Hungary Defies the EU! Why Is Hungary Turning Its Back on the EU and Embracing BRICS?

Hungary Defies the EU! Why Is Hungary Turning Its Back on the EU and Embracing BRICS?
Hungary is at a pivotal moment as it considers a closer alliance with BRICS while intensifying ties with Russia and China. This shift raises critical questions about Hungary's future within the European Union and its role on the global stage. The ongoing friction between Budapest and Brussels has been fueled by disagreements over democratic principles, foreign policy, and Hungary's controversial energy ties with Russia. Hungary’s recent Sovereignty Protection Law has only added to the strain, prompting legal challenges from the EU over potential threats to democratic standards.

With the European Union withholding billions in funding, Hungary's pivot towards BRICS reflects a broader strategy to seek new economic opportunities and assert its sovereignty. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's government is leveraging partnerships with countries like Russia and China to counter EU influence, while Hungary’s participation in China’s Belt and Road Initiative showcases its growing alignment with Eastern powers. The Hungary-Serbia Railway project, primarily funded by China, exemplifies this trend, though it has raised concerns about Hungary’s long-term economic autonomy.

Hungary’s shift also has implications for EU policy, as its reluctance to support Ukraine and its dependence on Russian energy complicate the bloc's unified stance against Moscow. Moreover, Hungary's close ties with China, including collaboration on 5G infrastructure, signify a deeper ideological realignment. As Hungary navigates these changes, it remains to be seen whether it can balance these relationships while staying within the EU framework, or if it will make a definitive move towards a multipolar foreign policy. The potential realignment poses a challenge for EU cohesion and could signal a broader trend as other member states weigh similar options.