Hungary: Not Such a Black Sheep Within the EU Building Bridges Paper Series
Despite a heavy toll in some sectors, Hungary has managed to reap the benefits of membership to the EU via the Structural Funds and access to the single market. The freedom of movement has also become a treasured right among Hungarians, for leisure and for jobs – about 500,000 have gained employment in other European countries.
Initial expectations were so high that some disappointment was a logical consequence. Hungarian people have grown disillusioned with the EU, which is further nurtured by the low level of awareness they have on European issues.
Hungary remains cautious regarding more integration. This position is visible in immigration or border control, where the government has already changed its stance several times. Adopting the euro remains a marginal issue. Even on the Energy Union, which Hungary supports, there is a feeling that it is in the hands of the European Commission.
This publication is part of the "Building Bridges Paper Series". For more information about this project, click here.