Hungary plans to reduce its military spending, despite conflicting calls from Donald Trump for European allies to increase their defense budgets.
According to Bloomberg, this decision is linked to the economic challenges facing the country and Prime Minister Orbán's desire to prepare for the general elections in 2026. Rising inflation, frozen subsidies, and an economic downturn are prompting the government to redirect resources toward social and other budgetary expenditures. This move appears unusual compared to other Eastern European NATO members.
"This change sharply contrasts with the spending levels in some other Eastern European NATO members, such as the Baltic states or Poland, which allocate over 3% of their GDP to their military due to heightened security concerns following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022," Bloomberg notes.
Notably, Viktor Orbán is known for his warm relations with Donald Trump, who has repeatedly criticized European countries for insufficient defense spending. Trump even threatened to withdraw the U.S. from NATO if allies did not increase their budgets.
Interestingly, Hungary has significantly modernized its armed forces in recent years, acquiring Leopard tanks, Gripen fighters, and air defense systems. Since 2018, Orbán has gradually increased military spending.
Source: bloomberg.