Foreign relations of Hungary

Hungary plays an important role in Central and Eastern Europe and is considered a middle power in world affairs. Its foreign policy focuses on working with other countries, supporting international law, and joining together with nations in Europe and beyond. The Hungarian economy depends a lot on trading with other countries.

Hungary joined the United Nations in 1955 and is part of many important groups such as the European Union, NATO, and the OECD. In 2011, Hungary led meetings of European Union leaders, and it will do so again in 2024. The country’s capital, Budapest, hosts over 100 embassies and offices for many global organizations.

Since 1989, Hungary has worked hard to join Western groups for trade and security. It signed friendship treaties with neighbors like Ukraine, Slovakia, and Romania to settle old disputes. Even though there are sometimes tensions over rights of people with Hungarian roots living in these countries, Hungary keeps working to build good relationships. After 1989, Hungary moved closer to the West, joining NATO in 1999 and the European Union in 2004. In 2010, Hungary started a policy to strengthen ties with countries in the Global East.

Overview

Hungary's approach to its relationships with other countries is shaped by its long history and location in Europe. For many years, Hungary was controlled by powerful nations like the Ottomans, the Habsburg dynasty, the Germans during World War II, and the Soviets during the Cold War. Because of this, Hungary has focused on joining important groups like NATO and the European Union to feel safer.

Since 1990, Hungary has worked hard to become part of Western economic and security groups. It joined the Partnership for Peace program in 1994 and supported peace missions in Bosnia. In 1997, Hungary was invited to join NATO and the European Union, becoming a member of NATO in 1999 and the EU in 2004.

Hungary has also made efforts to improve relationships with its neighbors like Romania, Slovakia, and Ukraine by signing treaties that aim for peaceful ties. However, there are still some disagreements about the rights of Hungarian minorities living in these countries.

Hungary has been a member of the United Nations since 1955 and has taken part in many international agreements to support peace and cooperation. Despite some challenges, Hungary continues to work with other nations to build stronger and more friendly relationships.

Hungary and Turkic States

Hungarian scholars and musicians have long been interested in the Turkic peoples because of the ancient connections between Hungarian ancestors and these groups. One Hungarian expert, Bence Szabolcsi, described this interest as a link to a rich musical tradition that stretches from China through Central Asia to the Black Sea.

After political changes in 1990, Hungary began focusing more on relationships with Turkic countries. In 2018, Hungary joined as an observer in the Organisation of Turkic States, showing its stronger ties in the region. Today, Türkiye and Azerbaijan are two important partners for Hungary.

Diplomatic relations

Hungary has diplomatic ties with many countries around the world. This means Hungary has official relationships and communication with these nations to work together on various important matters.

Relations by region and country

Multilateral

Africa

Americas

Asia

Europe

Oceania

Foreign criticism

In 2010, Hungary made new rules for the news and media. Some people in the European Union worried these rules might hurt fair reporting and democracy.

Later, in 2013, Hungary created a new set of laws for how the country is run. This also got some criticism from groups like the Council of Europe, the European Union, and Human Rights Watch, who felt it might weaken important protections for people’s rights.