Capital: Budapest
Official EU language(s): Hungarian
EU member country: since 1 May 2004
Currency: Hungarian Forint (HUF). Hungary is currently in the process of adopting the euro.
Schengen: Hungary has been a member of the Schengen area since 21 December 2007.
Figures: Geographical size – population – gross domestic product (GDP) per capita in PPS
Hungary operates as a parliamentary republic, where executive power is held by the prime minister, while the president serves as the head of state with primarily representative duties. The country is administratively divided into 19 counties, Budapest, and 23 cities with county-level authority.
Key sectors of Hungary’s economy in 2020 included industry (23.5%), wholesale and retail trade, transport, accommodation, and food services (17.7%), and public administration, defense, education, human health, and social work activities (17.5%).
Internally, 78% of Hungary’s exports are traded within the EU, with Germany (28%) being the largest partner, followed by Romania, Slovakia, Austria, and Italy (all at 5%). Externally, 3% of exports go to the United States and 3% to the United Kingdom.
Regarding imports, 71% come from EU Member States, with Germany (24%) being the major contributor, followed by Austria (6%), Poland, and the Netherlands (both at 5%). Externally, 9% come from China, and 4% from the Republic of Korea.
Hungary is represented by 21 members in the European Parliament.
Hungary’s government representatives attend regular Council meetings to adopt EU laws and coordinate policies.
Hungary held the Presidency of the Council of the EU from January to June 2011.
Olivér Várhelyi, nominated by Hungary, serves as the Commissioner responsible for Neighbourhood and Enlargement in the European Commission. The Commission maintains representation in Hungary.
Hungary is represented by 12 members on the European Economic and Social Committee, offering consultation on proposed laws affecting work and social situations.
Hungary has 12 representatives on the European Committee of the Regions, ensuring regional perspectives are considered in proposed laws.
Hungary communicates with EU institutions through its permanent representation in Brussels, ensuring effective pursuit of the country’s interests and policies within the EU.
Hungary’s contributions to the EU budget are determined fairly based on its economic means, supporting various programs and projects across EU countries. The EU budget prioritizes the needs of Europeans as a whole.
