Hungary’s Influence in the Western Balkans
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Hungary has become one of the most visible external actors in the Western Balkans despite its relatively limited economic power. Through political partnerships, strategic messaging, Budapest has built a distinctive position in the region. New policy paper examines how this influence developed under Viktor Orbán and what may change under the new government of Péter Magyar.
Asya Metodieva analyses Hungary’s influence in the Western Balkans and explores how Budapest’s regional role may evolve following the end of Viktor Orbán’s sixteen-year rule. The paper analyses the sources of Hungarian influence in the region and assesses whether the political transition in Hungary is likely to alter the country’s approach towards its Western Balkan partners.
The paper offers insights into the future of Hungary’s Western Balkans policy, when Hungary is entering a new political era under Prime Minister Péter Magyar. Under Orbán, Budapest became one of the most visible European actors in the Western Balkans, cultivating close ties with political elites across the region and positioning itself as a strong advocate of EU enlargement. As Hungary redefines its place within the European Union and its foreign policy priorities, questions arise over whether these relationships and influence networks will persist.
Read the policy paper below to learn how Hungary built its influence in the Western Balkans, what may change under Péter Magyar, and what this could mean for the future of EU enlargement.
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