Is a disaster coming? Shocking decline of Hungarians living beyond the borders

The Hungarian population, not only within the borders of Hungary itself but also beyond, is facing a concerning decline. Regions such as Transylvania, Transcarpathia, Vojvodina and even Upper Hungary are witnessing a significant decrease in their Hungarian inhabitants.

Experts’ opinions

According to a report by 444, a conference addressing population decline in Central Europe saw insights shared by experts such as Irén Gábrity Molnár, László Józsa, Tamás Korhecz, Katalin Kovály, Patrik Tátrai, Péter Vataščin, and Valér Veres. The consensus among experts is that the declining Hungarian population extends beyond Hungary itself to Hungarians residing outside the country. In Transylvania, a striking trend emerged, with one-third of the Hungarian population disappearing over a span of 35 years. Transcarpathia witnesses a similar unsettling pattern, with only slightly over half of the population remaining compared to two decades ago. The 2022 census results in Vojvodina are deemed a demographic disaster. Even in Felvidék, where the situation is relatively better, the number of Hungarians is on the decline. This prompts the crucial question: Can the ongoing depopulation be halted?

Transylvania: vanishing identities

In Transylvania, a startling statistic emerges – one-third of the Hungarian population has vanished within a mere 35 years. The latest census data from Romania, however, is met with skepticism. According to Tamás Kiss, a researcher at the Institute for Minority Studies, methodological errors cast doubt on the accuracy of the figures. Kiss suggests that Romania has an interest in portraying inflated numbers, as the reality might lead to reduced EU funding. According to Valér Veres, the number of ethnic Hungarians is at 1.1 million, a figure steadily decreasing since the 1977 census, which counted 1.7 million Hungarians. Intriguingly, the loss of identity seems less significant in Hungarian-Swabian and Hungarian-Romanian relations but holds pronounced importance in Hungarian-Romanian relations. This phenomenon indicates a growing trend where native Hungarian speakers are increasingly identifying themselves as Romanian in census declarations.

Transcarpathia: the impact of external factors

The situation in Transcarpathia is complex, with external factors playing a significant role. The last census in Ukraine dates back to 2001, making it challenging to assess the current state accurately. However, since 2017, the estimated number of Hungarians has dropped, exacerbated by the Russian attack in February 2022. Katalin Kovály predicts a continued exodus, especially from Hungarian villages, due to the ongoing war.

Upper Hungary: resilience amidst decline

Hungary’s cross-border population is more resilient in Upper Hungary. Despite a decrease in Hungary’s overall population, the region has only experienced an 8% decline. Assimilation, rather than emigration or natural decrease, stands out as the main factor. Patrik Tátrai emphasises that, unlike in other regions, assimilation is more common among young men than women.

Vojvodina: Serbia’s alarming situation

While Romania faces a decline in the Hungarian population, Serbia, particularly Vojvodina, presents the most alarming scenario in the Carpathian Basin. The 2022 census indicates 184,000 Hungarians, a significant drop from nearly 500,000 in 1961. Emigration, natural decline, and assimilation are identified as the primary reasons for this distressing trend.

Can this concerning decline be stopped?

The data paints a grim picture of the Hungarian population’s decline beyond Hungary’s borders. As experts debate the accuracy of census figures and assess the impact of various factors, the pressing question remains: Can this depopulation be stopped? The future may depend on effective policies, international cooperation, and a commitment to preserving the cultural tapestry of Hungarian communities dispersed across Central Europe. For further insights, explore the government’s initiative to bring Hungarians living abroad back home by reading our article HERE.

Source: 444