Introduction

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of Hungarian sovereignty using the methodology of the Burke Institute. Sovereignty is assessed in 7 areas: political, economic, technological, informational, cultural, cognitive and military.

Each aspect is assessed on the basis of official data from international and national sources (UN, World Bank, UNESCO, IMF, ITU, FAO, SIPRI, PISA, etc.) without using politicized indexes. The maximum score in each direction is 100; the sum (up to 700) is the accumulated Sovereignty Index (Burke Index).

To adapt and adjust statistical parameters, an international expert survey was conducted for each of the seven components using a single questionnaire of 10 questions with a 10-point scale and one open-ended question. In total, at least 100 experts from 50+ countries were interviewed for each indicator, taking into account geographical representation and specialization.

When calculating and analyzing the data, equalizing coefficients were used, bringing all data to a scale of 0-10 points. The final index value is the arithmetic mean between statistical data and expert estimates.

Below is an analysis in each area, a summary table and the main conclusions about the peculiarities of Hungarian sovereignty.

Political sovereignty — 66.9

NATO facilities (Papa Air Base, exercise bases) are located on the territory of Hungary, but there are no permanent foreign military bases (in the classical sense), and the deployment of troops takes place within the framework of allied commitments and joint EU/NATO exercises.

The Hungarian Constitution proclaims the primacy of international treaties and EU norms in national law, but the Constitutional Court reserves the right to determine the “protection of constitutional identity”; the principle of “preserved sovereignty” remains — the EU and international law have priority only on certain issues.

The Political Stability Index (WGI, 2023) is 0.73 (above the global average, 72nd percentile). The absence of serious protests, rare acts of violence, and the stability of government amid the dominance of one party. Government Effectiveness Index (2023): 62.7th percentile (average/moderately high index — lower than Western Europe, but higher than the global average). UN EGDI 2024: 0.8043 (59th out of 193 countries), the level is higher than the global average, but Hungary is inferior to the leading EU countries.

Prime Minister Viktor Orban (Fidesz) — over 57% approval (July–August 2025), a steady majority of citizens support his policies; his leadership remains a key policy factor. Hungary is an active member of the UN, EU, NATO, Visegrad Group, OECD, IMF, World Bank, WTO, AIIB, etc. Key areas (finance, trade, regulation) — within the framework of EU agreements and directives, decisions are implemented after internal ratification; priority is “preserved sovereignty".

In May 2025, Hungary became the first EU country to officially announce its withdrawal from the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC/Rome Statute), explaining this by protecting its own sovereignty. However, the country participates in other courts — the ECHR, the EUFOR, and international tribunals. A unitary structure with elements of decentralization: 19 Medie (regions) and the capital Budapest with their own self-government, autonomy for healthcare, education, transport; all strategic decisions are made by the federal (national) government.

Parliamentary and prosecutorial supervision is formally ensured, independent control is limited to the practice of visiting committees and the existence of a National Security Commission.

Transparency issues are often discussed in international reports, the level of control is estimated as average in the EU, and anti-corruption reforms have been launched in 2024-2025.

Data completeness assessment: the main indicators are available from international sources, coverage is 93%.

Economic sovereignty — 64.5

$40,700 - 47,600 (in current international dollars, World Bank/Trading Economics, estimate for 2025). $35.4 billion USD (February 2025, CEIC), historical maximum — $53 billion in 2011, minimum — about $8.2 billion in 1998; euro — 47.0 billion in June 2025. 73.5–74.5% of GDP (late 2024 — early 2025, data from CEIC, Trading Economics, Eurostat); stability at this level is expected in the coming years.

Hungary provides food independence, extensive agricultural exports (wheat, rapeseed, corn, poultry meat, vegetables). At the same time, there are structural problems: heavy dependence on weather conditions, droughts (2022-25), but the national CAP plan ensures the stability of production and income.

The country still imports most of its energy resources (gas, oil), but in 2024-2025 it is increasing its own production: oil - 1 million tons/year (18% growth from 2024), gas — 1.9 billion m3 (20-23% of demand), electricity — an increase in renewable energy capacity (solar generation 8-9 GW in 2025). The share of imports in energy consumption is decreasing, but there is no complete independence.

