Orbán’s Policy in the EU as a Threat to Its Integrity

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In recent years, Viktor Orbán’s policy in Hungary hasbecome a key concern in Europe, especially giving its close ties with Russia. Hungary has become a key tool for Moscow to promote pro-Russian interests, undermining the unity of the European Union. The Hungarian delegation led by Orbán supported the disputed parliamentary elections in Georgia. It clearly shows how Budapest legitimizes regimes close to Moscow.

At the end of October 2024, amid the political crisis in Georgia, the Hungarian delegation visited Tbilisi. A wave of protests swept the country after theparliamentary elections, which Georgian President Salomé Zourabichvili and opposition parties considered falsified. The ruling Georgian Dream party, closely associated with the pro-Russian oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, continues its pro-Russian course. In this context, the visit of Orbán and Hungarian Foreign Minister Szijjártó can be seen as an attempt to support this course and strengthen Moscow’s influence in the region.

The signing of a bilateral agreement on investment protection between Hungary and Georgia under these circumstances not only strengthens economic ties, but also demonstrates symbolic support for pro-Russian forces in Georgia. This puts the country’s democratic future at risk and indicates Hungary’s dangerous desire to be Moscow’s ally in European and international affairs.

Italy, as a leading EU country, has long maintained close relations with Hungary. In recent years, Rome and Budapest have shown similar positions on a number of issues, such as migration policy and sanctions against Russia. In addition, in September 2024, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini made a joint statement on the urgent need to end the war in Ukraine. Although their calls for peace are morally driven, this statement causedcontroversy in Europe. It contradicts the official position of the European Union, which has consistently supported Ukraine and demanded the complete withdrawal of Russian troops from its territory. Their rhetoric about an immediate cessation of hostilities without clear conditions for the withdrawal of occupation forces, raised concerns as it echoes pro-Russian narratives, which in turn weakens EU unity and undermines efforts to support Ukraine. 

It is possible that Italy’s position may have been influenced by Viktor Orbán, whose pro-Russian sentiments are obvious. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjártó has set an important precedent by visiting Moscow and Minsk after 24 February 2022, being the only EU foreign minister to do this. Thus, dictators Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko have seen the failure of their diplomatic isolation amid ongoing aggression. Perhaps, at the meetings in Moscow Orbánreceives some kind of informal “playbooks” on how to interact with other EU leaders, promoting Russian interests and weakening the EU’s collective efforts to support Ukraine.

However, Italy should be careful. Such Moscow’s influence in Hungary could become an additional channel for the spread of pro-Russian narratives in Europe. Russia actively uses diplomatic and economic ties with Hungary to legitimize its actions and weaken Western sanctions. Hungary, in turn, could become a “Trojan horse” for Russia in the EU, influencing political processes through its allies.

Despite some political differences, economic ties between Italy and Hungary remain quite strong. Hungary is a key recipient of Italian investment, especially in construction and automotive. However, against the backdrop of growing pro-Russian sentiment in Hungary, Italy should pay attention to how such ties could be used by Moscow. Hungary’s, in its turn, shows its open support for Russia, undermining democratic processes in Europe. 

In addition, Hungary has repeatedly blocked pan-European sanctions against Russia and criticized support for Ukraine. This creates additional risks for Italy if it continues to follow a similar political course. It is important to prevent Italy, as a key player in the EU, from such involvement in the pro-Russian influence network that Hungary is actively promoting.

It is critical for Italy to carefully build its relations with Hungary, especially in light of its pro-Russian policy. Russia may use Hungary as a tool to advance its interests in Europe, and Italy should avoid these processes. In the context of increasing geopolitical tensions in Europe, Italy should strengthen its ties with democratic countries and support a united EU efforts against authoritarian regimes and Moscow’s influence.