The 12 April elections in Hungary will be the most consequential in the EU this year. Either Viktor Orbán wins a fifth consecutive term as Prime Minister, continuing a period of rule-of-law backsliding and alignment with Vladimir Putin’s Russia and Donald Trump’s US — or his main opponent, Péter Magyar, succeeds in delivering what he has called “regime change”, with a pledge to restore closer alignment with European partners.

In either case, the election outcome will have far-reaching consequences for both Hungary and the EU.

Taking place the day after the vote — when the final results may still be uncertain — this online Elections Monitor will examine the impact on the rule of law and democracy, Europe’s security and the EU’s ability to remain united in the face of current challenges.

Participation is open to EPC members, media and EU officials.

For media enquiries, please contact media@epc.eu.