Hungary is a Central European country that is important due to its geopolitical position. In this sense, it can be said that Hungary, which is located between Ukraine and Romania to the east and Austria to the west, plays the role of a bridge between the two regions. In addition, the country is one of the important routes that play a role in the Middle Corridor to reach the West. Because the Middle Corridor runs on the route Türkiye-Bulgaria-Serbia-Hungary. This is a factor that increases the geopolitical importance of Hungary.
In this context, the Ministers of Transport of Türkiye, Hungary, Bulgaria and Serbia held their first meeting under the name of the Bulgaria-Hungary-Serbia-Türkiye Quadrilateral Ministerial Coordination Council on July 5, 2022. In the statement made in the meeting, it was announced that it is planned to increase the amount of freight transported by rail from 38 million tons to 440 million tons annually by 2053.[1]
In addition, the Energy Ministers of Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Hungary will hold the 2nd Energy Conference organized by the Organization of Turkic States on September 28, 2022. They met at the Energy Ministers’ Meeting. During the meeting held in Almaty, Kazakhstan, cooperation, and opportunities in the field of energy were discussed.[2]
Looking at the meeting held in Almaty, it is seen that Hungary will be one of the main hubs for Central Asia, the Caucasus and Organization of Turkic States to reach Europe, not only in terms of trade and transportation but also in terms of energy. In short, Budapest is becoming the gateway of Asia to Europe in terms of energy and trade routes.
It is obvious that the transformation of Hungary into a center in the Middle Corridor will create significant gains for many actors. Firstly, the implementation of the Zangezur Corridor at the point where the Middle Corridor reaches Europe will increase the importance of the Organization of Turkic States. This will serve to make Hungary a center in the Middle Corridor and turn the organization into an effective actor in European geopolitics. Because it is known that Europe has increased its interest in the Caucasus and Central Asia, especially since the start of the Russian-Ukrainian War. One of the important dimensions of the relations to be established between Europe and the regions in question is the energy issue. Among the countries of the region, the states that are rich in energy resources are Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. As a matter of fact, three of these four states are members and one contributes to the activities within the organization with the status of observer member.
The fact that Hungary is a center that would naturally bring significant economic, political and strategic gains to this country. First of all, in a process where Europe needs energy and safe routes, Hungary will be able to turn its geopolitical position into an element of influence. Secondly, Hungary will also be one of the centers of Europe in terms of trade and transportation and thus will receive an important income. Thirdly, it is known that Hungary is experiencing some problems in its relations with the European Union (EU). However, it is certain that Hungary, who benefits from the gains of the Middle Corridor will turn into a key actor that is indispensable for the Europe.
Other actors that will gain are the states of Central Asia and the Caucasus. These countries will be completed the European dimension of the stable route they are trying decisively to build between China and Europe. Nevertheless, Hungary is a partner that the states of the region can count on. This means ensuring the security of the European part of the Middle Corridor.
Undoubtedly, Europe and China will be the most important winners of this process. Because, the trade between the parties is carried out in the shortest possible time is quite important for using the safest route. Therefore, Hungary becoming a hub in the Middle Corridor will create an opportunity to ensure uninterrupted transportation on the route extending from China to Europe.
Finally, the Middle Corridor will also benefit Bulgaria and Serbia. First of all, these states will increase their geopolitical and geo-economic importance. Also, both countries will not face any obstacles at the point of reaching the Caucasus, Central Asia and China.
As a result, Hungary is turning into a crucial center in the Middle Corridor. The fact that the country in question is a safe haven in Europe also increases the value of the Middle Corridor. Therefore, it can be said that the mission that the Budapest administration will undertake in this regard will serve the interests of many actors, not only itself.
[1] Hatice Şenses Kurukız, “Bakan Karaismailoğlu: Orta Koridor’da Ticaretin Geliştirilmesi İçin Üzerimize Ciddi Sorumluluklar Düşmekte”, Anadolu Ajansı, https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/gundem/bakan-karaismailoglu-orta-koridorda-ticaretin-gelistirilmesi-icin-uzerimize-ciddi-sorumluluklar-dusmekte/2630480, (Date of Accession: 01.10.2022).
[2] Ayya Lmahamad, “Azerbaijan Discuss Energy Cooperation with Kazakhstan, Turkiye, Hungary”, Azernews, https://www.azernews.az/business/200086.html, (Date of Accession: 01.10.2022).
