One of the most pressing issues in enhancing the competitiveness of Europe is the need to optimize defence spending. Europeans now spend much more on defence in the wake of Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, with ten European NATO members set to reach the 2 per cent of GDP spending threshold by the end of 2024. However, developing and acquiring modern weapon systems of cutting-edge technology demand an exponential level of spending for development and production, which can hamstring the capabilities of nation-states if they want to fit out their armies fully with domestically produced equipment, from building tools to jet fighters.
At the informal European Council meeting in Hungary, the leaders of the member states adopted the Budapest Declaration, which focuses on measures to boos the EU’s competitiveness. The decision was announced by Viktor Orbán, who highlighted that there is a strong consensus on the need to ‘make Europe great again’.
During an informal summit of the leaders of EU countries in Budapest on Friday, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called on Europe to redefine its capabilities, empower member states, and invest in strategic resources. Addressing a range of pressing challenges, Meloni emphasized the need for European self-sufficiency and resilience.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán discussed Hungary’s political and economic stance in light of recent global shifts, Trump’s victory in the US presidential election, and pressing EU issues. Emphasizing Hungary’s unique approach focusing on national interests, Orbán highlighted forthcoming opportunities for the country.
A Hungarian-led research team has launched the Geoastronomy project, supported by the European Research Council, to explore the composition and atmospheres of rocky exoplanets orbiting Sun-like stars. This six-year initiative aims to expand our understanding of both these distant worlds and our own planet.
On the evening of 7 November 2024, following a UEFA Europa League match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax in Amsterdam, Israeli football fans were subjected to violent attacks by pro-Palestinian assailants. The incidents resulted in at least ten injuries, with three individuals reported missing. Videos circulating on social media depict attackers wielding knives, clubs, and vehicles, while shouting anti-Israel and pro-Palestinian slogans.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán accepted the Supreme Order of the Turkic World in Bishkek, Kirgizstan on Wednesday, recognizing Hungary’s longstanding connection with Turkic nations. He noted that Hungarians are the ‘westernmost of the Eastern peoples’, highlighting the shared heritage with the Turkic nations and expressing optimism for future cooperation between Hungary and the Turkic states.
Leaders gathered at the European Political Community Summit in Budapest reached consensus on several key issues. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated that there was agreement on the urgent need to achieve peace in Ukraine and to develop a new European security architecture. He also warned against judicial activism that may hinder government efforts to stop migration.
US Ambassador David Pressman delivered a speech on the eve of Donald Trump’s election victory, in which he, as usual, criticized the Hungarian government. Pressman stated that Viktor Orbán had gambled with Hungarian–American relations by wholeheartedly supportingTrump, highlighting that it is not credible to assume that a new president can solve all problems.
Thursday’s European Political Community Summit in Budapest is significant in multiple ways. With Donald Trump’s victory, we have never been closer to achieving peace in Ukraine than we are now, thus the first step can be taken by European leaders today. The summit also marks the beginning of a new chapter in Hungary’s history.
Romanian President Klaus Johannis is participating in the fifth European Political Community summit in Budapest, where he will emphasize regional security, continued support for Ukraine, and advocate for stronger EU cohesion and a long-term approach to migration.
During the EPC in Budapest, President of the European Council Charles Michel was asked about the crisis in Germany and Donald Trump’s re-election.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán inaugurated the European Political Community (EPC) summit in Budapest, highlighting the unprecedented diplomatic scale of the event in Hungary’s history. He underscored the security, migration, and economic challenges Europe faces, as well as the significance of the US presidential election for transatlantic relations.
Delegates have begun arriving at Budapest’s Puskás Arena for the European Political Community summit, an event Prime Minister Viktor Orbán calls Hungary’s largest diplomatic gathering to date. With over 47 heads of state and key international figures in attendance, the summit will address pressing issues, including Europe’s competitiveness and the US presidential election.
