Majority of Hungarians favour EU membership Poll shows

A new poll suggests strong public support for Hungary’s continued membership of the European Union, even as voters prepare to head to the polls in an election that could end the 16-year rule of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

The survey, published by the European Council on Foreign Relations, found that 77% of voters back EU membership, while three-quarters say they “trust” the bloc, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

It also showed that 68% of respondents want at least some change in Hungary’s approach to Brussels.

The findings come days before a closely watched vote in which Orbán faces a serious challenge from centre-right opposition leader Péter Magyar and his Tisza party, amid growing domestic focus on issues such as inflation, public services and governance.

Orbán, long seen as a critic of the EU and a divisive figure within the bloc, has repeatedly clashed with Brussels over rule of law, migration, LGBTQ+ rights and support for Ukraine. The EU has also suspended billions of euros in funding to Hungary over governance concerns.

Despite his rhetoric, the poll indicates broad pro-EU sentiment across the electorate, including among governing party supporters. Nearly half of Fidesz voters also expressed support for recalibrating relations with the EU.

The survey suggests that while foreign policy remains important, domestic concerns are likely to be decisive in the election outcome. Supporters of Magyar’s Tisza party cited a desire for change, while Fidesz voters prioritised peace and security.

The results point to a potential shift in Hungary’s EU posture if the opposition succeeds, though researchers cautioned that any new government would still face constraints, particularly on issues such as Ukraine policy and relations with Russia.

By Aghakazim Guliyev