The Oeconomus Economic Research Foundation, in partnership with Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) and the Tholos Foundation, launched the Oeconomus Economic Club series of events on 13 February 2025. The primary goal of this new initiative of the Oeconomus Economic Research Foundation is to serve as an informal forum by catalysing a regular exchange of ideas and networking for businesses, think tanks, research institutions, policymakers and other economic stakeholders with similar missions and endeavours.
The first Oeconomus Economic Club focused on the rebuilding of the American-Hungarian bilateral relations under the new Trump administration, and the special guest of the event was Christopher Butler, Executive Director of both the Tholos Foundation and ATR.
From left to right: Péter Törcsi, Christopher Butler, Anton Bendarzsevszkij and Szabolcs Pásztor.
During the discussion the lack of the double taxation treaty (which was terminated by the Biden administration in 2022) was unanimously cited as the main barrier to enhancing Hungarian-American business ties. There was also widespread agreement that, given the political alignment of the new US administration and the Hungarian government, there are enormous opportunities for American-Hungarian business cooperation. The bilateral relationship now has a pragmatical rather than an ideological base, and with its competitive business environment, Hungary offers exciting opportunities for American investors.
With Donald Trump back in the White House, an end to the war in Ukraine in the near future looks more likely than before. There were divergent views among the participants on whether Hungary could become a logistical hub for rebuilding Ukraine after the war, or whether Poland, for example, was better positioned for such a role. However, it was also mentioned that US companies could definitely leverage Hungary’s excellent political and economic relations with the Western Balkans as well as Central Asia.
The participants all agreed that Hungary currently has better political ties with the US than the rest of the European Union, and could be the gateway to a new Europe. Hungary has also served as a “laboratory” of conservative policies over the past 15 years, and, for example, its family policy and humanitarian aid agency, Hungary Helps, could serve as models for the new American administration.
The Oeconomus Economic Research Foundation has been working for years with ATR which was founded in 1985. ATR champions a system of lower, simpler and more transparent taxes. They believe that the power of governments to tax should be curbed. The Tholos Foundation, also founded in 1985, is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to promoting the principles of economic freedom worldwide. They firmly believe that the free market, limited government presence, secure property rights, and the spirit of individual enterprise are the most promising path to global prosperity and individual freedom.
