“Europe’s heart is beating stronger in Hungary tonight,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote on election night, saying the country was reclaiming its European path and that the EU would become stronger as a result.
European Council President António Costa praised the record turnout as a sign of Hungarians’ “democratic spirit” and said he looked forward to “close” cooperation with Peter Magyar to make Europe “stronger and more prosperous.” Several other European leaders welcomed Magyar, who will work with them in the European Council. French President Emmanuel Macron said the result showed Hungarians’ attachment to EU values. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called it a gain for Europe and said he looked forward to working together. Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz said voters had shown there is “no irreversible trend toward authoritarianism.” Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk posted a video appearing to show him on the phone with Magyar, saying he was very happy. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also congratulated defeated incumbent Viktor Orbán, calling him her “friend” and thanking him for recent cooperation. The Czech and Slovak prime ministers, seen as Orbán allies, likewise congratulated Magyar.
End of an era of tense relations
The historic vote marks a turning point in strained relations between the EU and Hungary’s long-serving leader, Viktor Orbán. Ties had deteriorated over rule-of-law disputes, tactical vetoes of unanimous EU decisions and, most recently, Hungary’s move to block a €90 billion loan package for Ukraine. Von der Leyen said lessons should be drawn from recent experience and floated the possibility of moving away from unanimity in EU foreign policy. The Commission said it would begin working with the new Hungarian government as soon as possible.
Ukraine loan as first test
Magyar campaigned on making Hungary a reliable NATO and EU partner. The first major test is likely the approval of the €90 billion loan for Ukraine, approved by the EU for 2026–27 but stalled by Hungary. Brussels officials expect Magyar to allow the payments to proceed and to abandon further blocking attempts. Julia Pocze, a rule-of-law expert at the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS), sees no indication Magyar intends to continue obstructing the loan and expects approval by the end of May, possibly after a transition period.
What stance will Magyar take on Ukraine?
Observers will watch Magyar’s stance on Ukraine and potential EU membership. Although a member of the European Parliament, Magyar is not necessarily seen as pro‑Ukrainian; news agencies report he opposes arms deliveries to Ukraine. An EU diplomat told DW he does not expect a dramatic reversal on Ukraine but rather continued caution. Pocze expects a “neutral stance”: Hungary likely would refrain from arms deliveries but would not oppose EU and NATO support. She argued Magyar is not particularly pro‑Russian. Accusations that Orbán’s government informed Russia about internal EU proceedings caused outrage in Brussels; an EU diplomat said such behavior is expected to stop under the new government.
Unlocking EU funds for Hungary
Magyar has pledged to implement reforms demanded by Brussels to secure funds withheld over rule-of-law concerns—about €17 billion as of January 2026. Reforms cover public procurement, anti‑corruption and law enforcement. Pocze expects these funds to be released relatively quickly, likening the situation to Poland after Donald Tusk’s return to office when the Commission released funds within months of announced reforms. With a two‑thirds majority in parliament, Magyar can amend the constitution and pursue his agenda, including anti‑corruption measures.
Potential for conflict and new alliances
Magyar maintains a hardline anti‑immigration stance, a long-standing source of conflict with the EU. Hungary still faces a daily €1 million fine for not complying with a European Court of Justice ruling on asylum policy. Magyar has said he does not intend to implement the new migration pact, an area likely to generate continued friction; member states must adopt the pact by June 2026. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also opposed implementing the pact last year, and Magyar is expected to visit Warsaw as his first official trip, where the two leaders’ parties are both in the European People’s Party. Piotr Buras of the European Council on Foreign Relations expects Magyar’s victory to strengthen conservative and “Eurorealist” positions on issues such as environment and industrial policy—an outcome that will likely irk many in the EU.
This article originally appeared in German.