Censorship at work? Hungarian RFE/RL service closed over Orban
Photo: US President Donald Trump and Viktor Orbán (Getty Images)
The Hungarian service of Radio Free Europe, Szabad Europa, which had been critical of Prime Minister Orbán, has been shut down in the United States, according to the outlet’s website.
The US Agency for Global Media has decided to shut down the Hungarian service of Radio Free Europe, Szabad Europa, effective 21 November 2025.
The reasons for the move have not been disclosed, although the service had previously been criticised for paying what some viewed as excessive attention to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
About outlet
Szabad Europa first began broadcasting during the Cold War and closed after the collapse of the Soviet Union. However, in 2020, the US Congress restored its funding due to concerns over declining press freedom in Hungary.
The decision to shut it down came as a surprise to both journalists and the audience, who had hoped for the continuation of an independent media platform for Hungarian readers.
In its statement, the editorial team noted that in recent years its journalists had worked with dedication and professionalism, providing Hungarian audiences with independent and objective reporting. The team thanked its readers for their trust, interest and support.
Reasons for closure
The specific motives behind the closure of Szabad Europa have not been disclosed.
The outlet had repeatedly been accused of being overly critical of Orbán’s government. This may have contributed to political pressure, although there is no official confirmation.
Earlier in November, the head of the US Agency for Global Media, Kari Lake, under whose authority Radio Free Europe operates, had already raised the prospect of cutting off funding for the Hungarian-language service.
"It [Szabad Europa] is essentially meant to destabilise this country [Hungary]. American taxpayers’ money should not fund a globalist radio programme. This is a NATO ally, and globalists hate Viktor Orbán," she told reporters.
Earlier this year, the agency chief had already cut nearly all funding to the broadcasters under her authority, including Voice of America and Radio Free Asia.
The closure of Szabad Europa has raised international concern over press freedom and media independence in Central Europe.
Meeting between Donald Trump and Viktor Orbán
On 7 November, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán met with US President Donald Trump at the White House. During the meeting, Trump praised the Hungarian leader and said he would succeed in the next elections.
As a result of the talks, the United States granted Hungary a one-year exemption from sanctions on the use of Russian oil and gas. In return, Hungary committed to purchasing around 600 million dollars’ worth of liquefied natural gas from the United States.
