Recently, tensions between the EU and Hungary have taken a turn for the better. The European Commission has repeatedly frozen Hungary's development** and Covid relief funds, and has criticized Hungary's practices. Surprisingly, however, the European Union recently announced that it would unleash tens of billions of euros of cohesion to Hungary and said that Hungary had taken steps to ensure the independence of the judiciary. This decision means that the EU bows its head to Hungary and implies that the EU does not have the upper hand in the fight against Hungary.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban had several disagreements with the EU in the second half of the year. Their cessation of military aid to Ukraine, demands and normalization of Russia have caused discontent among several EU member states. Hungary supports the United States, while the European Union criticizes them for imitating the American line and showing exclusion towards Biden. This "unsociable" behavior led to Hungary being considered an "outlier" and being sanctioned by the European Union.
Hungary has **previously* pushed the EU's plans to thwart Hungary's assumption of the EU presidency in 2024, and even Foreign Minister Josep Borrell has hinted that Hungary could leave the EU. However, Hungary** believes that US intervention in this matter seriously sacrifices the interests of all of Europe, so they do not intend to withdraw from the group. Hungary's protests have led the European Union to freeze funds, claiming that Hungary is an "incomplete democracy".
The European Union has frozen tens of billions of dollars in Hungary's development** and coronavirus relief funds in an attempt to put pressure on Hungary. However, at the Brussels summit, the EU suddenly announced that it would unleash tens of billions of euros of cohesion** on Hungary, and said that Hungary** had taken appropriate measures to ensure the independence of the judiciary. It is unclear whether the decision is related to the EU seeking to approve a four-year, €50 billion aid package for Ukraine. However, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said in a recent statement that Hungary would abandon its opposition to the EU's latest aid package for Ukraine only if Brussels unfreezes all funds allocated to Hungary, which can be seen as a quid pro quo.
Hungary** has been critical of the European Commission's policies for the past few years and has dared to contradict the European Commission. Other countries, such as Poland, have also had their allocations frozen for criticizing the EU for being "controlled by Germany". The EU's eventual release of Hungarian funds could mean that the EU has not emerged victorious in the fight against Hungary. Hungary** made rational use of the mechanisms of the European Union, making every meeting of the European Union tricky, and thus ultimately succeeded. It is worth mentioning that as long as Hungary does not voluntarily leave the EU, they can remain in the EU and create problems for Brussels. However, there are fears that if Hungary agrees to aid to Ukraine, the EU could turn its back and block the release of funds, or withhold another batch of Hungarian aid.
The contradictions between Hungary and the EU have always been a long-standing problem. The EU sanctions against Hungary are seen as punishment for the position taken by Hungary**, which insists on its position and seeks to protect its national interests. The recent release of Hungarian funds by the European Union indicates that Hungary has achieved a certain victory in the confrontation with the EU. However, this does not mean that Hungary will be able to confront the EU without limits. Other countries may see hope in Hungary's success and take similar action. For Ukraine, the struggle in Hungary may be the beginning, not the end, of difficulties.
In international relations, games and trade-offs are essential. Hungary chose to confront the EU and seek to protect its national interests, which was their own choice. However, we should also consider whether there is a better way to resolve such confrontations and conflicts that can better serve the interests of all parties. Both the EU and Hungary need to think deeply and work hard to find a true way to win-win cooperation.
The EU's bow to Hungary and its agreement to return the huge amount of seized funds marks a turning point in tensions between the EU and Hungary. Hungary** has always maintained its position and achieved a certain victory in the struggle through the rational use of EU mechanisms. However, both the EU and Hungary need to remain rational and calm in international relations and find a true way to win-win cooperation. Long-term stable and prosperous development can only be achieved through dialogue on an equal footing and mutual respect.