AEDE Österreich

Budapest szép város / EFB/UEF Austria Study Trip to Budapest ( 06.-08.11.2025)

„Hungary is heading into national elections in April 2026 which may shape not only the country’s democratic future, but also its role in the EU. Over the past 15 years, Hungary experienced political changes which many call a democratic backslide, tensions between national and EU-institutions and restrictions on media and civic space. The upcomig elections will be closely watched by Europeans concerned with the rule of law and democratic standards.At the same time, local governments, universities, journalists and opposition parties continue to push for a more open, pluralist society – and Budapest is the country’s hub for democratic dialogue.

This  3-days study trip to Budapest offers a timely opportunity to better understand this complex political moment and to build connections with those working in the political sphere, especially on European Union affairs. It builds on UEF’s long-standing commitment to a united, democratic and federalist Europe, where national developments are seen not in isolation, but as part of a shared European future. It also serves as a return visit, following the UEF Hungary visit to Vienna in December 2019 on the topic of media freedom.

The aims are:

to understand Hungary’s political dynamics ahead of the April elections through dialogue with experts, civil society and independant media

to engage with Hungarian political actors at both local and national levels, examining parliamentary opposition strategies and local governance as a democratic counterweight

to strenthen transantional European connections through dialogue with the EU delegation and the Austrian Embassy, and consequently identify concrete ways to contribute to European solidarity through participatory exchange.“ (Johannes Langer, EFB)

Elisabeth Dittrich, European Movement Austria & EAT-Austria

Fotos: Elisabeth Dittrich und EFB/UEF