By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s recent visit to Moscow has sparked controversy, as he secured energy deals and maintained ties with Vladimir Putin, contrasting with the EU’s stance on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This move undermines the EU’s efforts to isolate Russia, diversify away from Russian fossil fuels, and support Ukraine. Orbán’s actions, including securing energy supplies and opposing EU initiatives to aid Ukraine, are viewed as a hostile act against the EU’s united front. Furthermore, his preference for peace negotiations and his ties with the US add more conflict within the EU.
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Orbán’s visit to Putin ‘a hostile act’ for Europe? Well, let’s unpack this, shall we? From the outside, it sure looks like a slap in the face. Here’s why the optics of Viktor Orbán, Hungary’s leader, cozying up to Vladimir Putin, while the rest of Europe is rightly united against Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, just don’t sit right. It’s almost like a pointed thumbing of the nose at the very principles the EU stands for – unity, democracy, and standing up for what’s right.
This seemingly friendly exchange between Orbán and Putin, particularly given the backdrop of the ongoing war, raises some serious questions. Is Hungary playing both sides? Are they undermining the collective efforts to hold Russia accountable? Are they weakening the resolve of the EU and NATO? The answer, at least to many, seems to be a resounding yes. It’s perceived as a hostile act because it directly contradicts the stance taken by the vast majority of European nations. It sends a message of indifference, if not outright support, for a regime that’s causing immense suffering.
Now, some might argue that this is Hungary’s sovereign right, that they are free to conduct their own foreign policy. That’s true, in theory. But when a country is part of a larger, interconnected alliance – like the EU and NATO – its actions have consequences. And when those actions undermine the goals and values of the alliance, they become a problem. It’s a bit like a team member repeatedly sabotaging the team’s efforts; eventually, you have to wonder if they’re actually on your side.
The concern is particularly heightened because Hungary is an EU member. This means that Hungary benefits from the shared economic prosperity, security guarantees, and political influence that the EU provides. Yet, at the same time, it seems to be actively working against the interests of the bloc, using the veto power on several occassions. This creates a deeply frustrating situation where the rules of the game are being bent for what many perceive to be Orbán’s personal gain.
Of course, the internal political situation in Hungary is also a factor. Many Hungarians are clearly unhappy with Orbán’s leadership, and the upcoming elections are seen as a critical turning point. But the fact that he has been in power for so long speaks to a more complex story. The control over the media, the manipulation of the electoral system, and the appeals to certain segments of the population all contribute to the current state of affairs.
There’s also the matter of financial aid. The EU has poured significant amounts of money into Hungary. There’s a valid argument to be made that this flow of funds should be contingent on Hungary adhering to the values and principles of the EU. If Hungary is actively working against those values, then why should it continue to receive benefits? Suspension, or even the withholding of funds, is seen by some as a necessary measure to pressure Hungary to align itself with the rest of the EU.
However, it is crucial to recognize that Orbán’s actions don’t represent all Hungarians. There’s a growing opposition, people who share the values of the EU and want to see their country back on the right track. They’re working hard to remove Orbán from power, and their efforts deserve support. It’s not fair to tar an entire nation with the brush of their leader, but it’s vital to recognize that the next election will be pivotal.
The US, being a strong ally of the EU and NATO, must also be considered. If Hungary is seen as playing footsie with Russia, and thereby undermining Western unity, the consequences could be severe. It could lead to the questioning of Hungary’s place within the alliance and, perhaps, to the imposition of sanctions or the suspension of its membership.
The situation is nuanced and emotionally charged, a combination of geopolitics, domestic politics, and the enduring values of the European project. It raises fundamental questions about the nature of alliances, the responsibilities of membership, and the price of standing up for what’s right. It forces us to ask whether Orbán’s visit to Putin is just a diplomatic misstep or a betrayal of everything the EU stands for. And ultimately, that’s something that only the future – and the next election – can truly answer.