China’s First EU University in Hungary: Controversy, Sovereignty, and Public Backlash Unfold
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by Unboxify,
3 min reading time
## The Controversial New Project: China's First University in EU 🌍
This unassuming industrial area along the Danube River in Budapest is at the center of an international controversy. What was once planned to be a "Student City" with affordable housing for Hungarian students is now slated to become the site of China's first university in the European Union: Fudan Hungary University. But this significant development has sparked intense debate and opposition within Hungary.
### The Area of Conflict 🏗️
At first glance, the industrial area near the Danube River in Budapest may seem desolate, but it has become a contentious site. The street names around this area, such as Dalai Lama Street, Uyghur Martyr Street, and Free Hong Kong Street, highlight issues where China faces global criticism.
Hungary's Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán, plans to build the Fudan Hungary University here in collaboration with Fudan University of Shanghai and the China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC).
### The Fudan Hungary University Plan 📚
Here's what you should know about the project:
* **Academic Goals:** The university aims to enroll 5,000 to 6,000 students across four faculties, ranging from humanities and social sciences to medical sciences, engineering, and business management.
* **Budget:** The overall project cost is estimated at $1.73 billion USD. A significant portion of the funding will come from a Chinese development bank loan.
* **Construction:** The campus will be built with Chinese materials and labor, raising concerns about lack of local job creation.
### The Abandoned Student City Project 🏡
Initially, the land was earmarked for a "Student City." This project intended to provide affordable housing for 12,000 students, addressing Budapest's housing crisis. The idea emerged in the wake of Hungary's unsuccessful bids to host the Olympic Games, which had initially planned to use this area as the Olympic Village.
### Public Backlash and Political Turmoil 💥
The project's high costs and the land's previous designation have caused widespread skepticism:
* **Economic Concerns:** Hungarians are wary of a major loan from China, fearing it could deepen national debt and threaten economic stability.
* **Political Sovereignty:** Critics warn that Hungary might fall into China's "debt-trap diplomacy," compromising its political sovereignty.
* **Academic Freedom:** Fudan University's 2019 revision to its charter removed "freedom of thought," pledging allegiance to the Chinese Communist Party. This has heightened concerns about Hungary's academic independence, especially in light of the Central European University's forced move to Vienna under Orbán's governance.
### A Move Toward China 🇨🇳
Since returning to office in 2010, Viktor Orbán has pursued an "Eastern Opening" policy to strengthen Hungary's ties with China and Russia. Besides the Fudan University project, Hungary has taken loans for various other China-backed development projects, such as the reconstruction of the Budapest-Belgrade railway.
### Local Reaction 🚶♀️🚶♂️
Opposition leaders and local authorities have responded:
* **Street Renaming:** In protest, streets around the planned Fudan site have been renamed to reflect issues like human rights abuses in China. Students may take Dalai Lama Road or Free Hong Kong Road on their way to class.
* **Referendum & Signature Collection:** Opposition forces are gathering signatures for a national referendum to halt the project. The initiative has gained momentum, collecting over the required 200,000 signatures.
### The Future of Fudan Hungary University 🔮
The uncertain future of this controversial project remains a focal point in Hungary's political debates. The government has temporarily slowed down its support, possibly influenced by the approaching elections. Orbán's balancing act between appeasing China and satisfying Hungarian voters will determine the fate of Fudan Hungary University.
### Conclusion ✍️
Ultimately, the unfolding story of Fudan Hungary University is emblematic of Hungary's complex and evolving relationship with China and the European Union. Whether the contentious campus will come to fruition remains uncertain, but its implications for Hungary's academic landscape and geopolitical may be felt for years to come.
