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In the course of the 2016 campaign for the US presidency, Viktor Orbán was notable as the sole head of an EU nation to support the Republican candidate. This backing was hardly surprising, considering the Hungarian leader's adoption of divisive notions such as population replacement concept and the restrictions against media freedom. Observers point out that Hungary's premier more or less wrote the playbook for Trump's base, with former White House strategist Steve Bannon hailing Orbán as the "Trump before Trump".

Political Favors Before the Hungarian Vote

Last week, with pivotal polls in Hungary just approaching in six months, the US president reciprocated with support. With Orbán seeks a fifth straight win governing a nation he describes as an illiberal democracy, his ruling party lags in the polls. A meeting to Washington resulted in more than a few signed Maga baseball caps; it obtained considerably more valuable pre-election gifts.

Energy Exemptions and Economic Protections

Despite previously instructing EU countries on the imperative to eliminate all energy imports from Russia, and warning of penalties against states still to purchase Russian crude, the US president consented to allow a unique waiver for Hungary – the biggest user in the EU of Russian petroleum. As Orbán stated, the US government also promised to provide a economic protection to the Hungarian authorities if it faces any upcoming challenges, especially as EU institutions persists in holding back large sums from the EU to Hungary due to failures to uphold the rule of law.

The specifics of this agreement are vague. However Mr Trump has shown his willingness to support ideological allies when the America granted a $20bn emergency credit line to the Argentine leader, Javier Milei. Even though the Hungarian PM was unable to arrange a presidential tour to Budapest, the discussions still proved a productive session.

EU Concerns and International Implications

Among European leaders, Trump's actions likely highlighted the geopolitical stakes of the coming election, ahead of which the centrist challenger, the rival candidate, holds a solid advantage in surveys. European leaders are accustomed not to look for steady principles from the US government, and are familiar with the American leader's moves to diminish the bloc. But Mr Orbán’s exemption – obtained in exchange for an pledge to purchase American natural gas and nuclear power – blatantly weakens the bloc's aims to eliminate Russian oil and gas by 2027.

• Starting in 2022, the top importers in the EU of Russian crude, the Hungarian and Slovak nations, have provided well over £10bn to the Russian military campaign.
• Meanwhile, Budapest has repeatedly used the threat of its veto to hinder advancement in Ukraine's bid to join the EU.
• As the EU attempts to develop a cohesive plan for supporting Kyiv, and enhancing its leverage in any later diplomatic discussions, Orbán's pro-Russia stance at the international forums continues to be a major hurdle.

Challenger's Position

Mr Magyar has avoided promising a drastic turnaround on the Ukraine conflict, and directed his efforts on internal matters, while emphasizing the need for Hungary to start acting as a productive EU partner. After years of repeated disruptions, EU officials can only remain patient. Mr Orbán’s indifference to core EU ideals, including the protection of minority groups and the autonomy of civic groups, has long been a humiliating embarrassment for the European Union. His ongoing blocking tactics regarding Ukraine threatens to weaken its future security.