Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban gives a speech after receiving the Supreme Order of Turkic World during the 11th Summit of the Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on November 6, 2024.
  • Péter Pál Kránitz

Hungary’s Assessment of Türkiye’s Policy in the South Caucasus

Implications for the EU

Hungary is Türkiye’s closest EU partner, sharing an Enhanced Strategic Partnership in energy, trade, defence, and more. Both align on key issues like migration, NATO expansion, and connectivity. Hungary supports Türkiye’s role in the South Caucasus, cooperating with Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia on stability and infrastructure. Their joint backing of Georgia’s government reflects shared concerns over regional instability. Together, they promote energy and transport links connecting Europe to the Caspian region. Hungary’s partnership with Türkiye highlights the EU’s need for pragmatic engagement with Ankara, shifting from ideological to realistic, respectful diplomacy.

CATS Network Paper, No. 23, 14 July 2025, 32 Pages