Euroscepticism in Hungary

This paper will analyse the reasons behind and the growing levels of euroscepticism in Hungary. Although euroscepticism is not a new phenomenon in this country, the refugee and migration crisis triggered a new dynamic on the political scene strengthening the euroscepticism of the governing party FIDESZ. The euroscepticism of FIDESZ can be defined as ‘euro realism’, or a soft form of euroscepticism based on national interests and national sovereignty. The objective of this paper is to understand attitudes of Hungarians towards the European Union which is paradoxically mainly pro-European. In order to address these questions, the cases of Hungary will be placed in the broader conceptual context of euroscepticism. The standpoints of Hungarian political parties and the public opinion on EU related issues will be examined in the context of 2018 general elections.