The EU Framework and its implementation in Hungary

Abstract

In spite of the positive role Hungary played in placing Roma on the agenda of EU institutions, the progress in improving the situation of Roma in Hungary is limited as data collected from the field indicate. The aim of the article is to review the implementation of the national strategy in Hungary, part of the EU Framework for Roma, by presenting primary and secondary data collected through literature review, policy analysis and interviews with policymakers and experts. The authors argue that the limited impact of the EU Framework has had on Roma in Hungary is due to three main factors: (1) a total neglect of lessons learned from past policies towards Roma, (2) the policy design of the EU Framework at EU and national levels, and (3) the increasing deterioration of the state of democracy in Hungary and the broader political environment in which the policies ought to be implemented reflected by the rise of far-right political parties and increasing authoritarianism on the side of ruling parties.