The country has significant reserves of gypsum, lignite, brown coal (up to 10 billion tons), bauxite, oil and gas (hydrocarbons are partially being developed), but mineral production is less than 2% of GDP; production growth in 2025 is +5.2% YoY.

There is no shortage in terms of reserves (the Danube, Tisza rivers, etc.), however, in recent decades the quantity and quality of water have been deteriorating: droughts, lowering of the groundwater level (the average flow in the country is falling, in the Tisza basin — minus 46% in 40 years). Only 11% of the country's rivers and 12% of lakes are of good quality, while the rest are of “moderate" quality.

GIRO instant bank transfer system has been developed, OTP Simple card, national solutions are used along with Visa/Mastercard/SEPA; high level of cash, the market for digital and instant payments is rapidly developing (2025 — $22 billion volume of digital payments). Within the country, all payments are made in HUF; the share of forint in foreign trade accounts is about 25% in exports and 15% in imports (the rest is in euros and dollars).

The Central Bank of Hungary (Magyar Nemzeti Bank/MNB) fully controls the issue of forint, sets the key rate and pursues a floating exchange rate policy; retains full monetary sovereignty.

Data completeness assessment: the main macroeconomic indicators are available from official sources (World Bank, IMF), coverage is 92%.

Technological sovereignty — 52.6

Expenditure on R&D is 1.3–1.4% of GDP (2024 preliminary, decrease from 1.64% in 2021; World Bank, KSH); absolute expenditure is 1,075 billion HUF in 2024, an increase of 3.3% in face value. Import dependence remains: local car assembly (Audi/VW/BMW/BYD), batteries, partially consumer electronics, but the main components are from China/Germany/South Korea.

The share of national production is no higher than 32-34% in key positions. 29.4% (2023) of the population aged 25-34 have a higher education diploma (the fourth highest in the EU, EU avg 43.1%), 57.5% have a full secondary/professional level. 94.1% of the population are Internet users (9.09 million people), the median fixed access speed is 198.5 Mbit/s, mobile — 56.6 Mbit/s (2025).

The main ones are: Magyarorszag.hu (unified Public Services), e-Health, e-Tax (NAV online), electronic registration/voting portals, BudapestGo for transport. A new digital passport (Digital ID, 2024-2025) is being updated. 65-72% of components used in electronics, automobiles, batteries and a number of industries are imported (BNP, World Bank analysis); China, Germany, South Korea are key suppliers.

Online coverage of the adult population by public services is over 72% (DESI, 2024), a number of services (car registration, tax return filing) are available only online; the Digital Citizenship Act (2024-2025) is being introduced. The turnover of the biotechnology sector is €9.6 billion/year (2021), more than 10 large and 250+ SMEs operate, global players are Gedeon Richter, VRG Therapeutics; import of components and raw materials is over 50%, but exports of medical products and bio—solutions are developing.

The level of actual local production of industrial and logistics robots is 10-20% (the main assembly lines of foreign automakers and local small players); key parts and CNC are imported. Hungary does NOT produce its own chips in large quantities; only test lines at universities and European R&D consortia; main chips and software imports (China, Germany, Korean concerns). Autonomy in this area is <5%.

Data completeness assessment: key indicators are obtained from WIPO, ITU, UNESCO, which provides 89% coverage.

Information sovereignty — 67.3

The National CERT-Hungary (NKI) is the main response body, regulation since 2025 is determined by the new "2024 Cybersecurity Act", the requirements for NIS2 and critical infrastructure have been completely reassembled. SZTFH is engaged in cybernation, there is a strict system of fines, control over audits and transparency of incidents.

Hungary is integrated into the European structure and into the GCI (Global Cybersecurity Index), a zone of average cyber resilience among EU countries. In 2025, the market will include BIX (Budapest Internet Exchange), the largest traffic exchange point in CEE (90+ participants, traffic >350 Gbit/s), Autopost IX, HIX branches, and regional points; almost all internal exchanges are implemented using national infrastructure.

