Central European University has indicated interest in growing its presence in Budapest following political changes in Hungary, according to the institution’s interim president and rector. The university, which relocated its main operations to Vienna in 2019 after pressure from the previous government under Viktor Orbán, sees potential for expansion under the new administration that took office after a recent electoral shift.
The CEU was founded by philanthropist George Soros in 1991 to support democratic development in the region. The institution faced significant pressure under Orbán’s tenure, ultimately ceasing degree-awarding operations in Budapest after legislation widely seen as targeting the university was passed. Though the European Union’s highest court invalidated this law in 2020 on constitutional grounds, the damage to the university’s local operations had already occurred. The institution currently maintains approximately 312 administrative staff in Budapest, while the majority of its 476 personnel and all teaching operations remain based in Vienna.
Leadership indicated that any return to Budapest would be contingent on ensuring academic quality and would not constitute a complete relocation from Vienna. The university, which serves over 1,400 students from 103 countries in social sciences, law, and humanities disciplines, has experienced growth in applications from the United States following recent political developments there. University officials have engaged in discussions with American academics about maintaining institutional independence amid political pressure from populist movements globally.
The CEU’s potential expansion in Budapest would require cooperation from the new Hungarian government and independent funding sources. University leadership emphasized that the institution does not seek preferential treatment but views strengthened operations in the city as symbolically significant for academic freedom. The decision on the university’s future direction will rest with its board of directors, which includes Soros and other members.
University officials have expressed cautious optimism about Hungary’s democratic trajectory while noting uncertainties about the new government’s economic policies and long-term commitment to liberal democratic principles.
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