How Orbán’s Danube Institute spent millions in public funds on U.S. lobbyists

The Danube Institute, a prominent international ideological centre supported by the Orbán government, has spent over half a billion forints in public funds on foreign personnel over the past three years.

According to a report by Átlátszó.hu the institute’s activities, have raised questions about adherence to U.S. lobbying laws. Some U.S.-based collaborators reportedly authored political articles for American publications without registering as foreign agents, as required by U.S. law.

The Danube Institute’s goals

The Danube Institute’s stated mission is to promote conservative and national values through conferences, publications, and research by visiting scholars. While it employs Hungarian experts, it also attracts foreign journalists, academics, and members of think tanks, many of whom regularly contribute to conservative media globally.

These visiting scholars, or “fellows,” receive substantial financial compensation, which forms a significant part of the institute’s budget. In recent years, operating costs have escalated: HUF 76.76 million (around EUR 200,000) was spent on visiting researchers in 2022, HUF 179 million (around EUR 460,000) in 2023, and a record HUF 284.6 million (around EUR 740,000) in 2024. These expenses are largely covered by public funds managed by the Lajos Batthyány Foundation, a public-interest entity.

In addition to funding researchers, the Danube Institute also supports conference speakers with its funding. While the highest speaker fee in 2024 was HUF 36.6 million (about EUR 94,000), most receive significantly less, with typical fees ranging from HUF 200,000 to HUF 400,000 (approximately EUR 500 to 1,000). These figures illustrate the institute’s growing financial investment in its international network.

The American connection

One of the Danube Institute’s key allies is the Heritage Foundation, a U.S.-based conservative think tank with an agenda that aligns closely with Orbán’s policies. This partnership could influence U.S. policy significantly if Donald Trump were to secure a second presidential term. The Heritage Foundation is leading the “2025 Project,” a strategic plan aimed at restructuring the U.S. federal government by placing Trump-aligned conservatives in key roles. Certain elements of this initiative are reportedly inspired by Orbán’s consolidation of power, reinforcing ties between the Heritage Foundation and the Danube Institute.

Compliance issues with U.S. lobbying laws

Some of the Danube Institute’s U.S.-based collaborators have reportedly been commissioned to produce political content for U.S. media, raising potential compliance issues with the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). Under FARA, individuals working on behalf of foreign governments or entities must register if they engage in political activities or lobbying in the U.S.

The Danube Institute employs foreign researchers who contribute to media outlets in both the U.S. and Europe, some of whom have contracts specifying a focus on U.S. media. This practice may qualify as lobbying and thus necessitate registration, as engaging in activities designed to influence public opinion in the U.S. on behalf of a foreign entity falls under FARA’s purview. As of now, no foreign researchers associated with the Danube Institute have registered under FARA, raising concerns about potential legal repercussions.

The global influence of the Danube Institute

While the institute’s U.S. initiatives have attracted considerable attention, its influence extends well beyond America. The Danube Institute has forged partnerships with numerous European think tanks and political entities, including organisations linked to the Polish government. These collaborations bolster Orbán’s ideological influence across conservative circles in Europe, cementing Hungary’s status as a model for right-wing political movements across the continent.

Read also:

• Hungary becomes EU’s most expensive state to run all the while underfunding healthcare
• Strengthening Hungary-Türkiye ties: New agreement targets joint aid, cultural cooperation