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During the race for the White House in 2016, Hungary's prime minister was notable as the only head of an EU nation to back the Republican candidate. This support was hardly surprising, considering Mr Orbán's championing of contentious ideas including population replacement concept and his restrictions against journalistic liberties. Observers observe that Hungary's premier practically laid the groundwork for the Make America Great Again campaign, with former White House strategist Steve Bannon lauding him as Trump's forerunner.

Electoral Support Before Hungary's Polls

In recent days, ahead of crucial Hungarian elections merely half a year off, the American leader returned some political favors. As Mr Orbán aims for a fifth term in office leading a country he calls an illiberal democracy, his Fidesz party currently trails in opinion polls. A meeting to the US capital produced more than some autographed Trump merchandise; it obtained highly beneficial pre-election gifts.

Waivers and Financial Shields

Although previously lecturing EU countries on the need to halt all fuel purchases from Russia, and warning of sanctions against states persisting to buy Russian oil, Mr Trump agreed to grant a unique waiver for Hungary – the biggest user in the EU of Russian crude. Per the Hungarian leader, the American leadership also pledged to extend a economic protection to the Hungarian authorities should it runs into any upcoming challenges, especially as Brussels persists in holding back large sums from the EU to the nation due to violations of legal standards.

The particulars of this agreement are somewhat murky. However the US president illustrated his willingness to help out ideological allies as the United States extended a $20bn emergency credit line to the Argentine leader, Javier Milei. Even though Orbán did not secure a presidential tour to Budapest, the Washington talks still proved a profitable day’s work.

Brussels' Worries and Geopolitical Stakes

Within EU circles, Trump's actions will have highlighted the geopolitical stakes of the forthcoming polls, prior to which the moderate contender, the rival candidate, has a solid advantage in opinion data. Heads of state are accustomed not to anticipate principled consistency from the Trump administration, and are familiar with the US president’s moves to diminish the bloc. But the special treatment for Orbán – secured through an deal to acquire American natural gas and nuclear power – blatantly weakens European goals to eliminate Russian fossil fuel imports by the target date.

• Starting in 2022, the top importers in the EU of Russian crude, these two countries, have provided substantial funds to the Kremlin’s war effort.
• Meanwhile, the Hungarian government has often employed the veto power to stymie progress in Ukraine's bid to join the EU.
• While Europe works to forge a unified and effective strategy for supporting Kyiv, and bolstering its position in any upcoming peace talks, the Hungarian leader's alignment with Moscow at the international forums is still a key barrier.

Challenger's Position

Mr Magyar has refrained from promising a major policy shift on Ukraine, and directed his efforts on domestic issues, while emphasizing the importance for the country to begin operating as a constructive EU member. Following so many years of trolling, EU officials can only hold out hope. Orbán's disregard to basic EU values, including the upholding of minority rights and the freedom of non-governmental organizations, has persisted as a source of shame for the European Union. His continued obstructionism regarding Ukraine could harm its long-term safety.