🔗 Share this article

During the race for the White House in 2016, Hungary's prime minister stood out as the only European Union leader to back the Republican candidate. This support came as no shock, given Mr Orbán's adoption of controversial ideas like great replacement ideology and the crackdowns on journalistic liberties. Commentators point out that Mr Orbán practically laid the groundwork for the Maga movement, with ex-Trump adviser Steve Bannon lauding Orbán as Trump's forerunner.

Political Favors In advance of the Hungarian Vote

Recently, with crucial Hungarian elections only six months away, the American leader returned some political favors. With Orbán aims for a fifth term in office leading a country he describes as an illiberal democracy, his ruling party lags in surveys. A meeting to the US capital produced more than a few signed Maga baseball caps; it secured highly beneficial pre-election gifts.

Waivers and Economic Protections

Despite previously lecturing European states on the need to stop all energy imports from Russia, and warning of sanctions against nations still to buy Russian oil, the US president agreed to grant a unique waiver for Hungary – the top consumer among EU members of Russian crude. Per the Hungarian leader, the American leadership also pledged to extend a fiscal buffer to the Hungarian authorities if it runs into any later issues, given that EU institutions persists in holding back billions in EU funding to Hungary due to violations of legal standards.

The particulars of this agreement seem unclear. However Donald Trump has shown his inclination to help out like-minded partners as the America extended a a $20 billion loan to the Argentine leader, Javier Milei. Although Orbán was unable to arrange a Trump trip to Budapest to the Hungarian capital, the Washington talks nevertheless proved a profitable day’s work.

Brussels' Worries and Global Ramifications

In the corridors of the EU, Trump's actions likely emphasized the international consequences of the upcoming vote, ahead of which the centrist challenger, Magyar, holds a clear edge in opinion data. EU chiefs have learned not to expect reliable policies from the Trump White House, and accept the US president’s attempts to undermine the EU. Yet Mr Orbán’s exemption – secured through an deal to acquire American energy resources – blatantly weakens European goals to end Russian oil and gas by 2027.

• Starting in 2022, the largest EU buyers of Russian petroleum, these two countries, have funneled well over £10bn to the Kremlin’s war effort.
• Meanwhile, Budapest has repeatedly used the threat of its veto to stymie progress in Ukraine’s EU accession talks.
• While Europe works to create a coordinated approach for aiding the Ukrainian government, and enhancing its leverage in any upcoming peace talks, Mr Orbán’s Putin-friendly presence at the negotiating table remains a significant obstacle.

Challenger's Position

Mr Magyar has steered clear of pledging a drastic turnaround on Ukraine, and focused his campaigning on domestic issues, while emphasizing the necessity for Hungary to begin operating as a positive member state. Following persistent provocations, EU officials can only remain patient. Mr Orbán’s indifference to core EU ideals, such as the protection of minority groups and the autonomy of civic groups, has long been a humiliating embarrassment for the European Union. His ongoing blocking tactics regarding the Ukraine issue threatens to weaken its security prospects.