Vice President JD Vance will travel to Hungary on April 7–8 for meetings with Prime Minister Viktor Orban, the White House announced Thursday, as the country prepares for a closely watched parliamentary election.

Vance, accompanied by his wife, Usha Vance, is expected to discuss U.S.-Hungary relations and deliver remarks highlighting the partnership between the two nations. The visit comes just days before Hungary’s April 12 elections, which will determine whether Orban secures another term in office.

Orban, who has led Hungary since 2010, is seeking a fifth consecutive term but faces a significant challenge from conservative opposition figure Peter Magyar. Recent independent polling has shown Magyar holding an advantage, signaling a potentially competitive race.

President Donald Trump recently endorsed Orban, calling him a “strong leader” who has defended national sovereignty and cultural identity. Vance’s visit follows a mid-February trip to Hungary by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, underscoring continued engagement between Washington and Budapest.

Orban’s tenure has been marked by repeated clashes with the European Union, particularly over his government’s stance on Russia and its approach to EU policy decisions. Hungary has used its veto power to block or delay certain EU measures, including sanctions related to the war in Ukraine and financial aid packages.

If Magyar and his TISZA party win the election, analysts expect Hungary to move toward improved relations with the European Union and potentially unlock billions in frozen EU funding tied to rule-of-law concerns. The outcome of the vote is expected to shape Hungary’s political direction and its role within Europe in the years ahead.