Bridging the North-South Gap: Hungary’s Strategic Engagement in the Three Seas Initiative

The present paper examines the Three Seas Initiative (3SI) through the prism of Hungary’s historical experience and contemporary geopolitical imperatives. Established in 2016 to enhance economic, infrastructural, and energy cooperation among Central and Eastern European states, the Initiative represents a significant opportunity for the entire region. It seeks to strengthen North–South connectivity, a dimension that has historically remained secondary to East–West development. 

Through a multidimensional analysis, this study explores how Hungary can leverage the 3SI to advance its national interests and contribute to a more integrated and secure Europe. Ultimately, it argues that the Initiative offers Hungary not only a platform for economic advancement but also a strategic arena in which to redefine its regional role and recalibrate its security posture amid shifting global alignments.