Hungary in waiting: The Slovak challenge for the EU and Ukraine
The new Slovak government seems a natural pro-Kremlin ally for Hungary. But there is still time for the EU, member states, and Ukraine to get Fico onside
Experts & Staff
Zsuzsanna Végh
European University Viadrina
Biography
Zsuzsanna Végh is an analyst focusing on Central European countries’ European and foreign policy, the state of democracy and the radical right in Central Europe, with particular interest in Hungary. She has extensive experience working at the intersection of academic research and policy analysis. She is a lecturer and PhD researcher at the European University Viadrina and an associate researcher at the European Council on Foreign Relations. She is visiting fellow and was previously ReThink.CEE Fellow at the German Marshall Fund of the United States, and authored reports for Freedom House’s Nations in Transit on her native Hungary. Previously, she worked at the Center for European Neighborhood Studies of the Central European University and the Hungarian Institute of International Affairs.
31 Jan
Power audit of EU-Russia relations: How Europeans are learning to handle a new reality
Concluding that Russia poses a threat and that the EU let its dependencies grow too deep, the bloc so far attempted to decouple from Moscow. How should Europeans navigate the adversarial relationship in the future?
Mind the gaps: The pending suspension of Hungary’s EU funds
The European Commission’s agreement with Hungary on anti-corruption reforms is significant. But, even if the Hungarian government does implement them, the measures alone are not sufficient to reverse democratic backsliding in the country.
The game is not over: Fidesz, Law and Justice, and far-right cooperation in the EU
The war in Ukraine has driven a wedge between Hungary’s Fidesz and Poland’s Law and Justice parties. But they could still mount a powerful challenge to the EU if – or, rather, when – they reunite in their opposition to rule of law demands.
Alignment or isolation: Hungary’s foreign policy after its parliamentary election
Hungary’s parliamentary election could be a turning point in its foreign policy. An opposition win could mean realignment with the EU, but polls suggest that it might be a tight race.
Instrumental solidarity: Hungary’s management of the coronavirus crisis
The Orbán government’s demonstrations of European solidarity have been partly motivated by its nationalist goals and its concerns about migration
No more red lines left to cross: The Hungarian government’s emergency measures
The Hungarian government now has a great deal of flexibility to rule as it sees fit, provided that it portrays its actions as being in the interests of crisis management
An unprecedented setback for Orbán: Hungary’s municipal elections
The Orbán government will likely fuel conflict with newly appointed opposition mayors, taking every chance to portray them as incompetent.
A win for Orbán? Hungary and the new European Commission
The man nominated to encourage democratic norms among the EU’s neighbours has overseen the degradation of Hungary’s own standards. The damage could already be done.
Hungary for more: Viktor Orbán’s new European battles
ECFR’s EU28 Survey reveals that Hungary manages to outpoll even the United Kingdom as the “most disappointing” EU member state. But May’s European Parliament poll is likely to see it dig in rather than change course.
Articles
Hungary in waiting: The Slovak challenge for the EU and Ukraine
The new Slovak government seems a natural pro-Kremlin ally for Hungary. But there is still time for the EU, member states, and Ukraine to get Fico onside
Mind the gaps: The pending suspension of Hungary’s EU funds
The European Commission’s agreement with Hungary on anti-corruption reforms is significant. But, even if the Hungarian government does implement them, the measures alone are not sufficient to reverse democratic backsliding in the country.
The game is not over: Fidesz, Law and Justice, and far-right cooperation in the EU
The war in Ukraine has driven a wedge between Hungary’s Fidesz and Poland’s Law and Justice parties. But they could still mount a powerful challenge to the EU if – or, rather, when – they reunite in their opposition to rule of law demands.
Alignment or isolation: Hungary’s foreign policy after its parliamentary election
Hungary’s parliamentary election could be a turning point in its foreign policy. An opposition win could mean realignment with the EU, but polls suggest that it might be a tight race.
Instrumental solidarity: Hungary’s management of the coronavirus crisis
The Orbán government’s demonstrations of European solidarity have been partly motivated by its nationalist goals and its concerns about migration
No more red lines left to cross: The Hungarian government’s emergency measures
The Hungarian government now has a great deal of flexibility to rule as it sees fit, provided that it portrays its actions as being in the interests of crisis management
An unprecedented setback for Orbán: Hungary’s municipal elections
The Orbán government will likely fuel conflict with newly appointed opposition mayors, taking every chance to portray them as incompetent.
A win for Orbán? Hungary and the new European Commission
The man nominated to encourage democratic norms among the EU’s neighbours has overseen the degradation of Hungary’s own standards. The damage could already be done.
Hungary for more: Viktor Orbán’s new European battles
ECFR’s EU28 Survey reveals that Hungary manages to outpoll even the United Kingdom as the “most disappointing” EU member state. But May’s European Parliament poll is likely to see it dig in rather than change course.
Orbán 3.0: What to expect next
Viktor Orbán’s post-victory intentions are clear: to extend Fidesz control over civil society and remaining independent media outlets. The stage is now set for the EU – with European People’s Party MEPs holding the balance – to take action on further violations of democratic principles and values.
Events
31 Jan
Power audit of EU-Russia relations: How Europeans are learning to handle a new reality
Concluding that Russia poses a threat and that the EU let its dependencies grow too deep, the bloc so far attempted to decouple from Moscow. How should Europeans navigate the adversarial relationship in the future?
In the media
Fico is not a follower of Orban when it comes to, for example, foreign policy. He has other considerations
Zsuzsanna Végh on how the EU should deal with Hungary’s Viktor Orban
Zsuzsanna Végh on Hungary’s position on Sweden’s NATO accession
Zsuzsanna Végh on EU aid to Ukraine and what to expect next from Hungary
Zsuzsanna Végh on the Orban fatigue
Viktor Orbán can and will spin the three additions as if he was successful in his demands
Zsuzsanna Végh on Orban’s victories at the European Council summit