How Hungary Became Moscow’s Voice in Europe
From nuclear deals to blocking sanctions, Hungary’s growing alignment with Russia is raising alarm across Europe about the security risks inside the EU.
Hungary's Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán, has transformed from an initially staunch anti-Russian leader into one of Vladimir Putin's most reliable allies in Europe. This dangerous pivot poses a severe threat to European security and undermines the democratic principles that the European Union stands for.
Orbán’s relationship with Russia began to shift in November 2009 when he met Putin at a United Russia party congress in St. Petersburg. This encounter marked a drastic change in Orbán's stance. By 2010, Orbán, newly elected as Prime Minister, had initiated Hungary's "Eastern Opening" policy, aimed at strengthening economic ties with Russia and China. This was a significant departure from Hungary's traditional alliances and an alarming shift towards authoritarian regimes.
In 2014, Hungary signed a deal with Russia for the construction of the Paks 2 nuclear power plant, a €12.5 billion project largely financed by Russian loans. This deal deepened Hungary's financial and energy dependency on Russia, compromising its sovereignty and exposing it to Russian manipulation. When Ukrainian soldiers were fighting Russian-backed forces in Debaltseve in 2015, Orbán welcomed Putin to Budapest, defying the EU's stance to isolate Russia. This blatant disregard for European unity was a significant affront to Brussels.
The extent of Hungary's capitulation to Russian influence became even more apparent in 2019 when the International Investment Bank, controlled by the Russian government, established its headquarters in Budapest. This institution has become a focal point for Russian influence in Hungary, granting full diplomatic immunity to its employees, consultants, and guests from Russia. This immunity allowed unrestricted movement within the Schengen area, a clear threat to European security.
In early 2022, Orbán's so-called "peace mission" to Moscow, where he met with Putin without signing any significant agreements, raised suspicions about the true purpose of the visit. Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Hungary's government increased its pro-Russian stance, aligning itself with Kremlin narratives and criticizing the EU’s strategy for Ukraine. Fidesz-aligned news site Voice of Europe was exposed for spreading pro-Russian propaganda, paying European politicians to influence public opinion.
Despite other EU countries reducing staff at Russian embassies, Hungary increased its numbers in 2022, a move that starkly contrasts with its EU counterparts and highlights Hungary’s diverging stance. The Hungarian state media has also played a crucial role in spreading Kremlin misinformation, justifying Russia’s actions in Ukraine and undermining international support for Ukraine.
Orbán’s government blocked significant EU sanctions against Russia throughout 2022, advocating for dialogue over punitive measures. Orbán argued that sanctions were ineffective and harmful to European interests, a position that aligns closely with Moscow's agenda. Hungary’s dependence on Russian energy increased with new deals to boost supplies, making Orbán’s government Russia’s biggest energy customer in the EU. This financial relationship directly funds Russia’s war efforts against Ukraine, a fact not lost on Ukrainian officials who accused Hungary of complicity in Russian war crimes.
The manipulation of ethnic Hungarians in Ukraine by the Hungarian government further bolsters its pro-Russian stance. By the end of 2023, Fidesz claimed that ethnic Hungarians were being coerced into fighting in Ukraine, a narrative that serves both domestic and Russian interests.
Kaja Kallas, the Prime Minister of Estonia and upcoming High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, succinctly captured the EU’s position when she tweeted, "In Moscow, Viktor Orbán in no way represents the EU or the EU’s positions. He is exploiting the EU presidency position to sow confusion. The EU is united, clearly behind Ukraine and against Russian aggression."
Hungary's dangerous alignment with Russia under Viktor Orbán not only threatens European security but also undermines the democratic values that the European Union stands for. By exploiting Western democratic principles, Hungary hides its servitude to Putin’s regime, posing a grave danger to the stability and unity of Europe. It is imperative for the European Union to address this malignant influence and reaffirm its commitment to democratic principles and security.