IRMO Brief 07/2024 - Illiberal Alliance: What does Hungary want in the Western Balkans?

The Western Balkans are recognized in the Hungarian foreign policy agenda as a specifically important factor. The region’s integration into Euro-Atlantic structures is one of Hungary’s top foreign policy priorities, driven by political, economic and security interests. That is the reason why Hungary is a strong advocate of a fast-track EU enlargement towards the Western Balkans. Hungary’s position as a key proponent of EU accession of the Western Balkans has been strengthened since 2019 when Olivér Várhelyi, a Hungarian diplomat close to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, served as the European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement. However, with the recently held European Parliament elections, this position will soon remain vacant, with many EU member states interested in this portfolio.

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