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Bálint Odor, one of Budapest's key figures in Brussels, could be replaced as the new government aims to restore relations with the European Union.
Hungary's ambassador to the European Union, Balint Odor, faces the possibility of being removed from office following the change of power in Budapest.
During Viktor Orban's rule, Hungary needed a representative in Brussels who could firmly defend its often confrontational stance towards the EU, while behind the scenes ensuring that relations with European partners functioned. In this role, Ódor was seen as an effective figure, combining political stability with negotiating skills.
The 50-year-old diplomat served for nearly six years as Hungary's ambassador to the EU, at a time when relations with the bloc were at an all-time low. During that time, Hungary moved closer to Russia, took a critical stance on Ukraine and faced the freezing of billions of euros in European funds over concerns about the rule of law and democratic freedoms.
Following Orbán's defeat after 16 years in power, the political situation in Hungary has changed significantly. The opposition leader, Péter Magyar, who won the parliamentary elections on April 12, has promised a profound reorientation of foreign policy and relations with the EU. He has signaled that he will remove officials closely linked to the previous administration, which puts Ódor in a precarious position.
According to former British ambassador to the EU, Ivan Rogers, the role of national ambassadors in Brussels is closely linked to the implementation of the political instructions of their governments. In this context, Ódor has meticulously followed the line of Orbán's government, regardless of his personal beliefs.
Although some diplomats are not sure whether he fully shared Orban’s views, they point out that he had a reputation as a reliable “problem solver.” This reputation, however, could negatively affect the continuation of his career in the conditions of a new government that seeks to distance itself from the past.
Contrary to expectations for a representative of a government with strong anti-EU rhetoric, Odor was not considered a confrontational figure in style. He is an expert on European treaties, holds a doctorate in international relations, and has authored academic publications used at universities in Hungary to explain the functioning of the EU.
When he took office as ambassador in 2022, he faced a difficult environment, compounded by a spying scandal and allegations of leaking information to Russia. Other Hungarian figures in Brussels, such as Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi, also faced investigations related to these issues, which he has denied.
In his daily work, Odor had to balance building relationships with other diplomats and maintaining the trust of the government in Budapest without being perceived as too close to European partners. According to colleagues, he was clear in communicating Hungary's positions and forthright about possible spaces for compromise.
At Coreper meetings, the key forum where member states’ ambassadors negotiate EU policies, Hungary used its influence to secure exemptions from key decisions, including funding for Ukraine and Russian energy policies. This gave the country a role greater than its demographic weight in the EU.
However, this approach often placed Odor at the center of criticism, as he represented one of the states that often blocked joint decision-making. According to analyst Júlia Pőcze, he served as a “suitable figure responsible” for Budapest’s controversial policies in Brussels.
The change of power has also created uncertainty within the Hungarian representation in Brussels, where most of the staff have never experienced such a political transition before. While technical staff are expected to remain, political appointments, including the ambassador, could be replaced.
One of the main priorities of the new government is to unlock around 18 billion euros in EU funds, which requires a significant improvement in relations with Brussels. In this context, diplomatic representation takes on particular importance.
According to sources cited by Politico, a possible candidate to take over the EU representation is Márton Hajdu, a former spokesman for the Hungarian foreign ministry and then an official at the European Commission, who is currently considered close to the new government team.
In conclusion, although Ódor is considered a capable and effective diplomat, his connection to the previous government puts him in a difficult position in the context of political change. He risks remaining a transitional figure, who bears responsibility for a tense period in relations between Hungary and the European Union. /Adapted from Pamphlet /
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