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In the course of the 2016 campaign for the US presidency, Hungary's prime minister stood out as the exclusive EU chief to support the Republican candidate. This backing was hardly surprising, given the Hungarian leader's adoption of controversial theories including population replacement concept and his restrictions against media freedom. Observers observe that Mr Orbán more or less laid the groundwork for Trump's base, with one-time strategist Steve Bannon lauding Orbán as the "Trump before Trump".

Electoral Support Ahead of Hungarian Elections

In recent days, amid key votes in Hungary only half a year off, the US president returned some political favors. As Mr Orbán pursues a fifth straight win governing a country he labels an non-liberal system, his ruling party lags in opinion polls. A meeting to the US capital produced beyond a few signed Maga baseball caps; it secured highly beneficial pre-election gifts.

Energy Exemptions and Fiscal Safeguards

Despite before admonishing European nations on the need to halt all resource supplies from Russia, and warning of restrictions against nations still to purchase Russian crude, Donald Trump consented to grant a particular exclusion for Hungary – the top consumer among EU members of Russian oil. Per the Hungarian leader, the Trump administration also agreed to offer a economic protection to Budapest should it faces any later issues, given that Brussels persists in holding back billions in EU funding to Hungary because of violations of legal standards.

The details of this deal remain unclear. However Mr Trump has shown his willingness to assist ideological allies after the United States provided a a $20 billion loan to Argentina’s far-right president, the South American leader. While the Hungarian PM was unable to arrange a presidential tour to the Hungarian capital, the Washington talks still proved a productive session.

Brussels' Worries and Geopolitical Stakes

Within EU circles, Mr Trump’s intervention probably emphasized the geopolitical stakes of the upcoming vote, before which the centrist challenger, Péter Magyar, holds a clear edge in surveys. Heads of state know not to expect steady principles from the Trump administration, and have grown used to the American leader's efforts to belittle the EU. However the special treatment for Orbán – secured through an agreement to buy American energy resources – openly contradicts the bloc's aims to eliminate imports of Russian energy by the year 2027.

• Starting in 2022, the two biggest EU importers of Russian oil, the Hungarian and Slovak nations, have provided more than ten billion pounds to the Moscow's war operations.
• Meanwhile, the Hungarian government has consistently deployed the veto power to stymie progress in Ukraine’s EU accession talks.
• As Europe strives to develop a cohesive plan for supporting Kyiv, and strengthening its hand in any upcoming peace talks, Mr Orbán’s Putin-friendly presence at the diplomatic table is still a key barrier.

Rival's Approach

Péter Magyar has steered clear of promising a major policy shift on Ukraine, and focused his campaigning on home affairs, while emphasizing the need for Hungary to begin operating as a constructive EU member. Following so many years of trolling, EU officials can only wait and hope. Mr Orbán’s indifference to fundamental European principles, including the protection of minority groups and the autonomy of civic groups, has long been a source of shame for the European Union. His continued obstructionism regarding Ukraine could harm its future security.