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During the race for the White House in 2016, Viktor Orbán stood out as the exclusive European Union leader to support Donald Trump. This backing came as no shock, in light of the Hungarian leader's embrace of controversial notions like population replacement concept and the crackdowns on press independence. Commentators point out that Hungary's premier practically pioneered the Maga movement, with former White House strategist Steve Bannon hailing him as a precursor to Trump.

Campaign Assistance In advance of the Hungarian Vote

Last week, amid pivotal polls in Hungary just half a year off, Donald Trump reciprocated with support. While Orbán seeks a fifth straight win leading a country he describes as an illiberal democracy, his ruling party lags in the polls. A meeting to Washington produced beyond Trump campaign souvenirs; it secured highly beneficial pre-election gifts.

Waivers and Economic Protections

Even though previously admonishing European states on the imperative to eliminate all energy imports from Russia, and warning of penalties against countries persisting to buy Russian oil, Donald Trump consented to allow a particular exclusion for Hungary – the top consumer among EU members of Russian crude. Per the Hungarian leader, the Trump administration also pledged to extend a fiscal buffer to the Hungarian authorities if it runs into any upcoming challenges, especially as the European Union continues to withhold large sums from the EU to Hungary due to violations of legal standards.

The particulars of this arrangement seem unclear. But Donald Trump illustrated his inclination to assist ideological allies as the United States provided a $20 billion in emergency funds to the Argentine leader, the South American leader. Even though Mr Orbán was unable to arrange a campaign-energising Trump visit to the Hungarian capital, the discussions still proved a profitable day’s work.

EU Concerns and Global Ramifications

In the corridors of the EU, Trump's actions will have emphasized the international consequences of the forthcoming polls, prior to which the moderate contender, Péter Magyar, has a clear edge in opinion data. European leaders have learned not to anticipate principled consistency from the US government, and accept the US president’s attempts to undermine the European Union. Yet Mr Orbán’s exemption – which came at the price of an agreement to buy American energy resources – flagrantly undermines EU aspirations to phase out Russian fossil fuel imports by 2027.

• From 2022 onward, the largest EU buyers of Russian oil, these two countries, have funneled well over £10bn to the Russian military campaign.
• Simultaneously, Budapest has repeatedly used the threat of its veto to impede moves in negotiations for Ukraine's EU membership.
• While Europe works to develop a cohesive plan for aiding the Ukrainian government, and bolstering its position in any later diplomatic discussions, Mr Orbán’s Putin-friendly presence at the international forums is still a key barrier.

Rival's Approach

The opposition candidate has refrained from pledging a significant change on Ukraine, and centered his campaign on domestic issues, while stressing the need for Hungary to begin operating as a constructive EU member. After years of persistent provocations, Brussels can only hold out hope. Mr Orbán’s indifference to fundamental European principles, including the protection of minority groups and the independence of civil society institutions, has persisted as a source of shame for the EU. His persistent opposition regarding Ukraine threatens to weaken its long-term safety.