# CEU signals return to Budapest under new government

> The university forced out by Viktor Orbán explores expanding in Hungary after a democratic election victory.
- Title: CEU signals return to Budapest under new government | Shortify
- Summary: The university forced out by Viktor Orbán explores expanding in Hungary after a democratic election victory.
- Keywords: central european university, budapest, viktor orbán, péter magyar, academic freedom, hungary, george soros, vienna, the Guardian
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/world/2026/nov/14/university-hungary-orban-soros-ceu
- Published: 2026-11-14T05:00:35+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: central european university, budapest, viktor orbán, péter magyar, academic freedom, hungary, george soros, vienna, news, world
## University forced to flee Orbán
Central European University, founded by George Soros in 1991, relocated its main activities to Vienna from Budapest in 2019 after pressure from Viktor Orbán's government.
## Law targeting CEU struck down
Hungary's Lex CEU law forced the university to stop awarding degrees in Budapest. The EU's highest court struck it down in 2020 for violating the EU charter of fundamental rights.
## New government signals change
Péter Magyar won a landslide victory in April pledging to root out corruption and reform the state. Hungary's new government has promised to restore academic freedom.
## CEU opens to partial return
Carsten Q Schneider, interim president and rector of CEU, said the university is interested in increasing its programmes in Budapest, as long as this does not damage student experience.
## No formal talks yet, but hopeful
CEU has not held formal talks with Hungary's new government. Schneider said: our hand is reaching out, their hand is reaching out, it is just that they have many things to do.

> our hand is reaching out, their hand is reaching out, it is just that they have many things to do
## Current staffing split between cities
CEU retains three hundred twelve staff in Budapest, mostly administrative. The majority, four hundred seventy-six, and all teaching, are in Vienna. The cities are two hundred kilometres apart.
## US students now largest cohort
For the first time in CEU's twenty-five-year history, US students make up the largest cohort of master's students at ten percent. Applications from the US have increased since Donald Trump returned to the White House.
## Schneider questions Magyar's future
Schneider said the test of Magyar's vision would come when he faces losing support and defeat at the ballot box. Will he establish a multi-party system where people compete, or will cracks appear?
## Key takeaway

Central European University, driven from Budapest by Orbán's government, is open to expanding there under Hungary's new administration elected in April.