The nation was the sole NATO member to significantly reduce its defense budget in real terms from 2024 to 2025, cutting it by 6 percent, though it remained above the 2 percent of GDP alliance goal.
In addition to boosting defense funding, Tisza has proposed accelerating investments in dual-use technologies, reviewing the privatization of the defense sector, and conducting a comprehensive audit of IT systems in the foreign ministry and defense procurement agency to find cybersecurity weaknesses. The plan would also facilitate Ukraine’s long-term entrance into the EU.
While Magyar has not emphasized this issue during the campaign, expectations exist that his administration might lift Hungary’s veto on the EU’s €90 billion loan to Ukraine or reduce military aid barriers to Kyiv through Brussels’ European Peace Facility fund, according to two EU diplomats speaking anonymously.
“Magyar wants to rebuild a positive relationship with the EU,” noted one diplomat. “Addressing the loan would be an immediate step.”
Tisza may enhance trust in exchanging sensitive information with allies, according to two alliance diplomats, with a senior NATO diplomat stating it would represent “a significant shift.”
However, a defense overhaul will be challenging.
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