De-Europeanisation and Hungary

Abstract

Hungary underwent a major democratic shift between 2010 and 2022. Viktor Orbán became Prime Minister, and wasting no time, he immediately brought about significant changes, resulting in a democratic decline. A discussion began among academics, raising concerns about the rebellious Member State that defied the EU and its norms. Thus, this thesis sets out to understand Orbán’s approach to democracy, which is the primary European value that was chosen. The development of democracy is then followed in the twelve years of Orbán's government in order to explain the birth of the Hungarian electoral autocracy and illiberal-democracy. Finally, the European Union’s response to Orbán’s actions and Hungary’s new model are taken into account. This thesis applies a qualitative research method for the analysis of the issue at hand. It conducts a single case-study about the situation in Hungary to understand the steep De-Europeanisation process that has been taking place. Europeanisation is understood as the shift towards European values, and its atonym, De-Europeanisation, as the move away from them. Focusing mainly on democracy, this research found that the Orbán government has evidently abandoned liberal democratic norms and adopted illiberal forms instead. Praising the miracle Asian model and reasoning that the Western way is not the sole possibility, Orbán called for the establishment of a new illiberal state. In line with his statements, illiberal measures were taken, such as the changing of the Constitution and the elimination of media freedom in the country. The Asian model has been debunked, however, and Hungary’s situation has not improved throughout the years. Nonetheless, the EU’s attention was caught, and disapproval was expressed. Satisfying the Copenhagen Criteria and being a member of the EU require states to adhere to the Union’s rules and norms. Hungary has failed to do so; thus, opinions and resolutions were provided. These fell short of attaining the desired results; hence, Article 7 TEU and the Rule of Law conditionality mechanisms were triggered. EU action was clear from the beginning, but due to limited competence and disagreements, it was not rapid and effective enough. This is why Orbán has managed to take Hungary on this new illiberal path, first in the EU, setting an example for other Member States and bringing the supremacy of the EU into question.