Sunday’s elections in Hungary made headlines far beyond its borders, as Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s 16-year rule came to an end, conceding power to Péter Magyar and his Tisza Party. Magyar’s tenure will surely bring change to Hungary—but the implications of this change for U.S. foreign policy should not be overlooked, especially as Washington wrestles with the future of the war in Ukraine.
Orbán’s Fidesz not only lost its hold on the prime ministership, but the Tisza Party even secured a two-thirds parliamentary majority, positioning Hungary for sweeping change, including possible constitutional reforms aimed at reversing Orbán’s illiberal turn.
While it remains unclear where the war in Ukraine will fall among Magyar’s priorities, his leadership is expected to unlock €90 billion in credit for Ukraine—funding previously blocked by Orbán. In fact, Orbán repeatedly obstructed European efforts to take on greater responsibility for the war in Ukraine, including delaying new rounds of EU sanctions on Russia and resisting moves toward full energy independence from Moscow. This shift could enable the United States to scale back its role and allow Europe to take more responsibility, freeing Washington to focus on other pressing national security commitments.
In effect, it would mark a clear and welcome case of burden-shifting from the United States to its European allies.
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