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During the 2016 US presidential election campaign, Viktor Orbán was notable as the exclusive head of an EU nation to back Donald Trump. This alignment was expected, in light of Mr Orbán's adoption of contentious ideas such as population replacement concept and the restrictions against journalistic liberties. Commentators point out that Mr Orbán practically wrote the playbook for the Make America Great Again campaign, with ex-Trump adviser Steve Bannon hailing him as a precursor to Trump.

Electoral Support Before the Hungarian Vote

In recent days, with pivotal polls in Hungary merely half a year off, Donald Trump reciprocated with support. As Mr Orbán aims for a fifth consecutive term leading a country he calls an non-liberal system, his ruling party currently trails in opinion polls. A meeting to the US capital produced more than Trump campaign souvenirs; it brought highly beneficial campaign boosts.

Waivers and Financial Shields

Despite before instructing European states on the necessity to stop all fuel purchases from Russia, and threatening restrictions against nations continuing to purchase Russian crude, the US president consented to allow a unique waiver for Hungary – the largest EU consumer of Russian crude. According to Mr Orbán, the Trump administration also agreed to offer a fiscal buffer to Budapest should it encounters any later issues, particularly since EU institutions is still blocking large sums from the EU to Hungary on grounds of rule-of-law breaches.

The particulars of this deal are somewhat murky. Yet Donald Trump illustrated his readiness to help out like-minded partners after the America granted a a $20 billion loan to Argentina’s far-right president, the South American leader. While the Hungarian PM did not secure a Trump trip to Budapest to the Hungarian capital, the Oval Office meeting nevertheless proved a profitable day’s work.

Brussels' Worries and Global Ramifications

Within EU circles, the US president's move likely highlighted the geopolitical stakes of the forthcoming polls, before which the centrist challenger, Magyar, has a comfortable lead in the polls. Heads of state have learned not to expect steady principles from the Trump administration, and have grown used to the US president’s moves to diminish the EU. However Mr Orbán’s exemption – secured through an pledge to purchase American natural gas and nuclear power – flagrantly undermines EU aspirations to end Russian oil and gas by 2027.

• From 2022 onward, the top importers in the EU of Russian petroleum, the Hungarian and Slovak nations, have funneled more than ten billion pounds to the Russian military campaign.
• At the same time, Budapest has consistently deployed the veto power to impede moves in Ukraine’s EU accession talks.
• As the EU attempts to forge a unified and effective strategy for backing Ukraine, and strengthening its hand in any future peace negotiations, Mr Orbán’s Putin-friendly presence at the diplomatic table remains a significant obstacle.

Opposition Stance

Mr Magyar has steered clear of promising a major policy shift on the Ukraine conflict, and directed his efforts on internal matters, while emphasizing the necessity for the country to finally behave as a positive member state. After enduring so many years of trolling, the European Union can only remain patient. Mr Orbán’s indifference to fundamental European principles, such as the upholding of minority rights and the autonomy of civic groups, has long been a source of shame for the EU. His ongoing blocking tactics on Ukrainian matters risks undermining its future security.