In recent months, Hungary, Serbia, and Slovakia have intensified their repression of civil society organizations, spurred on by U.S. President Donald Trump’s dismantling of USAID, which provides support to such groups. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, an enthusiastic supporter of Trump, has moved to expel “pseudo-civil organizations” that he claims serve foreign interests, a sentiment echoed by leaders in Serbia and Slovakia, including President Aleksandar Vučić, reports DW.
Orbán, who has long criticized NGOs in Hungary, has pushed for the closure of organizations he accuses of promoting foreign agendas. Likewise, in Slovakia, Prime Minister Robert Fico has proposed legislation to classify foreign-funded NGOs as “foreign agents,” similar to a law enacted in Hungary in 2017. Serbia has followed suit with police raids on NGOs, citing suspicions of financial mismanagement.
These measures have been interpreted by critics as being inspired by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s stance on civil society, with all three leaders sharing pro-Russian inclinations. The global political environment, particularly Trump’s attacks on foreign aid, has emboldened these leaders, who now feel less pressure from international bodies like the U.S.
Meanwhile, massive protests have rocked both Serbia and Slovakia in response to perceived undemocratic policies. In Serbia, the protests, initially sparked by the tragic collapse of a shelter in Novi Sad, have grown into demands for Vučić’s resignation. Protesters, mostly students, have distanced themselves from the opposition to maintain a broad base of support. In Slovakia, Orbán’s political rival Peter Maďar has capitalized on growing dissatisfaction, challenging Orbán’s long-standing rule.
With both Hungary and Serbia facing significant political challenges, the crackdown on civil society is seen as a way to divert attention and shore up political power. As the situation in these countries evolves, the question remains whether stronger responses from the European Union will materialize or if these authoritarian measures will continue unchecked.
