CLEW Webinar: End to Orbán’s rule? What Hungary’s elections mean for climate and energy policy
CLEW Webinar: End to Orbán’s rule? What Hungary’s elections mean for climate and energy policy waiyilam Tue, 24 Mar 2026 - 16:29 8 April 2026 at 16.00-17.30 CET Berlin Journalists Hungarians will head to the polls on 12 April in elections that could end prime minister Viktor Orbán's 16 consecutive years in power – and potentially shake up the political landscape entirely, with polls indicating that only Orbán’s Fidesz and Péter Magyar's conservative Tisza movement may clear the parliamentary threshold, leaving all other parties without representation. What’s the state of Hungary’s energy transition, and where do the two main competing parties stand on climate and energy policy? Clean Energy Wire CLEW invites journalists to a webinar to better understand the stakes in this election and the competing parties’ positions on questions such as nuclear power, the country’s blocking of EU climate initiatives, and its push to become a major electric vehicle battery producer. This webinar is supported by Journalismfund Europe. Webinar In the first of two webinars, open to journalists from across the world, experts will discuss the climate and energy plans of Hungary’s main parties; Orbán’s bet on nuclear energy and EV batteries and its consequences; Hungary’s blockade of EU climate deals and its impact on Brussels; and the country’s role in Europe’s lithium rush and what it means for local communities. Journalists will get a chance to ask the experts questions. You can also join the second webinar on 9 April, where we go deeper into the
On 12 April, Hungarians will head to the polls for elections that could end Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's 16-year reign in power. Polls suggest that only Orbán's Fidesz and Péter Magyar's conservative Tisza movement may clear the parliamentary threshold, leaving all other parties without representation. This election could reshape Hungary's political landscape and have significant implications for the country's energy transition and climate policy.
To better understand the stakes in this election and the competing parties' positions on key issues, Clean Energy Wire (CLEW) is hosting a webinar on 8 April at 16:00-17:30 CET in Berlin. The event, supported by Journalismfund Europe, invites journalists from around the world to engage with experts who will discuss the climate and energy plans of Hungary's main parties.
The webinar will cover several critical topics, including Orbán's bet on nuclear energy and electric vehicle (EV) batteries and its consequences, Hungary's blockade of EU climate deals and its impact on Brussels, and the country's role in Europe's lithium rush and its effects on local communities. Journalists will have the opportunity to ask experts questions and participate in an open discussion.
A second webinar on 9 April will delve deeper into the interests of powerful actors such as China, Russia, and the US in securing stakes in Hungary's energy infrastructure. This will provide further insights into the geopolitical implications of the upcoming elections and their potential impact on Hungary's energy transition.
Hungary's energy transition has been a contentious issue, with Orbán's government prioritizing nuclear power and EV batteries as key components of the country's energy strategy. This approach has been met with both support and criticism, particularly in the context of Hungary's blocking of EU climate initiatives. The upcoming elections will likely see intense debates on these issues, as the two main competing parties—Fidesz and the Tisza movement—vie for control of the parliament.
The webinars organized by CLEW aim to provide journalists with a comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between Hungary's energy policies, its relations with the EU, and the geopolitical interests of major global players. By attending these events, journalists can gain valuable insights into the stakes of the Hungarian elections and the potential consequences for Hungary's energy and climate policies.
In addition to the webinars, the upcoming elections will also have implications for Hungary's role in Europe's lithium rush. The country's strategic location and potential for lithium extraction have attracted significant attention from both domestic and international stakeholders. The elections could impact the direction of Hungary's energy policies and its relationship with local communities, which may be affected by the extraction process.
Overall, the Hungarian elections present a pivotal moment for the country's energy and climate policies. The webinars hosted by CLEW offer a unique opportunity for journalists to engage with experts and gain a deeper understanding of the complex issues at stake. As Hungary's political landscape could be reshaped by these elections, it is crucial for the international community to stay informed about the potential implications for energy transition, EU climate initiatives, and geopolitical interests.