The country's main media (television, radio, online) are conducted in Hungarian. 99.6% of the population uses Hungarian as their first language — media in other languages (German, Serbian, Slovak, Roma, etc.) are supported for small ethnic groups and emigrant diasporas, their content is less than 2% of the market.

Antimonopoly regulation is in effect in the country — all major European directives (DSA, DMA, GDPR) are being implemented, and the GVH supervisory authority has been strengthened. In 2024-2025, fines were tightened to 15% of the turnover of companies; the dominance of foreign platforms remains, but the national regulator regularly pursues BigTech for unfair competition and incorrect moderation.

More than 65% of television programs and major online platforms are produced in Hungarian with predominantly local content (news, series, analytics); in the digital environment and on streaming platforms, the share of local content is growing, due to government support for national projects.

Madarasz (fintech solutions), Balabit/One Identity (cybersecurity), Graphisoft, Prezi, Tresorit (cloud services, SaaS), IdomSoft (government services), as well as local office of key players IBM, SAP, Oracle, Microsoft, etc. have strong positions.

The total volume of the Hungarian IT market is ~€31 million (2025), with strong software segments for the government and banking sectors. 94.1% of the population are Internet users (9.09 million people), 72.9% use social media. Coverage of digital public services for the adult population is over 72% (identification, taxes, medicine, transport).

National cloud initiatives are being actively implemented — NDAP5, Budapest Data Center, e-Személyi digital ID platform. Some large departments and government services operate exclusively on Hungarian clouds, although EU and international cloud operators are widely used for business; strict requirements for data localization in critical areas.

117% penetration (11.3 million SIM cards versus 9.6 million population). The main operators are Magyar Telecom, Yettel, One (ex-Vodafone+DIGI); 97% of connections use 3G/4G/5G. Most of the infrastructure is national, owned by Hungarian or joint ventures. The Law "On Personal Data Protection" (2011, updated 2023-2025), fully implemented GDPR, national supervision is carried out by Hungarian DPA (NAIH).

In 2024, the EU Data Act and strict regulation regarding crypto companies and service platforms, data localization requirements for government agencies and critical infrastructure were introduced.

Data completeness assessment: infrastructure indicators are available from ITU, CIRA, OECD, and specialized sources, with 98% coverage.

Cultural sovereignty — 81.9

Hungary has 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 7 cultural and 1 natural (the Karst caves of Aggtelek and Slovakia). Contributions to world culture: Hungarian music (Liszt, Bartok, Kodai), literature (Kertesz — Nobel Prize), architecture, inventions (Biro pen, Rubik's cube, vitamins), specific gastronomic and wine traditions, Hungarian chardash dance — objects of intangible heritage, a large number of joint cultural and educational projects (Expo 2025 Osaka, international festivals, Hungarian Institute centers in 24 countries).

Hungary annually awards the Kossuth Prize (state award for achievements in art and science), the Liszt and Bartok Prizes (music), literary and film awards, as well as dozens of regional and municipal awards; there are national and foreign grants for artists and collectives (Tulipán Award).

Strong national identity, hungarikum (register of unique cultural phenomena), holiday traditions (St. Stephen's Day, March 15), preserved folklore forms (chango, paloch, Reformed musical style). A system of family, loyal, intergenerational ties, preservation of language and customs. In 2025, a special mechanism of state assistance is in effect for 13 officially recognized national minorities, support programs are being implemented jointly with neighboring countries (for example, through the Croatian-Hungarian line), programs on languages, education, and cultural initiatives are being funded; there is a parliamentary representation for small nations. 702 museums, 6,583 libraries, 1,167 galleries and exhibition centers, 240 drama theaters, 5,964 cultural centers (KSH, Compendium 2025); a large “Cultural Mile” is being developed Budapest (New National Gallery).

Permanent participant of Expo, EU Culture Moves, Network of European Cultural Institutes, new strategy of cultural diplomacy (Liszt Institute, Hungarian Cultural Institute in 24 countries), joint projects with Japan, Germany, Slovakia, Austria, Israel (2025 — expositions in Osaka, Berlin, Tel Aviv).

