- Hungary’s common history and deep cultural ties with the Western Balkans are today coupled with shared geopolitical interests.
From a historical perspective, the Balkans have always been an important reference point for Hungary, and we have been an inescapable factor in the history of our neighbours in Southeast Europe over time. Going back to these traditions, but properly identifying the challenges and opportunities of the present geopolitical environment, we can identify two pillars in the analysis of our country’s interests in the Western Balkans. On the one hand, Hungary feels and assumes responsibility for maintaining peace and security in the region, and on the other hand, it also focuses on the untapped economic potential of the Western Balkans. The two pillars are framed by support for Euro-Atlantic integration and the benefits it can bring to both sides.
- The Euro-Atlantic integration of the Western Balkans is in Hungary’s strategic interest
The Euro-Atlantic integration process provides the primary framework for relations with the Western Balkans. Hungary is a strong and committed supporter of the accession of these states to the EU (and NATO), as the political, security, and economic benefits of accession are in line with Hungarian foreign policy interests. It is within this framework, and by exploiting its gateway role in the region, that Hungary cooperates with its Western partners, as the objectives and expectations towards the Western Balkans are aligned.
- Hungary is fulfilling its security responsibilities towards the region through direct military commitment and the protection of European borders.
Guaranteeing stability in the Western Balkans is a matter of national security for Hungary. Since the outbreak of the Russian-Ukrainian war, the region’s position in terms of energy security for the whole of Europe has become more important: the Balkan gas and oil pipelines are strategically located as a gateway to Europe, and it is therefore of paramount importance for Hungary to promote energy cooperation with the region. The issue of migration is still a major challenge in our neighbourhood and is linked to the integration of the region into the European Union. Closer institutional cooperation with the region in the fields of justice and home affairs, migration, asylum, border management, and the fight against organised crime is in the interest not only of Hungary but also of the EU. To guarantee stability, Hungary is playing a prominent role in EUFOR Althea and NATO KFOR missions and is performing above its strength in terms of troop numbers. After Hungary proved its ability to lead a NATO operation under the KFOR command of Major General Ferenc Kajári, this year for the first time EUFOR Althea will be led by a Hungarian commander, Major General László Sticz. In addition to the military-diplomatic success, this is a strong signal to Hungary’s partners in the West that they trust the Hungarian Defence Forces and thus our country’s preparedness and expertise.
- The Western Balkans is the number one location for Hungarian economic investments
Hungary’s economic presence has grown significantly in recent years: between 2015 and 2022, exports of goods to the region increased by almost 150%, exceeding €4.5 billion in 2022. Serbia remains a destination for Hungarian foreign trade, as evidenced by its size, population, proximity, and presence of Hungarians in Vojvodina; in 2022, Hungarian exports of goods to Serbia reached €3.4 billion. With large local Hungarian companies such as MOL, OTP, and 4iG, our country is seen as a stable partner throughout the region, and deepening this partnership is in Hungary’s vital economic interest.
- HIIA’s annual Budapest Balkans Forum provides a platform for facilitating deeper regional exchange.
Our country has a good knowledge and understanding of the problems of the region, and our deep cultural ties and neighbourly location bring with them our interest in deepening political-economic relations. In an ever-changing geopolitical context, it is therefore imperative that Hungary remains visible while continuing to be a predictable partner in the region. Hungary is a natural ally of the Western Balkans, and our strategic position as a gateway to the EU makes Budapest the mediator between the Western Balkans and the EU. This is the mentality that gave birth to the Budapest Balkans Forum, which will take place from 12-13 March this year under the slogan “Hungary connects”.
Written by Julianna Ármás & Cintia Viola