Hungary

After years of concerted post-communist political and economic reform, Hungary is an active member of both NATO and the European Union, as well as a close ally of the United States. As with the rest of the Central European region, though, Hungary’s relationship with Western institutions is under stress. Russia and China compete for Hungary’s attention, and concerns over rule of law and economic uncertainty in the country strain transatlantic ties. The United States needs to increase engagement and investment in the region to assist in Hungary’s forward momentum.

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The Europe Center promotes the transatlantic leadership and strategies required to ensure a strong Europe.

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Report

Nov 10, 2025

Hungary’s policy on China: Doing Beijing’s bidding

By Zoltán Fehér

Under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Hungary has emerged as China’s closest ally within the EU, aligning its foreign policy with Beijing’s global agenda and repeatedly obstructing EU efforts to counter Chinese influence.

China Economy & Business

In the News

Nov 8, 2025

Sapuppo in Kyiv Post on Hungarian exemption from US sanctions targeting Russian energy

By Mercedes Sapuppo

On November 8, Mercedes Sappuppo, nonresident fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center, was quoted in Kyiv Post on the one-year exemption for Hungarian imports of Russian gas.

Energy Markets & Governance English

New Atlanticist

Nov 4, 2025

Trump has an opportunity to unblock Ukraine’s EU accession in his meeting with Orbán

By James Batchik

Getting Hungary to drop its opposition to Ukraine’s European Union accession would be a strategic coup for Ukraine, Europe, and Washington.

Conflict Eurozone

UkraineAlert

Sep 2, 2025

Hungary has alternative energy options but chooses to rely on Russia

By Aura Sabadus

Ukraine’s recent strikes on the Kremlin's Druzhba oil pipeline are not only an attack on Russia’s war economy. They are also a wake-up call for Hungarians highlighting the role being played by their country in the funding of Russia’s invasion, writes Aura Sabadus.

Conflict Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

EnergySource

Aug 4, 2025

What a new nuclear deal with Hungary means for US influence in Europe

By Jennifer T. Gordon

Hungarian and Polish firms agreed to build up to ten US-designed small modular reactors. The deal could signal a step toward bringing Hungary closer to the US and EU.

European Union Geopolitics & Energy Security

In the News

Feb 25, 2025

Horodyskyy in European Pravda: Protection from Orbán: how Trump “suspended” the future of Russian assets and what the EU plans to do

Conflict Europe & Eurasia

EnergySource

Oct 25, 2024

Hungary’s Russian oil deal threatens EU solidarity

By Sergiy Makogon

By striking a deal to resume Russian oil transit through Ukraine, Hungarian oil and gas company MOL undermines Europe's collective action against Russia. The European Union must respond quickly and decisively with solidarity to close sanctions loopholes.

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion Geopolitics & Energy Security

UkraineAlert

Jul 18, 2024

Hungarian PM Orban poses as unlikely peacemaker for Russia’s Ukraine war

By Dmytro Tuzhanskyi

Hungarian PM Viktor Orban recently embarked on a global "peace mission" to end the war in Ukraine but he may actually be more interested in strengthening his own position, writes Dmytro Tuzhanskyi.

China Conflict

Inflection Points Today

Jul 9, 2024

Putin, Xi, Orbán, and Modi provide a disturbing backdrop to the start of the NATO Summit

By Frederick Kempe

The split screens haunting the NATO Summit include a deadly attack on a children’s hospital and meetings with autocrats in Moscow and Beijing.

China Europe & Eurasia

New Atlanticist

Jun 20, 2024

How the far right could shape the future of the European Parliament

By Joely Virzi

Big questions remain around what Alternative for Germany, Hungary’s Fidesz party, and Brothers of Italy will do next.

Elections Europe & Eurasia

Experts