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U.S. Relations With Hungary

HUNGARY – Fact sheet of the U.S. Department of State

U.S.-HUNGARY RELATIONS

Hungary is a member of the European Union (EU), and as a NATO Ally, it partners with the United States on our common goals in Europe, such as stability in the Balkans and promoting democracy in Europe’s East, as well as on global challenges beyond Europe. The United States and Hungary have a mutual commitment to reducing the threats posed by climate change and nuclear proliferation, and supporting human rights, the rule of law, and peace and freedom for all. The two countries are bound together through myriad people-to-people contacts in business, the arts, scholarship, and a host of other exchanges.

In 1921, the United States established diplomatic relations with Hungary following the end of the First World War. During World War II, Hungary severed relations with the United States and declared war on it in 1941. Relations were reestablished in 1945. Following the war, Hungary became a satellite of the Soviet Union. As Hungary began to pull away from the Soviet orbit in the 1980s, the United States offered assistance and expertise to substantially revise its constitution, establish a democratic political system, and introduce a plan for a free market economy. Hungary acceded to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in 1999 and the European Union in 2004. The United States works with Hungary as a valued partner in the transatlantic relationship. Hungary has been a firm ally in coalition operations, contributing troops to NATO missions in Afghanistan and the Balkans.

U.S. Assistance to Hungary
U.S. security assistance to Hungary contributes to regional stability and helps maintain strong support in Hungary for coalition operations, including for the provision of personnel, equipment, and other resources. Funding will promote the continued development of a flexible, sustainable, and interoperable Hungarian military capable of meeting NATO commitments. Earlier assistance to promote the development of democratic institutions and a market economy was phased out as Hungary achieved its EU status.

Bilateral Economic Relations
Hungary is a member of the European Union and has transitioned from a centrally planned economy to a market-based one since the fall of communism in 1989. The United States is among the top foreign investors in the country. Hungary’s strategic location in Europe, access to EU markets, highly skilled and educated workforce, and sound infrastructure have led U.S. companies to locate facilities there, both in manufacturing and services. U.S. investment has had a direct, positive impact on the Hungarian economy.

Hungary’s Membership in International Organizations
Hungary and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization. Hungary also is an observer to the Organization of American States.

Bilateral Representation
The U.S. Ambassador to Hungary is Colleen Bell; other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department’s Key Officers List.

Hungary maintains an embassy in the United States at 3910 Spring of Freedom St. NW, Washington, DC 20008 (tel. 202-362-6730).

More information about Hungary is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:

Department of State Hungary Page
Department of State Key Officers List
CIA World Factbook Hungary Page
U.S. Embassy: Hungary
History of U.S. Relations With Hungary
Human Rights Reports
International Religious Freedom Reports
Trafficking in Persons Reports
Narcotics Control Reports
Investment Climate Statements
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics
Export.gov International Offices Page
Travel and Business Information

More information about Hungary is available on the Hungary Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.

Source:

U.S. Department of State

Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs
Fact Sheet
March 22, 2016