Katarína Holešová
Hungary is one of the member countries of the EU neighboring my country, Slovakia. Even though it is the member of the EU, western democracies which belong as members as well have been critical towards president Orban’s steps, especially during the Russian invasion of Ukraine there have been tense relations of Hungary and other EU members. It is no secret the relations in the organisation have been tense for Hungary. In this article, I am going to talk about how the athletic championship that took place in Hungary this year might help their political, infrastructural, cultural, or even reputational status.
First, it is important to realize that Hungary has somewhat of a more controversial status among Europe, especially western. It appears mainly because of their diplomatic relations with Russia and a decision of taking different political steps than many European country. As an example, many EU countries decided to restrict or completely reject the intake of energy and heating system from Russia, who has been a long time provider to demonstrate a solidarity with Ukraine. Hungary, however decided to approach it differently and take an opposite direction which is viewed negatively in the EU. It is also considered a country which does not share as many liberal values as many countries of the EU.”The lack of decisive EU action has contributed to the emergence of a “hybrid regime of electoral autocracy”, i.e. a constitutional system in which elections occur, but respect for democratic norms and standards is absent, MEPs say.”(European parliament, 2022)Therefore, it means that the main critique is targeted towards lack of democratic values that the organisation thinks is Hungary’s issue. Moreover, the athletic championship which took place in Budapest could have gain more partnership and perhaps the vision in the EU for Hungary, that it is capable of cooperation, creating an amicable atmosphere among nations and connect on a more global scale. This is important for Hungary to help settle the tense relationship in the EU and demonstrate that there is a capability to host a global event. “He said the championships would provide a forum for the bilateral meetings as well as talks with business people from around the world, including China.”(AP,2023) The words by the president Orban confirm that the championship is a huge political opportunity for Hungary not only to have a meeting with European leaders, however to also speak to rising power, China. The opportunity to speak to Chinese representatives might create a diplomatic or political ties to China, which is now considered a rival to the Us hegemony, which might boost Hungary’s geopolitical status and expand its future opportunities. It could mean in the future that their ambition as well as opportunities might go beyond the horizon of the EU, leaving Hungary with more choices in the future for its development.
This factor of many countries meeting in Hungary also has a nature of a soft power, which connects to culture as this was an opportunity to expose Hungarian culture to the world and demonstrate its hospitality by hosing the event. Hungary has been criticized for being in more of an isolation which contradicts the efforts of the EU to be global. Therefore, Hungary as a hosting country is a step to improve this assumption or idea by the EU, which can lead to more respectable position. As well as it connects to ability to connect all the nations that participated which underlines the concept of globalization, or touches the concept of it. Hosting such a huge event as the world championship of athletics might be one of the key opportunities for Hungary to regain a respectable reputation that demonstrates its amicable nature.
Second, it might help the economy of Hungary, facilitating it to become even a more advanced country due to finances that the championship raised which helps Hungary to raise the living standards of the citizens as well as improve the reputation among many international rankings when it comes to satisfaction of citizens, as well as their living conditions. Next sub-category to this is also the infrastructure. The finances made from the championship might also help to improve the infrastructure of Hungary, making it a mor modern country. This means that it improves overall quality and the image of not only Hungary, but the entire EU. This factor overall means that it might bring benefits to the EU which could be a help once again to improve the relationship with other members.
To conclude, it is safe to say that Hungary being the host of an event that holds such an importance not only in sports category but also cultural and political is a step forward which can boost Hungary’s reputation and status among its neighbors as well as in political and diplomatic world.
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