While European leaders unite to defend democracy at Ukraine’s borders, an authoritarian erosion is quietly unfolding within. Hungary— an EU member and NATO ally— is no longer drifting from democratic norms. It is actively dismantling them, piece by piece, using the language of sovereignty and national identity to justify creeping repression. A New Kind of State Power   In early 2024, Hungary unveiled its latest instrument of control: the Sovereignty Protection Office.

Hungary’s economy is faltering once again— and this time, not even Viktor Orban’s usual scapegoats can mask the rot. Having looted Hungary’s economy into its position of the 4th poorest nation in Europe, the old kleptocrat is now overseeing a a GDP that contracted by 0.2% in Q1 2025, defying government promises of a strong post-recession rebound. As the rest of Central Europe shows signs of recovery— Czechia grew 0.5%— Hungary’s stagnation stands out as self-inflicted.