Péter REMÉNYI, Institute of Regional Studies, CERS/University of Pécs, Hungary
Norbert PAP, University of Pécs, Hungary
Hungary has been increasing its activity in the Western Balkans in the last decade significantly. Deepening economic ties, cordial political relations with some of the local politicians, COVID-related diplomacy, cross-border infrastructure development, increasing involvement in peacekeeping all reflect the changing approach. Hungary is also the most vocal supporter of EU enlargement towards the region. Among the states of the region Serbia is the prioritized partner of Hungary which on one hand results from the latter’s geopolitical weight but also from the significant ethnic Hungarian community living in Serbia, as well as from the similar political views the two leader(ship)s share. The relations of the two states have never been as cordial as now, an opinion shared by both political elites, in spite of the modern history of the two nations. On the other hand Hungary’s regional activity is not without controversies. The critics of Serbian-Hungarian relations point to the illiberal nature of both leaderships as well as Hungary’s ethnic-based politics. Recent moves affecting Bosnia-Herzegovina by the Hungarian government are also widely criticized. In our paper we seek explanation for this change and argue that it is a consequence of multiple factors: First the geopolitical changes in the Western Balkans which resulted in a great power competition opening up space for small states, like Hungary, to assert their interests. Secondly the changes in domestic politics (a souverenist turn) in Hungary which put forward the national interests resulting, among others, in a more active foreign policy towards the region, promoting ethno-national interests as well as the need for deeper regional cooperation. The crisis of the European Union and its perceived disinterest towards the Western Balkans as well as the similarities in political ideas also contribute to the increasing activities.
Mots clés : Hungary|Serbia|Balkans|geopolitics
A103560PR