US Vice-President JD Vance has thrown his weight behind Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in the country's upcoming election, sparking controversy in Brussels and among European leaders. During a visit to Budapest yesterday, Mr Vance delivered a rallying cry to thousands of supporters gathered at a packed rally in the city's Heroes' Square. The US Vice-President praised Mr Orbán's leadership, citing his efforts to protect Hungary's sovereignty and promote traditional family values. "It's time for Europe to wake up and realize that the values that have made our continent great are under attack," Mr Vance declared, to thunderous applause. "Viktor Orbán is a champion of those values, and I'm proud to stand with him today." Mr Vance's high-profile intervention in the Hungarian election campaign marks a significant shift in US diplomatic efforts in Eastern Europe. The move has been seen as a deliberate rebuke to the European Union, which has grown increasingly critical of Mr Orbán's government in recent years. The EU has repeatedly clashed with Hungary over issues such as migration, LGBTQ+ rights, and media freedoms, with Brussels launching multiple infringement proceedings against Budapest. In response to Mr Vance's comments, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the EU would not be swayed by external interference. "We will continue to uphold our values and promote democratic principles throughout Europe," she stated. Mr Orbán, known for his combative style, welcomed Mr Vance's endorsement and accused the EU of "meddling" in Hungary's affairs. "We will not be intimidated by Brussels or by external pressure," he declared. Critics of Mr Orbán have seized on Mr Vance's comments, arguing that the US Vice-President's intervention undermines the EU's efforts to promote democratic values in Eastern Europe. "This is a brazen attempt to interfere in Hungary's democratic process," said a spokesperson for the Hungarian opposition. "We will not be swayed by external influence, and we will continue to fight for a Hungary that is free, fair, and just for all its citizens." As the Hungarian election approaches, Mr Vance's endorsement of Mr Orbán has added a new layer of complexity to the campaign. The outcome of the vote will be closely watched in Brussels and Washington, with far-reaching implications for the future of European politics.