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In the course of the race for the White House in 2016, Hungary's prime minister was notable as the only head of an EU nation to back Donald Trump. This support came as no shock, given Mr Orbán's adoption of contentious ideas like population replacement concept and his suppression of journalistic liberties. Observers observe that Mr Orbán practically pioneered Trump's base, with one-time strategist Steve Bannon hailing him as a precursor to Trump.

Political Favors Before the Hungarian Vote

Recently, amid pivotal polls in Hungary only half a year off, Donald Trump reciprocated with support. With Orbán aims for a fifth term in office leading a country he calls an illiberal democracy, his ruling party lags in opinion polls. A visit to Washington resulted in more than a few signed Maga baseball caps; it brought considerably more valuable pre-election gifts.

Special Treatment and Financial Shields

Although previously admonishing European states on the imperative to eliminate all fuel purchases from Russia, and warning of penalties against states still to purchase Russian crude, the US president agreed to grant a unique waiver for Hungary – the biggest user in the EU of Russian oil. As Orbán stated, the American leadership also agreed to extend a fiscal buffer to Hungary's capital if it faces any upcoming challenges, especially as EU institutions persists in holding back large sums from the EU to the nation due to rule-of-law breaches.

The particulars of this deal remain vague. But Mr Trump recently demonstrated his inclination to help out like-minded partners as the United States granted a $20bn emergency credit line to Argentina’s far-right president, the South American leader. Even though Mr Orbán did not secure a presidential tour to the Hungarian capital, the discussions nonetheless was a successful endeavor.

Brussels' Worries and Geopolitical Stakes

Within EU circles, Trump's actions likely emphasized the international consequences of the coming election, before which the opposition candidate, Magyar, holds a clear edge in surveys. Heads of state have learned not to look for steady principles from the Trump White House, and accept the Trump's efforts to belittle the EU. But the waiver for Hungary – which came at the price of an deal to acquire American natural gas and nuclear power – flagrantly undermines the bloc's aims to end Russian fossil fuel imports by the target date.

• From 2022 onward, the largest EU buyers of Russian crude, the Hungarian and Slovak nations, have provided more than ten billion pounds to the Moscow's war operations.
• Meanwhile, the Hungarian government has repeatedly used the blocking vote to hinder advancement in Ukraine’s EU accession talks.
• As the EU attempts to create a coordinated approach for aiding the Ukrainian government, and enhancing its leverage in any upcoming peace talks, the Hungarian leader's alignment with Moscow at the diplomatic table remains a significant obstacle.

Opposition Stance

Mr Magyar has steered clear of vowing a drastic turnaround on Ukraine, and focused his campaigning on internal matters, while highlighting the need for the country to begin operating as a productive EU partner. After years of persistent provocations, the European Union can only remain patient. Orbán's disregard to basic EU values, like the protection of minority groups and the independence of civil society institutions, has remained a source of shame for the EU. His continued obstructionism toward Ukraine threatens to weaken its security prospects.