04/17/2026
Slovakia and Central Europe After the Hungarian Elections
April 20 | 11:00 AM ET
Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/371276944080300125
Description
Hungary’s April 12 election has delivered a political shock across Central Europe. In a historic upset, Viktor Orbán and his long-dominant Fidesz movement have been unseated, potentially dismantling the informal bloc that has shaped regional politics in recent years.
For over a decade, Budapest served as the anchor of a loose Central European alignment skeptical of EU policies, ambivalent on Ukraine, and increasingly influential in shaping regional narratives. With Orbán’s departure, that center of gravity is now in flux — raising critical questions about what comes next for Slovakia and the broader region.
Will this moment accelerate a political realignment toward stronger EU cohesion and transatlantic unity? Or will new actors step in to fill the vacuum, reshaping alliances in unpredictable ways? Join us for a timely and forward-looking discussion on how Hungary’s election outcome is likely to reshape Slovakia’s positioning, regional cooperation, and the future trajectory of Central Europe.
At a moment when Central Europe’s direction is once again up for debate, this conversation brings together two seasoned diplomats to unpack the signals and the stakes.
Speakers
Adam Sterling (Moderator) – Former U.S. Ambassador to Slovakia (2016–2019)
Miroslav Wlachovský – Former Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovakia; Distinguished Fellow at GLOBSEC
What We’ll Explore
The regional impact of Orbán’s defeat and what it means for Central Europe’s political balance
Whether Slovakia emerges as a bridge, follower, or new focal point in regional dynamics
Implications for EU alignment, NATO posture, and support for Ukraine
How Washington and other external actors may recalibrate engagement in the region