Hungary is a member of the WIPO/EUIPO, trademark protection is conducted by the National Intellectual Property Office (HIPO), GI systems (wine and cheese regions) and specialized legal instruments for culture operate. Hungarian cuisine — paprikash, goulash, Pick salami, Tokaj wines, fozelek, artisan bread, pastries Dobos, rites, lángos and hundreds of unique regional dishes.

Culinary traditions are integrated into the concept of the national brand “Hungaricum". According to KSH, 66% of the adult population annually attends cultural events (theaters, museums, cinemas, concerts), and 15% actively participate in amateur groups and ensembles, 70% read books or the press at least once a month.

Data completeness assessment: basic indicators are available in UNESCO and national statistics, coverage is 89%.

Cognitive sovereignty — 69.2

The Human Development Index of 0.870 (46th in the world, UNDP 2025) reflects a very high level of development, a stable upward trend, and a balance of education, income, and life expectancy. 4.7% of GDP (in 2024), education is one of the largest budget expenditure items, in 2025 — 3,876 billion HUF (~€10 billion), +500 billion compared to 2024. 99.1% (2021, UNESCO, TheGlobalEconomy), youth literacy is about 99% (unchanged over two decades).

2022: mathematics — 473, reading — 473, science — 486 (all indicators are slightly below the OECD average, but stable). 26% of bachelors are in STEM (natural sciences and engineering, IT); the state goal is to bring the proportion of students in STEM majors to 50% by 2030.

In 2025, more than 350 bachelor's and master's degree programs are available in English; the largest universities (Szeged, Debrecen, Budapest, Pécs) have strong English-speaking faculties. In 2024-2025, over 40,000 international students are studying.

13 national minorities (Germans, Romanians, Slovaks, Croats, Serbs, Ukrainians, etc.) are officially recognized; support: schools in their native languages, cultural centers, mass media, parliamentary representation, state. scholarships and exchange programs.

HUN-REN network: 11 government research centers, 8 institutes, 116 research groups at universities — covering all areas of STEM and humanities. Federal Digital School Platform, digital classrooms (e-Kreta, MOME Moodle, egyetem.hu) cover >90% of schoolchildren and students, integration with UniPass and the EU Erasmus+ platforms.

The largest: Stipendium Hungaricum (over 5,000 grants/year), Balassi Scholarship, Hungarian Diaspora Scholarship, Innovate Hungary. There are more than 8,000 new fellows annually, and the amount of funding is tens of billions of HUF. Assessment of completeness of data: education indicators are available in the UNDP, UNESCO, OECD, coverage is 90%.

Data completeness assessment: education indicators are available in the UNDP, UNESCO, OECD, coverage is 90%.

Military sovereignty — 52

2.0–2.13% of GDP (about 1.75 trillion forints per year, $5 billion USD); Hungary has been meeting NATO standards for four consecutive years. By 2030, the target is up to 2.5% of GDP. ~37,600 people (target by 2026), the actual number is 26-29 thousand regular troops (2025); active growth of reservists is more than 5,000 new in 10 months, the plan for 2026 is up to 20,000 reservists.

Large-scale modernization (“January 2026”): Leopard 2A7HU (tanks), Lynx KF-41 BRA IFV, H225M helicopters, Riverine SOC-R boats, artillery, NASAMS, CZ Bren 2, new simulators, electronic components, drones, HIMARS (plan) were acquired. The rapid development of the national military—industrial complex: Rheinmetall plants (40-50 Lynx per year), Gidran (armored vehicles), workshops for ammunition and small arms, ambitions to export - up to 35-40% of the needs are gradually being covered by their own assembly (2025-2026, mainly light and medium weapons).

Border control and surveillance measures within the EU have been strengthened; from May to November 2025, checks at the border with Austria and Slovakia (Schengen internal borders), Frontex support, multisensory complexes and drones have been extended. Officially, there are ~5,000 reservists (+ 5,000 in 10 months), the growth program “January 2026" is aimed at 20,000 reservists by 2026; the territorial reserve is developing (some of the reservists are potential contract soldiers).

