Is Hungary Leaving NATO in 2021?

There are no indications or official announcements suggesting that Hungary plans to leave NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Hungary has been a member of NATO since 1999 and has continued to actively participate in the alliance's activities and operations. NATO is a collective defense agreement among member countries, and though any member country has the right to leave, the process is stringent.

Can a Country Leave NATO?

Any member country can leave NATO, although no country has ever left the alliance. The procedure to leave is outlined in Article 13 of the North Atlantic Treaty. A country must give a year's notice to the United States (or the host nation of the agreement) before it can officially leave. This means Hungary cannot leave NATO in 2022; the only possibility would be after a year of formal notification has been given.

NATO and Post-Cold War Expansion

NATO further expanded after the Cold War, adding the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland in 1999. In subsequent years, the alliance continued to grow, with members Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia joining in 2004. Further additions came with Albania and Croatia in 2009, Montenegro in 2017, and North Macedonia in 2020.

Strategic Considerations and Adversity

The general suspicion regarding a potential withdrawal from NATO stems from various factors. For instance, some believe that leaving NATO may not be in Hungary's best interest given the current geopolitical climate. The involvement of countries like Russia and the strategic position of a member like Hungary are significant considerations.

Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin has been a looming figure in European geopolitics, particularly in the context of conflicts like the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Hungary's relationship with Russia is complex, with ties and economic interests that may make NATO a viable protective covenant.

Others have suggested that if Hungary were to leave NATO, it might seek new alliances or align more closely with Russia. However, the partnership with Russia comes with its own set of risks and challenges, including potential economic isolation, international condemnation, and geopolitical instability.

Why Does Hungary Stay?

The UK’s membership in NATO, despite its leader being an avowed racist, is seen by some as a testament to the strategic importance of the alliance. The UK's decision to remain aligns with the broader European interest in maintaining a strong, united NATO.

For Hungary, staying in NATO offers several advantages, including security, military cooperation, and potentially economic benefits. The alliance provides a platform for sharing intelligence, conducting joint military exercises, and securing member countries' borders. The economic benefits come from technological collaboration and access to defense-related resources.

Conclusion

While Hungary’s official stance is clear: it intends to remain a member of NATO, the geopolitical and strategic landscape remains fluid. The potential influence of figures like Putin and the strategic position of NATO member countries play significant roles in shaping alliances. Hungary's choice to stay in NATO reflects a balance between its economic and security interests, as well as its commitment to regional and global stability.