Hungary’s Western Balkans Policy After Orbán
Hungary’s Western Balkans Policy After Orbán

Summary/Abstract: This paper examines how Hungary’s foreign policy toward the Western Balkans may evolve following the electoral defeat of Viktor Orbán and the rise of Péter Magyar in April 2026. Under Orbán, Hungary’s engagement in the region was strongly shaped by personal ties with like-minded leaders, as well as by a broader illiberal alignment that influenced Buda-pest’s approach to EU enlargement, economic cooperation, and political support. In this context, Hungary promoted a fast-track EU accession process that often downplayed rule-of-law conditionality, while simultaneously building networks of political, financial, and media influence across the region. The paper explores the potential implications of the political transition in Hungary for both EU dynamics and bilateral relations with Western Balkan actors, particularly Serbia and Republika Srpska. It argues that Orbán’s departure will weaken key regional alliances and may open space for a more rule-based and cohesive EU approach toward enlargement. At the same time, Hungary’s strategic interests, especially in economic and energy cooperation, are likely to dictate continuity in certain aspects of engagement, and will probably not lead to rapid change in Hungarian foreign policy towards the region.

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