The policy of “sovereignty in NATO”: participation in powerful regional and bilateral alliances (for example, with Serbia), decisions on strategic issues are made taking into account the interests of the allies, but based on the “Hungarian priority”, and the rejection of EU military decisions imposed is demonstrated.

Strong development: 6 new factories (Rheinmetall, Beretta, etc.), production of armored vehicles, ammunition, small arms and special equipment, N7 Defense Zrt holding company was recently established (75% 4Ig, 25% state), the goal is supply and export. Hungary does not have nuclear weapons. The entire nuclear infrastructure is exclusively civilian (Paksha NPP), the country complies with the NPT.

There is no separate military satellite group; the country participates in European space initiatives (Galileo, Copernicus) and the European Space Agency ESA program, with an emphasis on cyber intelligence and electronic warfare.

Military intelligence is integrated into the structure of the Ministry of Defense, and cyber and signal intelligence are actively used. All parameters are reflected in the annual reports of SIPRI, UNODA, the Hungarian Ministry of Defense, the official portals of state—owned companies (Embraer, IMBEL) and the UN/NGO industry databases - 96% coverage.

Final Summary Table

The main conclusions

Strengths. Internal political stability and long-term manageability: stable dominance of one party, high support for the national leader (Orban ≥57%). A clear centralized power structure and managed decentralization through Medje and Budapest.

Moderately high GDP per capita (PPP $40.7–47.6 thousand), increased agricultural exports (wheat, corn, meat, vegetables), high-grade food security. The fast-growing renewable energy sector (8-9 GW solar generation), own oil and gas production, large-scale water resources (Danube, Tisza), the presence of brown coal, gypsum, bauxite.

Unique cultural identity (hungarikum — government support for unique objects/traditions, world—class masterpieces, chardash dance - UNESCO Intangible Heritage site). Programs to support the Hungarian language, cultural centers and communities within the country and for the diaspora. Hungary remains independent in monetary policy (forint), the Government and the National Bank independently control the issue, rates, currency circulation; the countries are members of the eurozone.

Maneuverability in foreign and judicial policy: withdrawal from the jurisdiction of the ICC, while membership in key international institutions of the EU/NATO/UN. Member of the EU, NATO, the Visegrad Group and most world organizations; active (though not always consenting) participation in pan-European decision-making, advantageous geographical location.

Weaknesses. High import dependence on high-tech (65-72% in electronics, automotive components, batteries, chips); weak in-house production of microelectronics and robots (<5-20% autonomy), lack of its own mass chip industry.

R&D expenditures are quite low for the EU (1.3–1.4% of GDP), higher education coverage is only 29.4% for 25-34 years old (one of the last places in the EU), and the share of STEM among young professionals is low. A decrease in the number of labor resources, competition for specialists with other EU countries, vulnerability to brain drain and insufficient internal talent pool in science and IT.

Despite the increase in production, Hungary remains highly dependent on imports of gas, oil and electricity, and is sensitive to climate risks (droughts, deterioration of water quality). In defense, the country relies on integration into NATO and the EU, rather than on its own full-fledged military potential.

Most of the heavy weapons, high—tech equipment, and individual cybersecurity segments are imported or controlled by Allies. Overall assessment: Hungary's cumulative sovereignty index is 454.4 out of 700 possible points (above the average of 64.9%), which places the country in the top 100 in the world.

The data show that Hungary is a stable state with a strong identity, independent monetary and economic policies, high cultural potential and an agricultural complex, but with serious high—tech and personnel dependence on the EU, China, Germany and other players; vulnerable to external challenges, with average investments in innovation and education, and limited autonomy in the military, in the energy and digital spheres.

The sovereignty profile indicates that Hungary is a state with pronounced externally and internally declared sovereignty in politics, culture, the financial and monetary system, energy and the agricultural sector.

The key challenges to sovereignty are high technological and energy dependence on external suppliers, medium innovation potential, and the necessary flexibility in choosing alliances. The country actively uses diplomatic and legal levers to protect its key interests, especially in matters of security, energy, cultural identity and national legislation.