On May 15, 2025, the Hungarian Institute of International Affairs (HIIA) held a roundtable discussion titled “Neighbourly (Dis)Relations – Regional Impacts of the Ukrainian–Russian Conflict.” Expert participants included Péter Dobrowiecki, Head of Research at the Hungarian–German Institute, and Mátyás Szilágyi, Senior Research Fellow of HIIA. The event was moderated by Sándor Seremet, Senior Research Fellow of HIIA.
The discussion primarily focused on the key aspects of Poland’s and Romania’s relations with Ukraine. The panelists agreed that the ongoing situation in Ukraine has implications for Hungarian–Romanian relations on multiple fronts. One particularly sensitive point identified was the status quo of minority-inhabited regions, which remains a highly delicate issue in the bilateral context.
The roundtable discussion examined Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office, with panelists highlighting a presidency marked by urgency, disruption, and a lasting political shift. Daniel Levine noted that Trump appears far more prepared than in 2016, while Tamás Baranyi described the moment as a “political revolution,” with Trumpism becoming a dominant force well beyond the man himself.
Panelists agreed that Trump began implementing his agenda from day one, contrasting his highly practical approach with the more philosophical tone of the Biden administration. Ramachandra Byrappa described Trump as a man “on a mission,” indifferent to elite opinion and focused on restoring jobs and dignity to the lower 80% of Americans.
In foreign policy, Levine emphasized a dramatic shift: Trump’s recent speech in Saudi Arabia signaled a move toward pragmatic, interest-based diplomacy. “America First,” he argued, is not isolationist but realist. Baranyi added that the U.S. is no longer giving away public goods for free—partners must now contribute. Byrappa warned of a growing U.S. perception that Europe is drifting toward China, eroding trust.
On Europe, Trump’s key message was that the U.S. prefers bilateral ties over dealing with the EU as a whole. Germany sparked debate: while Trump reportedly criticized CDU leader Friedrich Merz, Byrappa claimed Trump sees him as a conservative he can work with.
Looking ahead, Levine predicted that Trump will seek a deal on Ukraine he can brand as a success—or blame its failure on others and disengage. Meanwhile, focus is expected to turn toward deterrence in Taiwan, signaling a new phase in U.S. global strategy.