In this podcast we are engaging with the relationship between Hungary and the EU and how the dynamics will change given the election result of the recent Polish parliamentary elections, as well as asking these questions to our expert speaker Dr. Tom Theuns.  The rule of law and democratic backsliding is a highly salient topic within the European Union. There has been considerable discord between the EU and Hungary over the last 10 years regarding the rule of law and handling of EU funds. This “battle within Europe” is both complex and worthy to be examined, especially since new uncertainties might emerge as a result of political change in Poland. 
At the start, we give some background information of the exact developments in Hungary for our listeners to better understand the context. Then, we move on to examine the EU’s response to Hungary’s democratic backsliding by detailing the legal and political measurers available and used by the Union.  Afterwards, more information is provided on the outcome of the Polish elections this autumn and the political processes surrounding it. With knowledge of these contextual and mechanical information Dr. Theuns, our guest speaker and expert on EU politics elaborates the underlying causes of the Hungarian backsliding and the related EU action and provides thought-provoking insights into potential future outcomes. Lastly, we summarise by giving our own thoughts on Orbán’s situation in the EU.

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