OPINION:
For centuries, Hungary has been defined by resilience and reinvention. From the heart of Europe, we have overcome challenges that would have broken weaker nations. Today, Hungary is a modern, stable, and dynamic economy, deeply integrated into Europe and uniquely positioned to bridge transatlantic opportunities.
The moment is right for U.S. companies to expand their presence here, and that’s why I’m in the United States right now with my team.
The United States and Hungary share a strong foundation in entrepreneurship, innovation, and hard work. American investors already recognize Hungary’s skilled workforce, central location, and cost-competitive environment. Technology firms, manufacturers, and service providers are successfully operating here, but the potential is still far from fully realized. As supply chains shift and global markets evolve, Hungary offers U.S. businesses a clear competitive advantage.
When executives think about European expansion, their minds often go first to London, Paris, or Frankfurt. Hungary, however, offers something different: efficiency, adaptability, and value. Hungary provides unmatched connectivity at the crossroads of Western Europe, the Balkans, and the East. Within a day’s drive from Budapest, companies can reach more than 500 million consumers across the European Union. Modern infrastructure, from highways to high-speed internet, ensures that businesses operate in a cost-effective and future-ready environment.
Hungary consistently “punches above its weight” as a country of just 10 million people. Membership in the EU guarantees barrier-free access to the single market, while Hungary’s lower labor costs and pragmatic regulatory environment deliver a more competitive edge compared to some Western European economies. This unique blend of EU integration and Central European efficiency is exactly why now is the right time for U.S. businesses to take a closer look at Hungary.
Our workforce is among the most skilled in Europe. Universities in Hungary produce top-tier engineers, IT specialists, and medical professionals with both technical expertise and entrepreneurial spirit. American companies here gain access to employees who are globally minded yet deeply committed to local communities.
Hungary is also investing heavily in research and development, particularly in industries where U.S. companies excel: biotechnology, artificial intelligence, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing. Partnerships in these sectors promise not just profitable ventures but also innovations that can strengthen the transatlantic economy.
As the Chairman of one of Hungary’s largest publicly traded companies, I can say with confidence that business thrives on stability and Hungary offers it. With the lowest corporate tax rate in the EU, a resilient macroeconomic framework, and investor-friendly policies, Hungary has made itself an attractive base for global operations. The government’s support comes in the form of tangible incentives: tax breaks, grants, and dedicated support for greenfield investments.
At a time when geopolitical risks are disrupting traditional supply chains, Hungary remains a safe and reliable partner. Our legal and financial institutions align with European standards, giving investors confidence that their interests are protected.
Beyond economics, there is a natural cultural alignment. Hungarian-Americans have played an outsized role in U.S. business, science, and culture. That shared history lays the groundwork for a stronger commercial future.
Global companies are rethinking their reliance on Asia and searching for closer, more reliable partners. Hungary is well-positioned to become that partner. By investing here, U.S. companies gain not only a strategic European base but also access to one of the fastest-growing regions in the EU.
The opportunity is clear. If American firms wait, competitors from other regions will move first. Hungary is open for business, ready to serve as a trusted partner, and prepared to help U.S. companies scale across Europe.
Now is the time for American businesses to seize that opportunity. Let us seize it together!
• Gellért Jászai is the Chairman of 4iG Plc, one of Hungary’s largest publicly-traded companies and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Hungary for the Development of International Business Relations.
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