On 29 September 2026, Dr Kornél Klement, President of the Federation of Hungarian Organizations in Germany (BUOD) and Vice-President of the Federation of Hungarian Organizations in Western Europe (NYEOMSZSZ), delivered a lecture in Budapest entitled “Who Are Hungarians in the Diaspora, and What Should We Do with Them?” at the Institute for Minority Studies of ELTE’s Centre for Social Sciences. Drawing on the experiences of Hungarian communities in Germany, the lecture covered topics ranging from the definition of the diaspora and community self-organisation to the transmission of identity and the institutional and political aspects of relations with Hungary. The event was moderated by Dr Iván Gyurcsík, an external collaborator at the Institute.

Kornél Klement juxtaposed two possible definitions of the diaspora: people living outside the Carpathian Basin who identify as Hungarian, and Hungarian citizens who have left Hungary permanently. The speaker emphasised that these two groups differ significantly. He highlighted the role of personal commitment to one’s identity and drew a distinction between the situation of first-generation emigrants and that of their children who grew up or were born abroad. While the primary task for the former is to preserve an existing identity, for the latter it is to develop one.

The speaker estimated the size of the Hungarian community in Germany at around 350,000, noting that the registered number of Hungarian citizens does not reflect the total population with Hungarian ties. In his historical overview, he highlighted several emigration waves: those of 1945 and 1956, guest workers from Yugoslavia, refugees from Transylvania, those who left during the Kádár era, and the migration waves following the 1989 regime change and Hungary's EU accession. Arriving from diverse backgrounds, these groups brought different experiences and needs, which is also reflected in how the community is organised.

Organised Hungarian community life primarily involves families with children. Since families alone are often unable to provide the linguistic environment, cultural experiences, and peer relationships necessary to maintain a Hungarian identity, weekend schools, scout groups, and folk dance groups play a crucial role. Adults can connect through cultural associations, church communities, or informal circles of friends, while the circumstances of commuter workers allow for alternative forms of participation.

The presentation outlined various levels of self-organisation, ranging from local associations and regional networks to umbrella organisations in Germany and Western Europe. The speaker illustrated this institutional presence using data from the approximately 50 member organisations of the Federation of Hungarian Organisations in Germany (BUOD). The figure of over 5,000 paying members may refer to both individuals and families, which explains why the data is not uniform. Taking a broader catchment area into account, he estimated that approximately 1.5–3% of Hungarians in Germany are actively involved.

A key issue raised was the renewal of communities. According to the speaker, the survival of diaspora organisations requires a conscious effort to nurture the next generation and reach out to new arrivals. Associations that fail to involve young people are particularly at risk. He cited the leadership training programme of the Scout movement as an excellent example of ensuring a new generation of leaders by drawing on the organisation’s own membership. Interaction between newcomers and established communities is not a given, partly because many arrivals are initially unaware of existing organisations.

In passing on identity, emphasis was placed on promoting a positive image of Hungarianness, using Hungarian within the family, learning to read and write in Hungarian, and engaging with the contemporary Hungarian community. This must be accompanied by cultural knowledge and personal experiences. Another crucial condition that emerged is that relatives and acquaintances in Hungary should accept children raised abroad as Hungarians. Maintaining this connection is therefore a shared responsibility between diaspora communities and the home environment.

Among the communities’ objectives, the speaker listed living a Hungarian life abroad, showcasing Hungarian culture, maintaining memorial sites, supporting the homeland, and taking action on behalf of Hungarian minorities living in neighbouring countries. He also stressed the importance of utilizing knowledge and connections in both directions, as well as assisting those who wish to return home. In his view, the objectives of Hungary and the diaspora largely coincide, though their priorities may differ.

The review of state responsibilities covered scholarships, grant schemes, the Hungarian Diaspora Council, and the Sándor Kőrösi Csoma Programme. Possible frameworks for maintaining contact included governmental, parliamentary, and independent institutional solutions, alongside proposals for the direct political representation of the diaspora. The speaker argued in favour of voting rights for citizens living abroad and raised the issue of differing voting options linked to Hungarian residence.

The presentation concluded with a discussion on how to measure success. Suggested indicators included the number of people returning to Hungary, young people participating in Hungarian community activities and camps, active organisations, and Hungarian artists and scientists visiting these communities. These considerations shift the focus toward examining the practical outcomes of state funding - specifically, the extent to which diaspora policy supports vibrant communities, intergenerational continuity, and strong ties with Hungary. The lecture was followed by a series of questions and a substantive professional discussion.