The country was also the only NATO ally to substantially lower its defense spending in real terms between 2024 and 2025, curbing it by 6 percent — although it was still above the alliance target of 2 percent of GDP.
Alongside raising defense spending, Tisza has proposed to accelerate investment in dual-use technologies, to “review the privatization of the defense sector,” and conduct a “comprehensive audit” of IT systems in the country’s foreign ministry and defense procurement agency to identify cybersecurity vulnerabilities. It would also open the door to Ukraine’s long-term accession to the EU.
Although Magyar hasn’t focused on the issue during the campaign, there are hopes that his government could lift Hungary’s vetoes of the EU’s €90 billion loan to Ukraine or ease military support to Kyiv via Brussels’ European Peace Facility fund, said two EU diplomats, who were granted anonymity to speak freely.
“Magyar says he wants to reestablish a constructive relationship with the EU,” said one of the diplomats. “Moving on the loan would be a quick way to do so.”
Tisza could also improve trust in sharing sensitive information with allies, said two alliance diplomats. It would be “a huge change,” said a senior NATO diplomat.
Hopes meet reality
However, a defense reset won’t be easy.