Viktor Orbán, Hungary's former prime minister, is set to return to Brussels next week for the first time since his electoral defeat in April. He will attend a meeting of the Patriots for Europe, a coalition of far-right parties that he helped to forge. The gathering marks a symbolic re-entry into the EU capital for a leader who, despite losing power at home, remains a central figure in Europe's populist right.
The Patriots for Europe group, which Orbán co-founded, brings together parties from several member states, including France's Rassemblement National, Italy's Lega, and Poland's PiS. The Brussels meeting is expected to focus on coordinating opposition to EU migration and climate policies, as well as strategizing for the 2029 European Parliament elections. Orbán's presence signals that he intends to keep shaping the bloc's political landscape from outside government.
A Setback at Home, but Not in Europe
Orbán's Fidesz party lost the April parliamentary election to a united opposition coalition, ending his 14-year tenure as prime minister. However, his influence within European far-right networks has not waned. The Patriots for Europe group has grown since its formation last year, now claiming 87 MEPs across the European Parliament. Orbán's return to Brussels is a reminder that even defeated leaders can retain sway in the EU's fragmented political ecosystem.
The visit comes amid broader shifts in European politics. In France, President Emmanuel Macron faces growing pressure from the far right ahead of the 2027 presidential election. In Germany, the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) has gained ground in regional polls. Orbán's ability to convene these forces in Brussels underscores the enduring appeal of his illiberal model, even as his domestic mandate has expired.
Some EU officials have expressed concern that Orbán's continued involvement could embolden far-right parties ahead of the next European elections. Others view the gathering as a routine political meeting. "He is no longer in power, but he still commands a loyal following," said one Brussels-based analyst. "The question is whether his brand of nationalism can survive without the machinery of the Hungarian state behind it."
The Patriots for Europe agenda includes discussions on EU treaty reform, migration quotas, and the bloc's response to the war in Ukraine. Orbán has long been a vocal critic of EU sanctions on Russia and has called for a negotiated settlement to the conflict. His stance has put him at odds with mainstream EU leaders, but it resonates with many voters in Central and Eastern Europe.
Orbán's trip also highlights the EU's internal tensions. While the European Commission has taken legal action against Hungary over rule-of-law concerns, Orbán remains a fixture in Brussels. His presence at the Patriots for Europe meeting is likely to reignite debates about how the EU should engage with leaders who challenge its core values.
For now, Orbán's return is a tactical move. He is positioning himself as a kingmaker within the European far right, even as he adjusts to life outside the prime minister's office in Budapest. The meeting next week will test whether his influence can outlast his time in government.
