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During the 2016 campaign for the US presidency, Hungary's prime minister stood out as the exclusive head of an EU nation to back the Republican candidate. This backing came as no shock, in light of the Hungarian leader's championing of divisive ideas such as great replacement ideology and his restrictions against journalistic liberties. Observers point out that Mr Orbán more or less wrote the playbook for Trump's base, with ex-Trump adviser Steve Bannon once praising him as a precursor to Trump.

Electoral Support Ahead of Hungary's Polls

Recently, amid key votes in Hungary only half a year off, the American leader reciprocated with support. As Mr Orbán seeks a fifth straight win governing a country he labels an illiberal democracy, his ruling party lags in opinion polls. A meeting to the US capital yielded more than some autographed Trump merchandise; it obtained highly beneficial pre-election gifts.

Special Treatment and Fiscal Safeguards

Although previously admonishing European states on the imperative to eliminate all energy imports from Russia, and threatening sanctions against states still to buy Russian oil, the US president consented to provide a unique waiver for Hungary – the top consumer among EU members of Russian petroleum. Per the Hungarian leader, the Trump administration also promised to extend a economic protection to the Hungarian authorities if it faces any upcoming challenges, given that EU institutions persists in holding back substantial EU funds to Hungary because of failures to uphold the rule of law.

The details of this deal remain vague. However Mr Trump recently demonstrated his readiness to assist political friends as the America extended a $20 billion in emergency funds to the Argentine leader, Argentina's president. Although Orbán failed to obtain a Trump trip to Budapest to the Hungarian capital, the Washington talks nonetheless was a productive session.

European Apprehensions and Geopolitical Stakes

Within EU circles, Trump's actions likely further underlined the international consequences of the forthcoming polls, ahead of which the centrist challenger, the rival candidate, enjoys a comfortable lead in surveys. EU chiefs know not to anticipate steady principles from the Trump White House, and have grown used to the American leader's attempts to undermine the bloc. But the special treatment for Orbán – obtained in exchange for an deal to acquire US gas and nuclear energy – blatantly weakens EU aspirations to phase out Russian oil and gas by the target date.

• From 2022 onward, the two biggest EU importers of Russian oil, these two countries, have provided more than ten billion pounds to the Russian military campaign.
• Meanwhile, the Hungarian government has often employed the veto power to hinder advancement in negotiations for Ukraine's EU membership.
• While Europe works to create a coordinated approach for backing Ukraine, and bolstering its position in any future peace negotiations, Orbán's pro-Russia stance at the international forums continues to be a major hurdle.

Rival's Approach

Mr Magyar has refrained from vowing a drastic turnaround on the war in Ukraine, and centered his campaign on internal matters, while highlighting the importance for the country to finally behave as a positive member state. Following persistent provocations, the European Union can only wait and hope. The Hungarian leader's apathy to basic EU values, including the protection of minority groups and the freedom of non-governmental organizations, has persisted as a humiliating embarrassment for the EU. His ongoing blocking tactics regarding Ukraine could harm its future security.