Hungary shifts foreign policy toward EU and NATO alignment

Following the April 12 elections, Hungary has initiated a significant shift in its foreign policy, moving away from the confrontational and pro-Russian tendencies of the previous era toward closer cooperation with the European Union and NATO.

Key developments in the first hundred days include the restoration of diplomatic relations and the pursuit of the EU recovery plan, which could unlock approximately 10 billion euros in funding contingent on rule-of-law reforms. Institutional steps toward reintegration include Hungary joining the European Public Prosecutor's Office and maintaining its status as a party to the Rome Statute by not proceeding with a previously announced withdrawal from the International Criminal Court.

In regional diplomacy, the government has sought to resolve issues regarding the Hungarian minority in Ukraine, securing commitments regarding linguistic, educational, and cultural rights, which has also facilitated Ukraine’s EU accession process. While the shift toward Western alignment is underway, analysts note that further steps are required to fully rebuild trust and institutionalize these democratic reforms.