One day after the newly elected Hungarian parliament convened and Péter Magyar took the oath as prime minister, thousands of people filled Szabadság tér in Budapest to celebrate Europe Day and the 22nd anniversary of Hungary’s accession to the European Union. The atmosphere, participants said, was markedly different from previous years.
Europe Day commemorates the Schuman Declaration of 9 May 1950, which laid the groundwork for what is now the European Union. This year, the date carried added significance in Hungary: the same day saw the formal installation of a new government, ending more than a decade of rule by Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party. The change has already begun to reshape the often conflict-ridden dynamic between Budapest and Brussels.
A New Chapter for Hungary–EU Relations
For years, Hungary was a frequent target of EU infringement procedures, Article 7 proceedings, and funding freezes over concerns about rule of law, media freedom, and judicial independence. The new government under Prime Minister Péter Magyar has signalled a willingness to mend ties. In his inaugural address, Magyar pledged to restore democratic checks and balances and to cooperate fully with European institutions.
“We are all very happy. I’ve never come out for Europe Day before, so I can’t compare it, but you can really feel the good mood, especially after yesterday,” said a young woman attending the festivities on Szabadság tér.
Another participant echoed that sentiment: “I’m really pleased about it, to be honest, and I feel there is a much more enthusiastic and motivated atmosphere. Not least because we now have a chance to set off again on a shared path with Europe.”
The change of government has also had practical implications. Earlier this year, Budapest returned seized assets of Ukraine’s Oschadbank, a move that helped thaw relations with Kyiv and align Hungary more closely with EU foreign policy on Russia’s war. The Hungary Returns Seized Oschadbank Assets as Budapest-Kyiv Relations Thaw was seen as a concrete step toward rebuilding trust.
Europe Day Festivities Reflect Renewed Optimism
The Europe Day programme in Budapest included concerts, cultural events, and a half-marathon that drew runners from across the city. Participants could also compete in relay teams if they preferred not to cover the full 21 kilometres. The race, a tradition for the occasion, kicked off the day’s celebrations.
Organisers noted a surge in attendance compared to previous years, attributing it to the political transition. For many Hungarians, the event was not just a commemoration of EU membership but a celebration of a renewed European identity. The shift in tone was palpable, with fewer of the anti-Brussels slogans that had characterised official events under the previous administration.
Hungary joined the EU in 2004 as part of the bloc’s largest enlargement, which also included Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Cyprus, and Malta. Over two decades, EU membership has brought significant investment, infrastructure development, and freedom of movement for Hungarian citizens. Yet the relationship soured in recent years as Orbán’s government clashed with Brussels over migration policy, judicial reforms, and LGBTQ+ rights.
The new government’s early signals suggest a course correction. Péter Magyar has pledged to uphold EU values and to work constructively with the European Commission. Analysts say the shift could unlock billions of euros in frozen cohesion funds and restore Hungary’s standing within the bloc.
As the sun set over Szabadság tér, the mood remained buoyant. For many, the day symbolised not just an anniversary but a fresh start—a chance to realign Hungary’s trajectory with that of its European partners.
