This chapter examines Hungarian society’s perceptions of the policy impacts of European Union membership. Overall, even after twenty years, the majority of Hungarians maintain a predominantly positive view of the EU. This support is largely rooted in the perceived economic legitimacy of the EU. Many Hungarians believe that EU membership is beneficial, viewing the role of EU funds in economic development as the primary advantage, and they expect Hungary to remain a net beneficiary of the European budget. However, the findings also indicate a gradual erosion of the EU’s economic legitimacy. Moreover, the Orbán government’s ability to shape public narratives has had a measurable impact on perceptions of the disadvantages of EU membership, with views portraying the EU as a cultural, economic, and even physical threat increasingly gaining ground. The chapter further demonstrates that although both government and opposition voters agree that Hungary’s place is in the EU, they differ significantly in their visions for what the EU should represent. Finally, it shows that perceptions of EU membership are closely linked to the level of information available to citizens: the better informed Hungarians are about the EU, the more likely they are to support continued membership.

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The Path of Hungary’s EU Membership: Public Perceptions 20 Years On

  • András Bíró-Nagy,
  • Áron Szászi

摘要

This chapter examines Hungarian society’s perceptions of the policy impacts of European Union membership. Overall, even after twenty years, the majority of Hungarians maintain a predominantly positive view of the EU. This support is largely rooted in the perceived economic legitimacy of the EU. Many Hungarians believe that EU membership is beneficial, viewing the role of EU funds in economic development as the primary advantage, and they expect Hungary to remain a net beneficiary of the European budget. However, the findings also indicate a gradual erosion of the EU’s economic legitimacy. Moreover, the Orbán government’s ability to shape public narratives has had a measurable impact on perceptions of the disadvantages of EU membership, with views portraying the EU as a cultural, economic, and even physical threat increasingly gaining ground. The chapter further demonstrates that although both government and opposition voters agree that Hungary’s place is in the EU, they differ significantly in their visions for what the EU should represent. Finally, it shows that perceptions of EU membership are closely linked to the level of information available to citizens: the better informed Hungarians are about the EU, the more likely they are to support continued membership.