The Debrecen Economic Forum will feature an exceptionally strong line-up, with the economic position, opportunities and outlook of Hajdú-Bihar’s business stronghold taking centre stage on 9 June. The crown jewel of the professional programme will be the macroeconomic panel assessing the condition of the Hungarian economy, where guests will include former central bank governor Ákos Péter Bod.

How difficult is the budgetary situation? When could growth resume? Could securing EU funds really prove to be a magic remedy? Register now to secure your place at the conference and hear first-hand insights from leading experts.

The event promises to be a real highlight, with leading experts sharing their thoughts on growth, labour markets and financing, enabling participants in the local business ecosystem to rethink their decisions accordingly.

The closing roundtable examining the Hungarian economy will feature star speakers such as Ákos Péter Bod, former Governor of the Hungarian National Bank. As the university professor recently pointed out on the Portfolio Checklist podcast, there will not be much time for celebration after the elections, although it is also true that perceptions of the country have changed dramatically.

Fragile fundamentals

According to the expert, the 2026 elections could represent not only a political turning point, but also a new era for the Hungarian economy and investor sentiment. Market reactions were clear: the forint had already begun to strengthen in the days before the election, and following the vote, perceptions of Hungarian financial assets improved further.

The positive market reaction is particularly noteworthy because the fundamentals of the Hungarian economy remain fragile. In European Union relations especially, the conflict-ridden relationship had become a major source of uncertainty, potentially threatening the country’s economic room for manoeuvre over the longer term, according to Ákos Péter Bod.

At the same time, the economist warned that a reduction in certain political risks does not mean the problems have disappeared, as a systemic political shift always entails significant institutional and economic adjustment burdens.

Exchange-rate dilemmas in abundance

The leading macroeconomic analysts’ roundtable at the Debrecen Economic Forum will also feature Gergely Tardos, Director of the OTP Analytical Centre. Speaking at the Portfolio Lending 2026 conference, the economist confirmed that the new government currently enjoys a degree of advance trust, with markets seeing an opportunity for Hungary to secure EU funding once again. The forint is considered strong at its current level, but if the economic trajectory genuinely improves and economic policy remains rational — combined with a low inflation target and the return of EU funding — then a modest and gradual further appreciation could also be conceivable.

Speaking to our publication, Gergely Tardos described the road to adopting the euro as a difficult one, but pointed out that introducing the single European currency would be highly timely, as it would significantly improve predictability for economic actors.

The panel discussion will also include István Madár, Lead Analyst at Portfolio Group, who has previously set out in detail his expectations regarding the activities of the Tisza government. Participants at the Debrecen Economic Forum will now be able to hear his assessment live, which, together with the contributions of the two guests mentioned above, promises to deliver perhaps the conference’s most outstanding professional content.

Topics at the conference will include whether the Hungarian economy could regain momentum, the potential effects of trade wars and conflicts in the Middle East, and what Hungarian economic policy may prepare for in the second half of the year in light of the elections.

The agenda will also cover Hungary’s regional competitiveness position, Debrecen’s development strategy and vision for the future, developments in stock market and investment markets, the state of corporate financing, and the challenges and opportunities facing businesses. Experts will also analyse labour market issues and the impact of artificial intelligence on corporate operations.

Leaders from the banking, energy, technology and Debrecen business sectors will also deliver presentations at the event. According to the organisers, places are limited, so early registration for the conference is strongly recommended.

Source and photo credit: dehir.hu