Overview
Capital: Budapest
Official EU language(s): Hungarian
EU member country: since 1 May 2004
Currency: Hungarian Forint HUF. Hungary is currently preparing to adopt the euro.
Schengen: Schengen area member since 21 December 2007
Figures: Geographical size - population - gross domestic product (GDP) per capita in PPS
Political system
Hungary is a parliamentary republic with a head of government - the prime minister - who exercises executive power and a head of state - the president - whose primary responsibilities are representative. Hungary is divided into 19 counties, Budapest, and 23 cities with county-level authority.
Trade and economy
The most important sectors of Hungary’s economy in 2020 were industry (23.5%), wholesale and retail trade, transport, accommodation and food services (17.7%) and public administration, defence, education, human health and social work activities (17.5%).
Intra-EU trade accounts for 78% of Hungary’s exports (Germany 28%, Romania, Slovakia, Austria and Italy all 5%), outside the EU 3% go to the United States and 3% to the United Kingdom.
In terms of imports, 71% come from EU Member States (Germany 24%, Austria 6% and Poland and the Netherlands 5%), while outside the EU 9% come from China and 4% from Republic of Korea.
Hungary in the EU
European Parliament
There are 21 members of the European Parliament from Hungary. Find out who these MEPs are.
European Parliament office in Hungary
Council of the EU
In the Council of the EU, national ministers meet regularly to adopt EU laws and coordinate policies. Council meetings are regularly attended by representatives from the Hungarian government, depending on the policy area being addressed.
Presidency of the Council of the EU
The Council of the EU doesn't have a permanent, single-person president (like e.g. the Commission or Parliament). Instead, its work is led by the country holding the Council presidency, which rotates every 6 months.
During these 6 months, ministers from that country's government chair and help determine the agenda of Council meetings in each policy area, and facilitate dialogue with the other EU institutions.
Dates of Hungarian presidencies:
Jan-Jun 2011
Presidency of the Council of the EU
Current presidency of the Council of the EU
European Commission
The Commissioner nominated by Hungary to the European Commission is Olivér Várhelyi, who is responsible for Neighbourhood and Enlargement.
The Commission is represented in each EU country by a local office, called a "representation".
Commission representation in Hungary
European Economic & Social Committee
Hungary has 12 representatives on the European Economic and Social Committee. This advisory body – representing employers, workers and other interest groups – is consulted on proposed laws, to get a better idea of the possible changes to work and social situations in member countries.
European Committee of the Regions
Hungary has 12 representatives on the European Committee of the Regions, the EU's assembly of regional and local representatives. This advisory body is consulted on proposed laws, to ensure these laws take account of the perspective from each region of the EU.
Permanent representation to the EU
Hungary also communicates with the EU institutions through its permanent representation in Brussels. As Hungary's "embassy to the EU", its main task is to ensure that the country's interests and policies are pursued as effectively as possible in the EU.
Budgets and Funding
How much does Hungary pay and receive?
How much each EU country pays into the EU budget is calculated fairly, according to means. The larger your country’s economy, the more it pays – and vice versa.
The EU budget doesn’t aim to redistribute wealth, but rather focuses on the needs of Europeans as a whole.
Figures on the EU budget, revenue and spending:
EU-funded projects in Hungary
The money paid into the EU budget by Hungary helps fund programmes and projects in all EU countries - like building roads, subsidising researchers and protecting the environment.
Find out more about how Hungary benefits from EU funding.