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In the course of the 2016 US presidential election campaign, Viktor Orbán emerged as the exclusive EU chief to support the Republican candidate. This support was hardly surprising, in light of Mr Orbán's embrace of divisive notions including population replacement concept and the crackdowns on press independence. Observers observe that Hungary's premier essentially pioneered the Maga movement, with former White House strategist Steve Bannon lauding him as a precursor to Trump.

Political Favors Before Hungary's Polls

Last week, with key votes in Hungary merely half a year off, Donald Trump returned some political favors. As Mr Orbán pursues a fifth straight win governing a country he describes as an non-liberal system, his political group lags in surveys. A visit to the US capital produced more than some autographed Trump merchandise; it secured far more significant campaign boosts.

Special Treatment and Fiscal Safeguards

Although previously admonishing European nations on the need to stop all energy imports from Russia, and threatening sanctions against nations continuing to import Russian energy, the US president approved to grant a unique waiver for Hungary – the largest EU consumer of Russian crude. According to Mr Orbán, the American leadership also pledged to offer a “financial shield” to Hungary's capital should it runs into any later issues, given that Brussels persists in holding back large sums from the EU to Hungary due to rule-of-law breaches.

The particulars of this deal remain unclear. But Mr Trump has shown his readiness to support like-minded partners when the America extended a a $20 billion loan to Javier Milei, the South American leader. While Mr Orbán was unable to arrange a campaign-energising Trump visit to Budapest, the discussions still was a productive session.

EU Concerns and International Implications

Among European leaders, the US president's move probably highlighted the international consequences of the upcoming vote, before which the moderate contender, the rival candidate, holds a comfortable lead in opinion data. Heads of state know not to look for steady principles from the Trump administration, and accept the US president’s moves to diminish the EU. Yet the special treatment for Orbán – secured through an pledge to purchase American natural gas and nuclear power – blatantly weakens European goals to phase out Russian oil and gas by the target date.

• From 2022 onward, the two biggest EU importers of Russian petroleum, the Hungarian and Slovak nations, have contributed substantial funds to the Kremlin’s war effort.
• Meanwhile, the Hungarian government has repeatedly used the blocking vote to stymie progress in Ukraine’s EU accession talks.
• While Europe works to create a coordinated approach for backing Ukraine, and bolstering its position in any upcoming peace talks, Orbán's pro-Russia stance at the negotiating table is still a key barrier.

Rival's Approach

Mr Magyar has steered clear of pledging a drastic turnaround on Ukraine, and focused his campaigning on home affairs, while emphasizing the need for Hungary to finally behave as a productive EU partner. After years of so many years of trolling, Brussels can only remain patient. Mr Orbán’s indifference to fundamental European principles, including the support for minority protections and the autonomy of civic groups, has persisted as a deeply troubling issue for the bloc. His persistent opposition regarding the Ukraine issue could harm its future security.