“Europe is our community of destiny, and we must work hard to make it be a success.”
Diplomatic Tenure and Achievements
Your Excellency, as you prepare to conclude your second term in June 2025 as Ambassador of Switzerland to Hungary – a country where you have lived and worked since 2020 – you have earned a reputation as one of the most respected and recognised ambassadors in the diplomatic corps. What moments or accomplishments of your dynamic and successful mission stand out to you as the most meaningful?
– Thank you for the nice words. I tried to work hard with enthusiasm and joy in my work. It was easy for me because I was fortunate enough to have many excellent partners. And many colleagues in the diplomatic corps could also serve me as a source of emulation.
The valuable cooperation, for instance with the Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Industry, celebrating its 30th anniversary, and with Swiss companies in organising the Swiss Days in various Hungarian cities is an accomplishment I greatly appreciate.
How has living with your family in Hungary influenced your personal connection to the country and its people?
– As a family, we shared the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic with the people of Hungary, an experience in which anyone could be affected by the virus and suffer a severe disease or even die. Hungarians faced the pandemic with courage and dignity until the vaccines provided great relief. We were vaccinated in Hungary before we could have been vaccinated in Switzerland.
In our daily life with a young child, we had many occasions to witness the kindness of the Hungarian people, who are rather tolerant towards children. I will certainly miss my daily walks in Városliget (City Park) with my son and the contacts with the friendly waiters at Zöld Küllő.
In what ways did your second posting to Hungary differ from your first – whether in diplomatic, cultural, or personal aspect?
– I was determined not to repeat my first mission, and in this regard, I was successful, but it was not the result of personal decisions. Compared to my first assignment, the second was characterized by intensive high-level dialogue between the two countries. While no Federal Councillors visited Hungary between 2012 and 2016, four visits of Federal Councillors and two visits of the President of Swiss Confederation took place in Budapest between 2020 and 2025. A visit of Prime Minister Orbán in Bern also took place, as well as meetings in Switzerland between the President of Hungary and the President of the Swiss Confederation. This intensification is linked to the developments in Switzerland’s bilateral relations with the European Union and the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2024.
At personal level, my son was born in 2015 during my first mission in Budapest, and he was still a baby when we left for Japan. Therefore, we had a totally different family experience during my second term as Ambassador to Hungary.
Is there a particular project, initiative, or event during your tenure that you feel best symbolizes the essence of your work and Switzerland’s presence in Hungary?
– The Swiss Days in Debrecen, Veszprém, Pécs, Kecskemét / Helvetia, and now in Budapest reflect the ambition to ensure Switzerland’s presence in different parts of the country as a trustful partner of Hungary for prosperity and cohesion. We were present in cooperation with SwissCham, Swiss companies, but also with mayors and municipalities as well as with the support of local chambers of commerce, local cultural actors, schools, the university and also the National Coordination Unit, our partner for the Second Swiss contribution.
It gave us the possibility to meet the people of the cities and to exchange ideas with schools through free programs such as the Swiss pavilion or the Swiss picnic, in presence of Swiss alphorn players.
Swiss–Hungarian Relations
What do you consider the current pillars of the multifaceted Swiss–Hungarian relations, and how have they developed during your ambassadorship?
– Based on a long tradition of friendship and the necessity for both countries to find mutually beneficial relations with the European Union, the bilateral relations have two main pillars: economic relations and the Swiss-Hungarian Program within the framework of the Second Swiss Contribution to reducing economic and social disparities in Europe and in Hungary.
With over 800 Swiss companies effectively operating in Hungary, economic cooperation plays a vital role in our bilateral ties. How do you assess the strength and trajectory of Swiss–Hungarian economic relations?
– In recent years, we have seen many positive developments, as several Swiss investors have expanded their production and built new facilities. However, we also face challenges. The rules of market economy and the security of investments must be respected. Politically motivated legislations or punitive taxes create an environment that does not encourage new investments. We are therefore conducting an active dialogue on these topics with our Hungarian counterparts.
How has the implementation of the Second Swiss Contribution (for the coming years) based on the Bilateral Framework Agreement progressed in Hungary, and what outcomes or challenges have emerged from this renewed partnership?
– Smooth progress is underway and the implementation takes place in a good partnership. The contribution is an occasion to strengthen bilateral relations thanks to contacts with ministries, institutions, municipalities and other actors, including civil society, who are not the “classical partners” in bilateral relations.
Historical Responsibility and Cultural Engagement
How has your time in Hungary – as a historian and expert on the Holocaust and the rescue of Hungarian Jews by the Swiss diplomat Carl Lutz – enriched your research and personal understanding of that history? How do you hope your work in Hungary has contributed to Holocaust remembrance, historical education, and intercultural dialogue?
– My ambition was and remains to understand how the exceptional international protection operation in Budapest in 1944 was possible. I have thus started in-depth research activities to find original diplomatic documents. The Holocaust Memorial Centre of Budapest offered me the opportunity to publish some results of my research in its online publication, Hurbán. I also had the honour of collaborating with leading Hungarian historians last November at a Symposium at ELTE University on the topic: “Persecution and Protection of Hungarian Jews 1941 – 1945”. Research is a cumulative process that requires many years and the contributions of many dedicated researchers to progress towards an understanding of the facts based on solid sources.
Which historical or cultural experiences in Hungary have had the greatest impact on you during your time here?
– Many experiences have left a deep impression on me. Concerts of the Budapest Festival Orchestra conducted by Iván Fisher and remembrance events commemorating the Holocaust in Hungary are certainly among the most impressive. I would also like to mention the infinite kindness of the people in many small settlements and cities who received me on official visits as the Swiss Ambassador. This was particularly the case in Kerepes a few weeks ago.
