Hungary Keeps Testing the EU's Patience

In the coming weeks and months, Hungary will challenge the European Union selectively but seek to maintain relatively good ties with the United States. Budapest will continue supporting Brussels' general policies toward Russia, such as decisions on sanctions, while preserving its political and economic ties with the Kremlin on issues such as the Russia-led South Stream natural gas pipeline project. At the regional level, Hungary will probably enter a phase of colder relations with Poland and Romania because Budapest does not see strategic gain in taking a harder stance against the Kremlin.