Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán sounds the alarm as Soros-backed organizations seek European funding amid U.S. financial withdrawal.
At a Glance
- Over 60 NGOs appeal to Brussels for funding after USAID halts assistance
- Orbán claims “globalist network” is relocating from Washington to Brussels
- International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) highlighted as key player with Soros ties
- EU urged to fill gap in areas like democracy, human rights, and global health
- Orbán proposes European watchdog similar to U.S. Department of Government Efficiency
Orbán’s Warning: A Shift in Global Influence
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has raised concerns over what he perceives as a strategic relocation of influence from Washington to Brussels. The catalyst for this shift is the recent decision by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to curtail its foreign assistance programs, a move initiated during the Trump administration. This development has left a significant funding gap for numerous Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) operating globally.
Orbán, known for his consistent criticism of George Soros and his Open Society Foundations, has been quick to point out the potential implications of this shift. According to the Hungarian leader, over 60 NGOs are now turning to Brussels to fill the financial void left by USAID’s withdrawal.
The Appeal to Brussels: A New Frontier for NGO Funding
The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), an organization with ties to both USAID and Soros’ Open Society Foundations, is at the forefront of this appeal. Along with 62 other NGOs, the ICJ has issued an urgent call to EU leaders, seeking support in critical areas such as democracy, human rights, global health, and humanitarian assistance.
“WARNING! Our fears have come true: the globalist-liberal-Soros NGO network is fleeing to Brussels after President Trump dealt a huge blow to their activities in the US,” Viktor Orbán said.
This appeal is not merely a request for financial support. It represents a broader push for the EU to assume USAID’s former role, particularly in areas such as reproductive rights, gender equality, and LGBTIQ rights. Reports suggest that Brussels is already taking steps to address this funding gap, a move that has intensified Orbán’s concerns.
Orbán’s Response: Preventing a “Safe Haven” in Europe
Orbán and his political allies are resolute in their commitment to prevent Europe from becoming what they term a “fallback” for the “globalist network.” The Hungarian Prime Minister has been vocal about his opposition to external influences shaping European policy, particularly those associated with Soros-backed organizations.
To counter this perceived threat, Orbán has proposed the creation of an investigative watchdog similar to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in the United States. This European version of DOGE would aim to scrutinize the funding and activities of NGOs operating within the EU. However, establishing such a body would require support from multiple EU member states, extending beyond Hungary’s borders.
The situation unfolding in Europe reflects a broader geopolitical tension regarding the interplay of private funding, national policy-making, and international influence. As the U.S. reduces its global financial footprint, the vacuum left behind is quickly becoming a battleground for competing ideologies and interests.
For conservative Europeans like Orbán, the influx of NGO influence backed by figures such as Soros represents a challenge to national sovereignty and traditional values. On the other hand, supporters of these organizations argue that their work is crucial for maintaining democratic norms, human rights, and social progress in an era of increasing authoritarianism.