Personal Reflections
Looking back, what legacy do you hope to leave behind in Hungary – not only as a diplomat, but also as a historian and guest who has engaged intensively with Hungarian society?
– I have no ambition to leave behind a legacy. I will have an excellent successor, and I shall take pride in his success. Indeed, as a diplomat, your success is always a bit of an honour to your predecessors. As a historian, I am at the beginning of my journey and I am greatly thankful for the many inputs I received in Hungary. The main sentiment is an intense gratitude for the hospitality and the gratifying partnerships.
What advice would you give your successor – both in terms of strengthening bilateral relations and being a thoughtful steward of shared memory and mutual understanding?
– It is a great privilege to be a Swiss Ambassador to Hungary. Enjoy it and be yourself, as it is the best way of fulfilling the mandate to protect the Swiss interests and to foster the bilateral relations.
What memories will you take with you from Hungary, where you and your family spent almost a decade? Are there any special moments, places, or encounters that left a lasting mark on you personally and professionally?
– The two refugee crisis of 2015 and 2022, and the response of Hungarian volunteers and charity organizations, together with the international humanitarian aid, were extremely impressive for me and my wife Yulia, who supported me in my reporting work as a pro bono advisor on multilateral affairs.
Your Excellency, what message would you like to share for the future, especially in these challenging times worldwide?
– We must fight for our rights and our freedom. Our success in this regard depends on the success of liberal democracy in the world, and especially in Europe. Europe is our community of destiny, and we must work hard to make it be a success.
Celebration of Swiss National Day 2025
On 11 June 2025, the Embassy of Switzerland in Budapest hosted an early celebration of Swiss National Day – traditionally observed on 1 August – to mark the 734th anniversary of the Swiss Confederation. Switzerland is a pioneering country in many fields and serves as a role model for nations around the world thanks to its innovation, democratic values, and commitment to sustainability and quality of life.
The festive evening brought together hundreds of guests, including representatives from Hungarian political, cultural, academic, and business circles, members of the diplomatic corps, and Swiss nationals living in Hungary.
Guests gathered in the spirit of friendship and shared values to enjoy a memorable evening enriched with authentic Swiss culture, culinary delights, and meaningful encounters. From traditional Swiss specialties to warm conversations under the summer sky, the event was a true celebration of the strong and enduring ties between Switzerland and Hungary.
The atmosphere was further elevated by the performance of the Alphorngruppe Sonnenberg, who travelled to Budapest especially to share the authentic sounds of the Alps.
The occasion also served as a heartfelt farewell to H.E. Ambassador Jean-François Paroz and his wife, Dr. Yulia Gusynina Paroz, marking the end of their successful diplomatic mission in Hungary. Their warm presence and dedicated service were honoured with deep appreciation and fond wishes for the future.
Swiss Picnic 2025 – A Joyful Finale to the “Switzerland in Budapest” Program
On 12 June, the Embassy of Switzerland hosted the Swiss Picnic 2025, bringing together nearly 200 guests in the garden of the Embassy for one of the highlights and the festive grand finale of the Switzerland in Budapest program.
This large-scale cultural and diplomatic initiative was organized by the Swiss Embassy in cooperation with SwissCham Hungary, which proudly celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2025. The program highlighted Switzerland’s long-standing presence and close ties with Hungary through a wide range of public events, exhibitions, and cultural activities across the Hungarian capital. Among the featured venues was the iconic Gerbeaud Café, known for its Swiss heritage. Its namesake, Émile Gerbeaud, was a Swiss confectioner who moved to Hungary with his family in 1884. Thanks to his exceptional talent, the Gerbeaud name soon gained international recognition and has proudly carried on his legacy ever since.
From melting Raclette and Lindt chocolate to echoing tones of Alphorn music and a Swiss-themed city rally, the Swiss Picnic offered a vibrant celebration of the strong bonds of friendship between Switzerland and Hungary.
Among the distinguished guests was Gergely Karácsony, Mayor of Budapest, who joined the joyful gathering to mark this special occasion. In true Swiss spirit, the afternoon was filled with culture, joy, and a strong sense of community.
This memorable event would not have been possible without the generous support of our valued partners – Nespresso, Fornetti, Eisberg, and Köppel Kecskemét – offering delicious food and refreshments for the invitees.
Nearly 200 participants took part in the interactive city rally, exploring Swiss traces in Budapest through a curated photo exhibition featuring iconic locations in the Hungarian capital that are linked to Swiss heritage. The rally concluded with the announcement of the grand prize: a trip to Switzerland, including a Swiss Travel Pass– congratulations to the lucky winner!
The open-air exhibition: Switzerland in Budapest remains on display at Budapest City Hall Park and at the Embassy of Switzerland in Budapest.
As this joyful celebration draws to a close, Switzerland continues to build bridges through culture, friendship, and, of course, its world-famous chocolate.
Read the articles about the “Switzerland in Budapest 2025” exhibition here:
Closing Note
Your Excellency, allow us to express our deepest appreciation for your dedicated and successful service, and for your personal commitment to strengthening Swiss–Hungarian relations. Your presence in Hungary – both as Ambassador and as a member of the local community – was marked by professionalism, openness, and genuine engagement.
It was an honour to know you from your first term and to participate in the initiatives and programs of the Swiss Embassy under your guidance. We are truly grateful for the good collaboration and the spirit of open dialogue that defined your mission. I wish you, Ambassador, and your family continued success and good health. I also wish you plenty of enjoyable time to devote to your hobbies.
By Anna Popper
