Losing an illiberal ally: Hungary’s new foreign policy towards the Western Balkans

After the landslide victory of Péter Magyar, Hungary has opened a new political chapter following its parliamentary elections on 12 April 2026. The past 16 years, led by Viktor Orbán, witnessed serious democratic backsliding and state capture, visible across all fields of governance, the judiciary and the media, as well as the alienation of Hungary from its traditional Western allies and alliances. In the meantime, Hungary’s relations with ideologically aligned leaders on both sides of the Atlantic gained prominence; this includes strengthening its political, economic, and ideological ties to strongmen from the Western Balkans, too. Over the decades, Hungary has become both a significant player and, in some readings, one of the most destructive forces in the Western Balkans by politically and financially supporting like-minded leaders and by disrupting European consensus on key decisions linked to EU enlargement.

Our current paper highlights the roots of this duality – Hungary’s constructive and destructive role in the Western Balkans – and outlines the potential trajectory that Péter Magyar’s cabinet, officially inaugurated on Europe’s Day, may take in relation to the region and EU enlargement. It argues that many aspects of Hungary’s foreign policy towards the Western Balkans will show continuity (many of them dating to the pre-Orbán period), including the country’s presence in peacekeeping operations, political and technical support for EU integration, and economic engagement. Given Magyar’s pledges on accountability, the transparent use of (Hungarian) public funds, and stronger alignment with Western politico-military alliances, these factors will (in)directly impact Hungary’s relations with Western Balkan countries; Hungary’s evolving role as no longer being a self-proclaimed leader of (spreading) illiberalism in the Balkans and beyond may positively impact its image and engagement in the Western Balkans is perceived.

Disclaimer:

This policy paper is implemented by Political Capital, supported by Open Society Foundations – Western Balkans. Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the Open Society Foundations – Western Balkans.

Find all materials produced as part of the project “Surviving Small-State Existence in the Western Balkans” here.