The Limits of the European Union’s Enforcement Powers: a Case Study of the Response to Democratic Backsliding in Hungary

Abstract

This paper explores the reasons behind the European Union’s inability to respond to the trend of democratic backsliding occurring within its member states by looking at Hungary as a case study, and the ongoing process of the consolidation of illiberal democracy headed by the Fidesz party under the leadership of Viktor Orbán. This paper examines the trend of democratic backsliding within the European Union, and the various obstacles the Union faces in its attempts to curb such outcomes. Using Hungary as a case study, the European Union mechanisms for the incentivization and enforcement of democratic norms will be evaluated against the ongoing process of “illiberalization” taking place under the leadership of Viktor Orbán and the Fidesz party.