economy

According to the February 2026 survey by Századvég Konjunktúrakutató, economic expectations of households improved (up +1.4 index points), while the economic sentiment of companies showed a slight positive shift (+0.1 index points) from the previous month. Thus, the household index, measured on a scale of -100 to +100, strengthened to -5.4, while the business index to -9.8. The last time we measured a more favourable household prosperity index was 47 months ago.

The 2026 survey in Project Europe, like in previous years, aimed to map public attitudes towards the most important public issues affecting our continent. The latest survey goes beyond a wide range of current issues to focus on the perception of European and national identity, the livelihood challenges Europeans face, and the transformation of social and political processes in the wake of a global system change. Among the catalysts for these processes are the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war, the assessment of the EU leadership’s performance, and the transformation of Europe’s relationship with the major powers.

The Brussels regulation banning Russian oil and gas not only violates EU laws and the sovereignty of Member States but also runs counter to the expectations of Europeans. According to a recent survey by Századvég, the relative majority of EU citizens do not support a total embargo. In Hungary, the rejection rate is 62%.

Macro Monitor - December 2025

More than two-thirds of EU citizens believe that the Community’s global competitiveness is declining. The economic downturn is also affecting households’ daily lives: one-third of Europeans are struggling to make ends meet.

Which politician will not allow Hungary to be dragged into war, and who can preserve peace? Századvég’s February survey sought answers to these questions. The majority (52%) believe that Viktor Orbán would not allow Hungary to be drawn into war and that he would be able to maintain peace. Only 36% assume the same about Péter Magyar. When asked which politician, the prime minister or his challenger, Hungarians consider a risky choice, and which one they are unsure about in terms of what would happen if he led the country, the answer was also clear. 54% of Hungarians consider Péter Magyar a risky choice and do not know what direction he would take the country in. Only 39% of people see Viktor Orbán’s political direction as risky.

According to the January 2026 survey by Századvég Konjunktúrakutató, economic expectations of households improved significantly (up +3.8 index points), while the economic sentiment of companies remained virtually unchanged (down 0.2 index points) from the previous month. Thus, the household index, measured on a scale of -100 to +100, improved to -6.8, while the business index weakened to -9.9. The last time we measured a higher prosperity index was in March 2022.

Brussels would admit Ukraine to the EU as early as 2027, before it has fulfilled the accession criteria. According to a recent survey by Századvég, three quarters of EU citizens reject the initiative. Most of them are concerned that the integration of Ukraine would worsen the situation of EU farmers, increase crime, weaken food safety and reduce development funding.

Although the Brussels elite is pushing for an increase in arms shipments and would like to send soldiers to Ukraine, European citizens do not agree with these efforts. A new survey by Századvég shows that 51% of EU citizens reject the former, while 69% reject the latter.

Macro Monitor - November 2025

Macro Monitor - October 2025

Századvég Konjunktúrakutató estimates that the Hungarian economy could grow by 0.4% in 2025, followed by 2.4% in 2026 and 2.5% in 2027. Consumption growth continues to support economic growth, but an increase in investment and a strengthening of external economic conditions are essential to achieve a sustainable growth path in the long term.

According to the December 2025 survey by Századvég Konjunktúrakutató, economic expectations of households (up 0.1 index points) and the economic sentiment of companies (down 0.1 index points) remained virtually unchanged from the previous month. Thus, the household index, measured on a scale of -100 to +100, improved to -10.6, while the business index weakened to -9.7. The last time we measured a higher prosperity index was in April 2022.

Brussels would impose a carbon tax on the energy used by European households for heating and cooling and on fuel consumption. The measure would have disastrous consequences: the electricity and gas bills of Hungarians would increase 3.9 times from the current level, which would cost an average household an extra 575,000 forints a year. The price of petrol and diesel would rise above 870 forints per litre, which, along with increased transport costs, would exacerbate inflation.

According to the November 2025 survey of Századvég Konjunktúrakutató, household economic expectations continued to improve (+1.8 index points), while business economic sentiment also strengthened (+1.3 index points) from the previous month. Thus, the household index, measured on a scale of -100 to +100, improved to -10.7, while the business index to -9.6. The last time we measured a better prosperity index was in May 2022 for households and in April 2022 for businesses, i.e. 41 and 42 months ago, respectively.

Macro Monitor - September 2025

According to the October 2025 survey of Századvég Konjunktúrakutató, households’ economic expectations continued to improve slightly (+0.5 index points), while companies’ economic sentiment strengthened significantly (+3.7 index points) from the previous month. Thus, the household index, measured on a scale of -100 to +100, improved to -12.6, while the business index to -10.9. The October survey found that the biggest positive shift among households was in plans for future higher-value spending, while among companies, the strongest positive change was in the general economic sentiment.

The majority of EU citizens find it unacceptable that Brussels is steering the EU away from its dependence on Russian natural gas towards a more expensive dependence on American gas. Rejection of the transition is highest in Hungary and Bulgaria, at 73%.

Macro Monitor - August 2025

Századvég Konjunktúrakutató estimates that the Hungarian economy could grow by 0.8% in 2025, followed by 2.7% in 2026 and 2.3% in 2027. Consumption continues to support economic growth, but stronger external conditions are essential to achieve a sustainable growth path in the long term.