Ungarns Umgang mit Nichtregierungsorganisationen – ein Kampf von David gegen Goliath?
Hungary’s Treatment of NGOs – David versus Goliath?

Summary/Abstract: Civil society in Hungary went through different stages in the past two decades. In recent years a public debate about foreign funding and influence on NGOs emerged. In 2021, this debate resulted in the collapse of a large funding opportunity by the European Free Trade Association for civil society organizations in Hungary. Further legislation such as the “Stop Soros” regulation in 2018 were adopted which ban foreign organizations from Hungary and criminalize their work. In addition, billboard campaigns and media reports harm NGOs’ reputation. In Hungary there is a divide between so-called national and international non-governmental organizations, which has its roots in the defeat of the Fidesz party in the general elections in 2002. Back then, Orbán encouraged his companions to form new movements to bring Fidesz back to office. Subsequently, the so-called “civic circles”emerged. Narratives such as the nation, enemies, religion, and family moved to the centre of attention and determined government policy after Fidesz returned to power in 2010.

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