Fidesz’s rift with EU centre-right will cost Hungary

Significance

This increases the likelihood of conflicts between Budapest and Brussels, as Fidesz is expected to ally itself with radical parties internationally. The Hungarian government’s Euroscepticism will probably increase, but given the public’s pro-EU orientation, it will advocate reform of the EU rather than exiting the bloc .

Impacts

• Leaving the EPP will narrow the Hungarian government’s room for manoeuvre.
• Orban's use of Hungary's veto is likely to obstruct business in the European Council.
• The EU will become a political issue in Hungary.