Hungarian Foreign Policy: A Strategy Behind the Balkan Ties

Over the past thirteen years, since Fidesz came back to power in 2010, Hungarian presence in the Western Balkans has noticeably increased, creating close ties with the political leaders and taking an active role in fulfilling its political and economic interests in the region. The intensified cooperation between Hungary and the region, mostly seen through Hungary’s support to the EU accession of the region, financial investments, energy security, as well as agreements on controlling the migration crisis, brought attention to the complexity of these relations.

On this occasion, the BCSP will publish a research study on the Hungarian foreign policy strategy in the Western Balkans. It looks into a number of topics by analysing the main political drivers, economic interests and soft power tools of Hungary’s approach to the region.

What interests and strategic considerations drive Hungarian foreign policy in the region? What are Hungarian foreign policy priorities in the Western Balkans? Is there a coherent, standalone strategy for Hungary in the region? How much has it changed as a result of the war in Ukraine? These are some of the questions that the speakers will discuss over the panel:

· Ferenc Németh, Research Fellow at the Hungarian Institute of International Affairs

· Zsuzsanna Szelényi, Director at the Democracy Institute Leadership Academy of the Central European University

· Maja Bjeloš, Senior Researcher at the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy

· Ivana Ranković, Junior Researcher at the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy

· Moderator: Nikola Burazer, Programme Director at Centre for Contemporary Politics

Introduction remarks by Srdjan Cvijić, President of the International Advisory Committee of the BCSP

For in-person and online participation, please register HERE