Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban

Hungary’s Orban calls for disclosure of U.S. funding to NGOs and media

Hungary is set to implement measures to ensure transparency regarding all aid funding from the United States directed towards NGOs and media that are critical of the government, as stated by Prime Minister Viktor Orban during a state radio interview on Friday, in reference to USAID programs. Orban, who is aligned with former President Donald Trump, indicated that the time has come to “eliminate these … Continue reading Hungary’s Orban calls for disclosure of U.S. funding to NGOs and media

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban

Hungary wants Ukraine gas transit to resume as EU sanctions rollover looms

Hungary is urging the European Union to encourage Ukraine to restart gas transit from Russia to Europe, as stated by Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Friday. This request highlights the contentious discussions expected as the EU prepares to extend its sanctions against Russia in the upcoming week. Hungary has yet to determine its position on the sanctions extension, which is scheduled for the end of … Continue reading Hungary wants Ukraine gas transit to resume as EU sanctions rollover looms

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban

Orbán announces a campaign to ‘take over Brussels’ as Trump begins his presidency

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated in a speech in Budapest that the leaders of the European Union are steering the bloc towards isolation. He also expressed his belief that the new US president and the right-wing faction within the EU will shape future political dynamics. Orbán remarked that Europe has distanced itself from key global players in the emerging world order, which includes the … Continue reading Orbán announces a campaign to ‘take over Brussels’ as Trump begins his presidency

Hungary proposes the EU discuss with Trump before deciding on renewing sanctions against Russia

Hungary has yet to make a decision regarding its support for the renewal of European Union sanctions on Russia, which are set to expire at the end of this month. The country believes that the EU should consult with the incoming Trump administration before making any determinations, according to Hungary’s EU minister. Minister Janos Boka stated to reporters in Brussels, “It is only logical that … Continue reading Hungary proposes the EU discuss with Trump before deciding on renewing sanctions against Russia

Peter Magyar leader of opposition TISZA party

Orban’s opponent stresses strong EU and NATO ties and a pragmatic approach to Russia

Peter Magyar, the opposition candidate challenging Prime Minister Viktor Orban, stated to Reuters that if elected in the upcoming 2026 elections, he would ensure Hungary remains firmly integrated within the European Union and NATO, while also seeking to establish “pragmatic relations” with Russia. Magyar’s centre-right Tisza Party emerged on the Hungarian political scene last year, presenting the most significant challenge to Orban’s leadership since he … Continue reading Orban’s opponent stresses strong EU and NATO ties and a pragmatic approach to Russia

Workers iron flags of European Union and Poland in Warsaw, Poland.

Poland has barred the Hungarian ambassador from attending its EU presidency kickoff event

Poland has opted not to extend an invitation to Hungary‘s ambassador for an event on Friday that marks the commencement of Warsaw’s EU presidency. This decision follows Hungary’s provision of asylum to a former deputy minister currently under investigation for alleged public fund misappropriation, according to a senior official. Additionally, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban was also excluded from the ceremony at Warsaw’s Grand Theatre, … Continue reading Poland has barred the Hungarian ambassador from attending its EU presidency kickoff event

A view shows the Gazprom logo installed on the roof of building in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

The era of Russian gas in Europe concludes as transit through Ukraine ceases

Russian gas deliveries to Europe through Ukraine are scheduled to cease on New Year’s Day, marking the end of Moscow’s extended influence over the European gas market. The oldest gas export route from Russia to Europe, a pipeline established during the Soviet era, is expected to close by the end of 2024 as a five-year transit agreement between Russia and Ukraine comes to an end. … Continue reading The era of Russian gas in Europe concludes as transit through Ukraine ceases

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (L) and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico (R) at the EU Council headquarters, Brussels, Belgium.

Zelensky’s top adviser says Hungary and Slovakia are damaging the European Union

Hungary and Slovakia are damaging the European Union‘s reputation by undermining the bloc’s position on Russia, according to Mikhail Podoliak, a senior adviser to Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky. Podoliak expressed his discontent with the actions of the two Central European nations, as Prime Ministers Viktor Orban of Hungary and Robert Fico of Slovakia have increasingly challenged the unconditional military and financial support for Ukraine, advocating … Continue reading Zelensky’s top adviser says Hungary and Slovakia are damaging the European Union

Russian President Vladimir Putin and then-US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Osaka, Japan, June 28, 2019.

Kremlin officials say several countries are ready to facilitate talks between Putin and Trump

Several  nations have expressed their willingness to facilitate discussions between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President-elect Donald Trump, according to Yury Ushakov, an aide to Kremlin. During a press conference on Monday, Ushakov was inquired about whether Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico had proposed to host a meeting between the leaders of the two nuclear powers. “We have … Continue reading Kremlin officials say several countries are ready to facilitate talks between Putin and Trump

Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico during a meeting in Moscow, Russia.

Who are the potential beneficiaries of the gas conflict between Slovakia and Ukraine? It is not Russia

The recent conflict regarding gas transit between Slovakia and Ukraine, triggered by Ukraine’s decision to stop the flow of Russian gas through its territory, has created significant disruptions in Europe’s already fragile energy markets. On Sunday, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico made an unexpected trip to Moscow, where he engaged in discussions with President Vladimir Putin. Following the meeting, Fico reported that Putin had assured … Continue reading Who are the potential beneficiaries of the gas conflict between Slovakia and Ukraine? It is not Russia