In this wide-ranging conversation, Laurent Ozon explores how algorithmic intelligence reshapes society, politics, and identity—raising urgent questions about control, surveillance, and the future of human agency in an increasingly automated world.

This Sunday, Christians celebrate Pentecost, marking the Holy Spirit’s descent upon the disciples 50 days after Easter. As one of Christianity’s most important feasts, Pentecost signifies the birth of the Church and the spreading of the Gospel.

In a radio interview, PM Viktor Orbán reaffirmed Hungary’s opposition to Ukraine’s EU accession, accusing Brussels of foreign interference and warning of a push to install a pro-Ukraine government in Budapest. He also addressed national security concerns, criticized opposition parties and city leadership, and pledged stronger action against Hungary’s worsening drug crisis.

A new national survey commissioned by MOL shows overwhelming public support in Hungary for renewable energy. 92 per cent want more state investment in green power, and 91 per cent back increased production. Support is especially strong for solar, wind, and geothermal energy, aligning with MOL’s $4 billion sustainability push.

Researchers at the University of Szeged have uncovered a new layer of plant immunity: guard cells not only close pores to block pathogens but also produce defensins—antimicrobial proteins—triggered by jasmonic acid. The finding could lead to eco-friendly crop protection methods using plants’ own defences.

Hungary is preparing to adopt an updated national AI strategy, announced government commissioner László Palkovics. The revised plan reflects EU regulations and promotes broader access to data, AI education, and public engagement.

Hungary’s Chief Medical Officer has issued a second-level heat alert across the entire country from Thursday to Sunday night. With temperatures rising well above seasonal norms, health authorities urge citizens to take precautions to avoid heat-related risks.

At the MCC Budapest Summit on Technology and Society, leading thinkers explored how artificial intelligence is transforming society—from reshaping creativity and mental health to challenging traditional education and democracy. Can humanity guide tech without losing itself?

Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu is set to launch into space as part of the Axiom-4 mission on 10 June, conducting 25 Hungarian experiments aboard the ISS. He called the opportunity a profound honour and a shared national achievement.

On 4 June, Hungary marks the Day of National Unity, commemorating the 1920 Treaty of Trianon, which redefined the country’s borders and left millions of ethnic Hungarians outside the nation’s territory. The day honours shared identity beyond borders.

Pepsi production has returned to Hungary: thanks to an 11-billion-forint investment by Szentkirályi Hungary, local bottling has replaced imports. The government supported the project with HUF 3.8 billion, emphasizing both economic and environmental benefits.

At the Mathias Corvinus Collegium Technology Summit, Director General of MCC Zoltán Szalai and Balázs Orbán, political director to the Hungarian prime minister, explored the deep societal impacts of the digital revolution—from childhood libraries to generative AI, from European regulation to Jurassic Park’s ethical warnings—urging a human-centred response.

Preserving native species and biodiversity is essential in slowing the spread of invasive species and minimizing their damage, emphasized former President János Áder and ecologist László Garamszegi in the latest episode of the Blue Planet podcast.

Karol Nawrocki has narrowly won Poland’s presidential election with 50.89 per cent of the vote, backed by the opposition PiS party. His victory may reshape Polish domestic politics and reinvigorate regional alliances like the Visegrád Group.

Moody’s has reaffirmed Hungary’s investment-grade credit rating, aligning with other major agencies. The government highlights strong employment, rising wages, and record tourism as signs of a stable economy with growing investor confidence.

In just three months, Hungary’s DELTA Programme triggered over 3,500 criminal investigations, seizing more than half a ton of drugs and exposing major trafficking networks. Authorities say the initiative has reduced drug use and curbed the spread of narcotics.

Hungary has received its first L-39NG trainer jets, marking a milestone in national defence and military aviation. The aircraft will bolster independent pilot training and support Hungary’s growing role in NATO’s European aviation programmes.

Hungary’s media authority has awarded over 127 million forints to support new TV content, while issuing fines to TV2 for misclassifying the Rise of the Raven series and to Hír TV for volume regulation violations. Further investigations into TV2 are underway.

Geothermal drilling has begun at Budapest Airport as part of Hungary’s plan to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy. The project could make the airport fully self-sufficient in heating, marking a key step toward national energy independence.

A US federal court ruled that Donald Trump exceeded his powers when imposing tariffs that raised import costs. The decision halts key duties and challenges the legal basis of Trump’s trade war, though an appeal keeps the case alive.

At a government briefing, Minister Gergely Gulyás addressed cyber fraud tied to Ukrainian crime groups, extended food price caps, and drought aid. He warned of national security risks involving NATO secrets and called for stronger public awareness on scams. Hungary reaffirmed opposition to Ukraine’s EU accession and pledged support for ethnic Hungarians in Romania.

Budapest’s House of Music received a special prize at the European Museum of the Year Award in Poland, praised for its visitor-focused innovation, interactive exhibits, and community-building role in promoting music culture for all generations.

Budapest Zoo kicks off its Evening Walks series this Thursday, offering visitors exclusive behind-the-scenes access to animal care areas, including the vet clinic, Shark School, and exotic bird nursery—led by expert keepers after regular hours.

Since its July 2024 launch, Hungary’s MOHU REpont recycling system has collected over 2 billion bottles, cans, and glass containers, marking a major step in the country’s commitment to environmental protection and sustainable waste management.

Hungary is nearing full employment with over 4.6 million working, but key sectors face labour shortages. State Secretary Sándor Czomba warns of long-term demographic decline and stresses upskilling, regional job creation, and prioritizing Hungarian workers amid potential EU expansion.

Fidesz–KDNP accuses Mayor Karácsony and the Tisza Party of bankrupting Budapest within a year, squandering over 200 billion forints in reserves. The party demands answers on how the capital’s finances deteriorated under the current city leadership.

Budapest is requesting emergency legal protection to block state seizure of funds before the autumn tax deadline. Mayor Karácsony warns that without action, the city could lose its ability to function due to ongoing financial pressure from the government.

Hungarians are increasingly turning to the internet not just for shopping but to handle everyday tasks—from banking to travel planning. According to NMHH, online transactions are rising steadily, even when they come with a price tag for convenience.

Despite pro-Ukraine campaigns and signature drives, public support in Hungary for Ukraine’s EU accession has dropped, with 67 per cent now opposing it, according to a recent Nézőpont Institute poll. Only 23 per cent of Hungarians currently support the idea.

Hungary reaffirms its zero-tolerance policy on antisemitism. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has appointed EU Affairs Minister János Bóka to coordinate national and international efforts against rising antisemitism across Europe.