a series of highlights, including:
- The official anniversary celebration in September
- a collaboration with the Budapest Festival Orchestra
- Switzerland’s appearance as a German-language guest country at the International Book Festival in October
- a Carl Lutz lecture on the history of Swiss diplomats in Hungary in 1944 and 1956
- a conference on democratic innovation at Andrássy University Budapest in November.
October and November will also feature key economic events, including the IV. Swiss-Hungarian Healthcare Forum as well as delegation visits to and from Switzerland.
Campaign: “Faces and Stories”
Throughout the year, the anniversary will be accompanied by the online campaign “Faces and Stories”, showcasing personal perspectives and experiences that illustrate the depth and diversity of Swiss–Hungarian relations.
Information and contact
The full anniversary programme will be regularly updated on the Embassy’s website. Individual events will also be announced on the Embassy’s Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn channels. The anniversary hashtag is #CH80HU.
The Embassy of Switzerland warmly invites media representatives and the public to follow and participate in the anniversary programme throughout the year.
For further information and interview requests, please contact the media officer of the Embassy, Ms. Katalin Györy, katalin.gyory@eda.admin.ch.
