Hungary
Political overview
Hungary is a parliamentary democratic republic. Executive power vests in the Government, which is comprised of the Prime Minister (as Head of Government) and government ministers. The National Assembly (Hungary’s parliament) elects the Prime Minister by majority vote following a proposal from the President. The President appoints ministers according to the Prime Minister’s recommendations. General elections for the National Assembly occur every four years to elect 198 members of parliament.
The President of Hungary is Hungary’s Head of State and Commander in Chief of the Hungarian Armed Forces. The President is elected by the National Assembly for a term of five years and may be re-elected once.
Hungary marks its National Day on 15 March to commemorate the Revolution of 1848 and national independence.
Foreign policy
Hungary joined the United Nations in 1955, the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1995, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in 1973, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in 1996 and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) in 1999. Hungary joined the European Union in 2004, including the Schengen Area in 2007.
Bilateral relations
Diplomatic ties between Hungary and Australia were established in 1972. Hungary and Australia enjoy friendly, cooperative relations with a growing trade relationship and strong people-to-people links dating as far back as the mid-nineteenth century. Many Hungarians emigrated to Australia in the twentieth century, especially following the 1956 Uprising against the Soviet occupation of Hungary.
Hungary has an embassy in Canberra, and consulates in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Darwin, Hobart, and Perth.
Fast facts
- Hungarian visitors to Australia (visitor arrivals – 2023) – 5,350
- Australian visitors to Hungary (resident returns – 2023) – 7,620
- Resident Australian population born in Hungary (2021 census) – 16,655
- Australian residents of Hungarian descent (2021 census) – 81,029
High level engagement
- 2023 – Then Hungarian President HE Katalin Novák visited Australia in October and November 2023.
Agreements and arrangements with Hungary
- Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters and Extradition (1997)
- Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy and the Transfer of Nuclear Material (2002)
- Social Security (2011)
- Air Services (2016)
- Work and Holiday Visa (2016)
- Oil Stock Contracts (2018).
A comprehensive list of bilateral agreements and texts is available at the Australian Treaties Database.
Public diplomacy
The Australian Embassy in Vienna is responsible for Hungary.
The Australian Embassy in Vienna hosts regular events in Hungary to promote Australian culture and business credentials and emphasise Australia’s active support for the internationally agreed rules and norms. The Embassy regularly engages with senior government representatives, businesses, universities, and the alumni community.
The Hungarian community in Australia actively promotes Hungarian culture through Hungarian cultural centres, clubs, associations and festivals.
The Association of Australian and Békés Citizens (an Australian-Hungarian friendship group) hosts an annual charity ball in Szeged.
Economic diplomacy
Total two-way goods and services trade in 2023 was valued at $1.2 billion, with imports from Hungary totalling $1.1 billion. In 2023, Australia's goods imports from Hungary were predominantly passenger motor vehicles; computers; insecticides; herbicides; disinfectants, and electrical machinery and parts. Australia's major goods exports to Hungary were telecom equipment and parts; medicaments (incl veterinary), telecom equipment and parts, recreational travel and education-related travel.
Australian total investment in Hungary in 2023 was $640 million compared to Hungarian investment in Australia of $39 million.
More economic and trade information can be found in the Hungary economy fact sheet [PDF].
Australian Embassy
The Australian Embassy in Vienna is accredited to Hungary.
Australia also has an Honorary Consul based in Budapest.
Ms Cecilia Gall
Honorary Consul
Eötvös Loránd University
Múzeum Körút 4/a
1088 Budapest, Hungary
General consular enquiries: consular.vienna@dfat.gov.au
To arrange passport appointments or other matters: auconsulate.budapest@gmail.com
Travel
See Smartraveller for information on travelling to Hungary.