The ‘Family 2025’ conference hosted by KINCS and the Századvég Foundation on 30 January 2025 in the Museum of Ethnography brought together key policymakers, researchers, and experts to discuss Hungary’s family policy, demographic challenges, and the broader European and global context. The event underscored the importance of family as a fundamental pillar of society and highlighted Hungary’s commitment to family-centric policies.

Opening Remarks by Enikő Győri

MEP and member of the Patriots for Europe Enikő Győri emphasized Hungary’s commitment to representing its citizens’ interests in Brussels. Drawing parallels with Paraguay’s conservative government, she highlighted the global trend of patriotic movements advocating for national sovereignty. She underscored the resurgence of realpolitik, especially in the context of the upcoming US elections, and the necessity of effective family policies within the EU, which she argued is struggling in this domain. She pointed out that the EU’s economic and social model, impacted by COVID-19, Brexit, and war, is unsustainable without addressing demographic issues. Instead of relying on migration, she stressed the importance of learning from successful family policies across Europe, referencing Hungary’s leadership in demographic policy since its 2011 EU presidency.

Research Insights by Kinga Kenyeres

Director of Századvég Kinga Kenyeres presented findings from 18 studies on family policy conducted over five years, including a major research project in November. These studies assessed European and Hungarian perspectives on family. While 88 per cent of Europeans consider family important, in Hungary, this figure reaches 98 per cent, demonstrating Hungary’s strong family-oriented values. Data showed that Hungarians overwhelmingly support family-friendly policies, with 74 per cent advocating for state involvement in family support, compared to the EU average of 42 per cent. The ideal number of children per household in Hungary stands at 2.43, second only to Bulgaria. Despite a decline in the number of women of childbearing age since 2010, birth rates have remained stable, largely attributed to sustained financial support policies such as the Baby Bond and Family Housing Allowance (CSOK). In 2025 the government will continue to prioritize family support, expanding initiatives across various life stages.

Demographic and Economic Trends by Dénes Ádám

KSH Deputy President Dénes Ádám provided an overview of demographic and economic trends from 1950 to 2024, focusing on Europe, the US, and China. He highlighted a significant decline in total fertility rates (TFR) across Europe, with no country reaching the reproduction level of 2.1. Hungary’s TFR has increased from 1.23 to 1.6, resulting in over 200,000 additional births despite a declining number of women of childbearing age. He pointed out regional disparities in fertility rates, with Western Hungary, Budapest, and Balaton lagging behind. Economic disparities also persist, with a significant income gap between households with and without children. Encouragingly, the average age of first-time mothers has stabilized at 29, and parental education levels have improved, with 75 per cent of mothers now possessing secondary education.

Policy Commitments by Balázs Hankó

Minister at the Ministry of Culture and Innovation Balázs Hankó outlined the government’s commitment to supporting Hungarian families in all life situations and defending them against ideologically driven attacks. He described Brussels’ approach as ‘anti-family persecution’ and reaffirmed Hungary’s dedication to a family-centred policy shift since 2010. He detailed financial commitments, including 754 billion forints in tax benefits and a total of 3,754 billion forints in family support.

He also highlighted key policy initiatives including defending family honour and identity—Hungary supports the US returning to the Geneva Consensus and remains a committed partner in defending family values; ensuring financial security for families, that is, continued investment in family benefits, including 4 million forints employment loans, 1.8-year housing subsidies, an extended Baby Bond programme up to 35 years of age, and increased family tax benefits; simplifying access to family support; streamlining application processes for various benefits; and expanding family support beyond the borders by launching a health visitor training programme across Hungarian communities in the Carpathian Basin.

Panel 1: Economic and Social Resilience

Deputy State Secretary for Strategic Affairs Coordination at the Prime Minister’s Office Dr Ádám Csepeti delivered opening remarks for the roundtable discussion. He started by highlighting the resilience of Hungarian families in the face of economic turbulence, pointing out that the government’s proactive family policies had cushioned many households against financial instability, enabling them to maintain a stable quality of life despite global economic uncertainties.

Director of the Social Processes and Media Research Institute at Századvég Dr Péter Pillók underlined an increase in financial stability and resilience among families, noting a rise in household savings despite economic uncertainties. He emphasized that government-backed family policies played a crucial role in shielding families from the economic shocks of the past years.

Ministerial Commissioner Piroska Szalai pointed out that Hungary’s GDP growth has outpaced the EU average since 2019, with inflation peaking later and lasting for a shorter period. Women’s employment rates have also risen significantly, reflecting positive economic trends.

Ministerial Commissioner for Intergenerational Cooperation at the Ministry of Culture and Innovation Katalin Gyurkó stressed the necessity of government support for families, highlighting that despite economic challenges in 2024, Hungary has maintained robust family assistance programmes. She noted that public trust in family policies remains strong.

Head of the Institute of Public Finances at the National University of Public Service Dr Csaba Lendner emphasized Hungary’s economic stability despite external pressures, noting that the country has relied on internal resources since 2010. He projected further growth from 2025 onward, with a focus on middle-class expansion and SME development, which he sees as the backbone of economic resilience.

Panel 2: Family Policy and Ideological Challenges

Director-General of the Center for Fundamental Rights Dr Miklós Szánthó opened the discussion by linking family policy to broader ideological debates, arguing that ‘woke’ ideologies pose a fundamental threat to traditional family structures. He described these movements as an extension of modern communism, designed to erode national identity and societal cohesion.

Scientific Director at Századvég Dr Zoltán Lomnici Jr detailed Hungary’s legal framework protecting families, referencing constitutional safeguards and international agreements that reinforce traditional family structures. He stressed the importance of legal clarity in upholding national values.

Research Leader at the Learning Research Institute of the Mathias Corvinus Collegium (MCC) Melinda Hal examined the psychological impact of mainstream ideological trends, emphasizing how they shape young people’s perceptions of identity and family life. She warned that external cultural influences must be countered with strong national education policies.

Founder of the Association for Young Families (FICSAK) Nóra Király explained that her civil foundation has been working together with the government and families for the last 15 years. She added that the positive side is that whatever comments they receive from families, the government usually listens and strives to fix the issues mentioned. She added that limiting the social media and technology usage of children is a good step towards protecting them.

Deputy State Secretary for Family Affairs at the Ministry of Culture and Innovation Dr Attila Benedek reinforced the need for proactive policy measures to counteract external ideological influences and strengthen family values at the societal level. He argued that Hungary must continue to lead in advocating for pro-family policies internationally. He added that in his opinion, consumerism is what endangers the values of the youth, and there needs to be a way to prevent a chain reaction that ends up destroying family values.

Closing Remarks by Róbert Zsigó

Deputy Minister and Parliamentary State Secretary at the Ministry of Culture and Innovation Róbert Zsigó concluded the conference by reiterating Hungary’s commitment to a strong, family-centred society. He emphasized that demographic sustainability is not just a policy priority but a moral responsibility. He highlighted the Hungarian government’s achievements in family policy and vowed to expand support initiatives further.

Zsigó stressed that a society’s strength is measured by the stability of its families and called for continued cooperation between policymakers, researchers, and civil society to ensure a flourishing future for Hungarian families. He ended with a call to remain vigilant against external ideological pressures and reaffirmed that Hungary will continue to stand firm in defending traditional family values.

Related articles: