Budapest strengthens ties with Moscow ahead of elections

Ahead of Hungary’s upcoming general elections, the Hungarian government has signed an agreement with Russia to expand economic, trade, energy, and cultural cooperation.

The agreement, signed on December 9 in Moscow by Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó and Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko, covers 12 areas, including trade, energy, industry, healthcare, agriculture, construction, culture, and sports, emphasising the importance of long-term, mutually beneficial relations, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Politico

Documents obtained by Politico reveal the depth of Moscow and Budapest’s planned collaboration.

The energy section of the agreement includes cooperation in oil, gas, and nuclear fuel, as well as opportunities for Russian companies to implement electricity and hydrogen projects in Hungary.

Budapest also agreed to consider expanding Russian language instruction, hiring Russian educators, and mutual recognition of academic qualifications, including master’s programs.

The deal also promotes exchanges in sports and culture, despite accusations that Russia uses cultural initiatives to bolster its position in the Ukraine war.

A joint action plan for sports cooperation is planned for 2026–2027.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who opposes stronger EU sanctions on Russia, previously told Vladimir Putin that he would offer help “in any way I can” and that Hungary would be the “mouse” to Moscow’s “lion.”

His rival, Péter Magyar, criticised the Moscow deal, calling it Hungary’s “Achilles’ heel” and accusing the government of “outright treason” over its ties to Moscow.

The December summit marked the 16th meeting of the Russian-Hungarian Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation (IGC), held since 2005.

With Hungary’s election scheduled for this Sunday, the agreement with Russia has become a central topic in the campaign, accompanied by information leaks, cyber surveillance, and diplomatic controversies.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov