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In a striking turn of events, the European illiberal bloc spearheaded by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has begun to crumble, barely a month since its emergence. As a result, erstwhile allies Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš have opted to support Ukraine’s bid for European Union accession.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made significant strides in bolstering his country’s ties with the European bloc following Russia’s ongoing invasion. Ukraine’s ascension to the EU has become increasingly plausible, thanks in large part to Zelenskyy’s diplomatic efforts. The shift in stance from former Orbán allies is, in part, a result of Fico and Babiš reassessing their position in light of the current geopolitical landscape.
The dramatic reversal is particularly noteworthy as it speaks to the fragility of Orbán’s illiberal bloc, which, just last month, seemed poised to challenge EU principles and norms. However, following Orbán’s defeat in the European Parliament elections, coupled with growing dissatisfaction with the Czech Republic’s and Slovakia’s own democratic institutions, the coalition began to experience strain.
Hungary’s position on Ukraine’s accession was particularly contentious, with Prime Minister Orbán having consistently expressed skepticism about the prospect. Notably, Orbán was one of the few European leaders who voiced reservations about Ukraine’s bid. Conversely, Babiš and Fico – once stalwart members of the illiberal bloc – have opted to support Ukraine, thus signaling their willingness to distance themselves from Orbán’s faction.
Orbán’s recent setbacks are reminiscent of a trend observed in various authoritarian regimes worldwide, particularly in the United States. There, former US President Donald Trump’s influence began to wane following his electoral loss in 2020. Trump’s supporters, who rallied behind the former president as a symbol of resistance against established power structures, began to dissipate following his departure from office.
The decline of illiberal blocs such as Orbán’s presents an opportunity for European nations to reaffirm their commitment to democratic values and principles. As regional leaders reassess their position within the EU, they should take heed of the shift in momentum and opt to prioritize cooperation with nations in pursuit of democratic progress, rather than entrenching positions founded on the principles of illiberal governance.
As European nations navigate the post-Orbán era, Ukraine’s ascension to the EU should be viewed as a pivotal turning point. By embracing democratic values and norms, regional leaders can bolster the bloc’s resilience and reinforce its resolve to uphold principles essential to the continent’s prosperity. The ongoing support of Babiš, Fico, and other regional leaders for Ukraine’s accession serves as a tangible testament to this commitment, marking a crucial juncture in the evolving European dynamics.