CEU Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2024
| Author | Gero, Bence |
|---|---|
| Title | Decades of Dependency: The Political Legacy of Hungary's Energy Reliance on Russia |
| Summary | This thesis explores the persistent dependency of Hungary on Russian energy, an issue that has come under intense scrutiny following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the subsequent imposition of sanctions by the European Union. Addressing the deep historical, political, and economic roots of this dependency, which dates back to the Cold War era, this research utilizes a qualitative methodology to analyze a wide range of primary and secondary sources, including governmental reports, academic studies, and expert commentary. The investigation examines how, despite the broader efforts within the EU to diversify energy sources, decisions made during Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s administration since 2010 have not only perpetuated but also deepened Hungary’s reliance on Russian energy. These decisions encompass a series of renationalization efforts, long-standing contracts with Russian energy firms, and significant national projects like the Paks II nuclear power plant. Furthermore, the study contrasts Hungary’s situation with Poland’s strategic shift towards energy independence, highlighting the role of political determination in mitigating similar dependencies. Conclusively, the thesis posits that Hungary’s energy dependency is not merely a result of geographical constraints but is significantly shaped by deliberate political choices made over decades. This bachelor's thesis provides detailed insights into the interplay of historical legacies and contemporary political decisions in shaping national energy policies, with recommendations for future research directions including an examination of the impact of asymmetrical energy dependencies on national security and economic resilience within the broader European context. |
| Supervisor | Christopher David LaRoche |
| Department | Undergraduate Studies BA |
| Full text | https://www.etd.ceu.edu/2024/gero_bence.pdf |
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