Hungary is a landlocked country in central Europe, which borders with no fewer than seven countries: Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia and Austria. The country is mostly flat, with low mountains in the north.
The most important sectors of Hungary’s economy in 2015 were industry (27.4 %), wholesale and retail trade, transport, accommodation and food services (18.3 %) and public administration, defence, education, human health and social work activities (17.6 %).
Hungary’s main export partners are Germany, Romania and Slovakia, while its main import partners are Germany, China and Austria.
93 011 km2
9 855 571 (2015)
1.9 % (2015)
€ 108.748 billion (2015)
1 May 2004
Hungarian Forint HUF
Yes, Schengen Area member since 21 December 2007.
Hungary has held the revolving presidency of the Council of the EU once in 2011.
In the Council of the EU, national ministers meet regularly to adopt EU laws and coordinate policies. Council meetings are regularly attended by representatives from the Hungarian government, depending on the policy area being addressed.
The Council of the EU doesn't have a permanent, single-person president (like e.g. the Commission or Parliament). Instead, its work is led by the country holding the Council presidency, which rotates every 6 months.
During these 6 months, ministers from that country's government chair and help determine the agenda of Council meetings in each policy area, and facilitate dialogue with the other EU institutions.
Dates of Hungarian presidencies:
More on the current presidency of the Council of the EU.
The Commission is represented in each EU country by a local office, called a "representation".
Hungary has 12 representatives on the European Economic and Social Committee. This advisory body – representing employers, workers and other interest groups – is consulted on proposed laws, to get a better idea of the possible changes to work and social situations in member countries.
Hungary has 12 representatives on the Committee of the Regions, the EU's assembly of regional and local representatives. This advisory body is consulted on proposed laws, to ensure these laws take account of the perspective from each region of the EU.
Hungary also communicates with the EU institutions through its permanent representation in Brussels. As Hungary's "embassy to the EU", its main task is to ensure that the country's interests and policies are pursued as effectively as possible in the EU.
Member countries' financial contributions to the EU budget are shared fairly, according to means. The larger your country's economy, the more it pays – and vice versa. The EU budget doesn't aim to redistribute wealth, but rather to focus on the needs of all Europeans as a whole.
Breakdown of Hungary’s finances with the EU in 2015:
More figures on the EU budget, revenue and spending:
The money paid into the EU budget by Hungary helps fund programmes and projects in all EU countries - like building roads, subsidising researchers and protecting the environment.
Find out more about how Hungary benefits from EU funding.