Waiting for Trump': Viktor Orban hopes US election will change his political fortunes
Viktor Orban, Hungary's prime minister, is strategically aligning with international far-right leaders like Donald Trump, believing in the rise of nationalist forces and anticipating a shift in Washington DC. [ more ]
Hungary's political challenger says his vision' can defeat Orban
Political newcomer in Hungary gains popularity by promoting a vision for change and leveraging insider experience.
Peter Magyar distinguishes himself by urging unity across ideological differences and aiming to form a new party for political transformation. [ more ]
Analysis | Hungary's Orban folds before the E.U. and reminds all of his weakness
Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban has relented from his threats to block an EU plan to deliver $54 billion in aid to Ukraine.
Orban's relative weakness is exposed as he faced negotiations and pressure campaigns from other European leaders and potential punitive measures from the EU. [ more ]
European Union institutions gear up for a fight over Orban's rule of law record, funds for Hungary
The European Parliament is considering taking the European Commission to court over allegations of blackmail from Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
Hungary did not meet the rule of law requirements to receive the funds. [ more ]
EU parliament wants to probe 'illegal' Hungary decision DW 03/14/2024
Freund and others believe the decision to release frozen funds to Hungary should be investigated by the European Court of Justice.
Suspicion arises due to the timing of funds release and Hungary blocking EU decisions, leading to questions about the true motives behind the decision. [ more ]
EU leaders enter showdown with Viktor Orban over 50bn Ukraine package
EU leaders are meeting to discuss Hungary's refusal to sanction a 50bn assistance package for Ukraine.
While Ukraine will still receive funding for military equipment, concerns remain about liquidity in the Ukrainian economy and the message this lack of unity will send to Russia. [ more ]
EU president to stay in post amid fears of Viktor Orban getting role
Charles Michel has abandoned plans to quit as president of the European parliament in order to run in the European parliament, amid fears that Hungary's prime minister, Viktor Orban, could take over the role.
EU leaders are considering stripping Hungary of voting rights after Orban blocked a 50bn support package for Ukraine. Michel's decision to stay as president may prevent Orban from accidentally becoming the president in July if a successor is not found quickly enough. [ more ]
EU chief under fire for releasing Hungary funds DW 01/17/2024
Billions of euros in once-frozen EU funds are flowing to Hungary again after the European Commission said the country satisfactorily reformed its judicial system.
Many EU lawmakers are furious over the funding release and have threatened legal action against the EU's executive. [ more ]
Hungarian parliament votes in favor of Sweden joining NATO DW 02/26/2024
Hungary's parliament voted in favor of Sweden's NATO bid with 188 votes for and 6 against.
All 31 NATO member states must unanimously support new countries joining the alliance, with Hungary's vote now making Sweden the 32nd NATO Ally. [ more ]
Beach festival Heineken Balaton Sound announces Amelie Lens, Maceo Plex, Adam Beyer, Stephan Bodzin live, Vintage Culture and many more | News | Deep House London
Heineken Balaton Sound festival features top electronic music artists like Adam Beyer and Amelie Lens.
The festival offers a diverse range of stages with high-quality audio-visuals and sound systems. [ more ]
A Third Political Ally of Hungary's Prime Minister Is Forced to Resign
A scandal involving the pardon of a man convicted of covering up pedophilia has led to a series of resignations in Hungary, including a political ally of Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
The scandal has damaged Hungary's image as a defender of traditional values, just as Orban seeks to position himself as a leader of a pan-European conservative movement.
The scandal has created embarrassment for the Hungarian government and energized Orban's political opponents ahead of the European Parliament elections in June. [ more ]
Hungary's ruling party boycotts parliament session on Sweden's NATO bid
Hungary is the only NATO member yet to approve Sweden's accession to the military alliance.
Hungary has maintained close ties with Russia since its invasion of Ukraine and has been dragging its feet on approving Sweden's bid to join NATO. [ more ]
Viktor Orban's anti-woke resistance has made him the splinter under the fingernail' of the EU
Hungary's parliament will convene an emergency session to vote on approving Sweden's bid to join NATO, but Prime Minister Viktor Orban's party has signaled that they will boycott the session.
Orban's obstructionist strategy has led to frustration among EU officials who are trying to determine his motivations and how to overcome his tactics. [ more ]
As EU leaders grow visibly irritated, has Viktor Orban overplayed his hand?
Viktor Orban, the Hungarian prime minister, has been playing a high-stakes game in international politics, but is starting to face pushback from Europe's heavy hitters.
Orban has been increasingly isolated and facing criticism for his behavior, including hijacking a summit on Ukraine and causing delays in aid packages for the country. [ more ]
Italian antifascist says cell in Hungary crawling with mice and bugs
Italian antifascist activist Ilaria Salis wrote a letter denouncing the degrading conditions in which she has been held in prison for nearly a year.
Salis described the cramped cells, presence of bedbugs, cockroaches, and mice, lack of basic supplies such as toilet paper and soap, and the delayed medical examination she was supposed to receive. [ more ]
Russia-Ukraine war live: Kremlin monitoring situation around Zaluzhny after he refused Zelenskiy request to step down
President Zelenskiy reportedly tried to oust Ukraine's top military commander, Valery Zaluzhny, but Zaluzhny refused a new role offered to him.
European Union leaders will propose holding an annual debate on a 50 billion euro aid package for Ukraine, overcoming opposition from Hungary. [ more ]
Ukrainian and Hungarian foreign ministers meet but fail to break a diplomatic deadlock
The diplomatic conflict between Ukraine and Hungary shows signs of progress but no breakthrough was reached on Hungary's veto of EU financial aid to Ukraine.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto called for the restoration of rights for the Hungarian minority in Ukraine. [ more ]
US disappointed' that Hungary taking so long to approve Sweden joining Nato
The US is disappointed with Hungary's delay in ratifying Sweden's membership in NATO.
Hungary's government has been criticized for pursuing closer relationships with Moscow and Beijing instead of prioritizing its commitments to NATO allies. [ more ]
Swedish Prime Minister 'won't negotiate' with Hungary on Nato bid
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has invited Swedish opposition leader Ulf Kristersson to discuss cooperation within NATO, but not negotiations on NATO membership.
Kristersson accepted the invitation but stated that negotiations on NATO membership were not on the table.
Sweden and Finland have applied for NATO membership in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and Kristersson said a meeting with Orban at the European Union Council in Brussels would be more practical. [ more ]
Sweden's Leader Says He Will Meet With Orban to Advance NATO Bid
Sweden agrees to hold talks with Hungary's leader, Viktor Orban, over the expansion of NATO, reversing their earlier position that NATO membership was not up for negotiation.
Turkey's vote to accept Sweden as a NATO member leaves Hungary as the only holdout, strengthening Orban's leverage for negotiations. [ more ]
Thursday Briefing: Military Plane Crashes in Russia
A Russian military transport plane carrying Ukrainian prisoners of war crashed near the border with Ukraine, killing everyone onboard.
Ukraine did not directly comment on the accusations of launching missiles at the plane, but its military intelligence agency hinted at a possible tragic mistake. [ more ]
Orban Says He Will Push Hungary's Parliament to Accept Sweden in NATO
Prime Minister Viktor Orban of Hungary will continue to urge Hungarian legislators to vote in favor of accepting Sweden into NATO.
Hungary is currently the only holdout in not approving NATO's expansion, as Turkey recently endorsed Sweden's entry into the military alliance. [ more ]