The GraphicPécs international graphic arts festival returns to Pécs from 7 November to 25 January, offering exhibitions, professional talks, book launches, and roundtable discussions, all celebrating the dynamic intersections of music, visual art, and underground culture.
During the University of Szeged’s Innovation Day, Nobel laureate Katalin Karikó underscored the responsibility of scientists to convey their findings to the public, inspire the youth, and foster acceptance of scientific advancements, highlighting the crucial role of resilience and collaborative partnerships in research.
The Centre for Budapest Transport (BKK) is advancing the BudapestGO app to enhance digital ticket use across the capital’s public transport network. With user demand for digital payments growing rapidly, BKK aims to create a more convenient as well as efficient experience for commuters.
The leaders of the EU Member States will convene in Budapest on Friday for an informal European Council meeting. While not much is known about the agenda, Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election is likely to significantly influence the mood and the priorities of the discussion.
Researchers from the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE) have achieved a pioneering milestone by successfully growing viable mustard plants in a lunar soil simulation. This world-first result includes three viable seeds, setting a new standard in plant growth for future space agriculture.
Renovations at the Hungaroring are well underway following the 2024 Hungarian Grand Prix, with a budget of 78.9 billion forints aimed at extensive upgrades. These include refurbishing the main grandstand and paddock, constructing two new tunnels for improved access, and ensuring a cutting-edge facility for racing enthusiasts by 2026.
Hungary is on track to establish a fully modernized and re-equipped military force, Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky affirmed during a significant milestone of the Defence Development Programme. Speaking at the MH Klapka György Armoured Brigade base on 5 November, Szalay-Bobrovniczky marked the full deployment of the Gidrán combat vehicle fleet, signifying enhanced operational readiness and security capabilities for Hungary in light of ongoing regional conflicts.
President Donald Trump became the second President in US history to be elected to a second, non-consecutive term after Grover Cleveland. He defeated Vice President Kamala Harris from the Democratic Party with a projected 312 electoral votes. He is also on track to win the popular vote, the first Republican to do so in a presidential election since George W Bush in 2004.
An election night in Budapest: Hungarian conservatives gathered in anticipation of a Trump victory at an event hosted by MCC and the Center for Fundamental Rights on 5 November. There were serious panel discussions with experts, but also plenty of fun, chatting, drinks and food, with attendees keeping their fingers crossed for the candidate on the right side of history.
Weerts Logistics Park has inaugurated a nearly 40,000 square metre, eco-friendly production facility in Vecsés for Canadian automotive parts supplier Magna International. The over 57-million-euro project utilizes cutting-edge sustainable technologies, including energy-efficient systems and rainwater recycling, ensuring green energy support throughout its operations.
According to Real-PR 93’s latest survey, if parliamentary elections were held this Sunday, Fidesz–KDNP would secure 44 per cent among decided voters, while the Tisza Party would reach 35 per cent. Mi Hazánk and the Democratic Coalition would also pass the parliamentary threshold, with 7 per cent and 6 per cent respectively.
The European Commission’s aviation safety agency EASA’s conference was hosted in Budapest, Hungary under the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The emphasis was placed on the essential impact of human factors in ensuring safe operations at the event; as well as the aviation industry’s long-term challenges, such as the use of artificial intelligence (AI).
Democrat Mayor Matt Tuerk of Allentown, Pennsylvania tried to remove road closures in the city on the morning of the Trump rally despite them being announced as approved by the city the day before. The video of a Trump campaign staffer berating the Mayor went viral on social media. Eventually, the local police sided with the Trump campaign, and the event went down swimmingly.
In an unusual oversight, Hungary was left off the map in a geography textbook designed for fourth-grade students in Italy. Discovered by gyerekszoba.hu, the Noi Supereroi 2030 textbook instead shows Romania sharing borders with Austria and Slovenia—a puzzling omission still awaiting publisher response.
Moody’s Ratings has reaffirmed the European Union’s top ‘Aaa’ credit rating with a stable outlook, underscoring the resilient support provided by highly rated member states. Despite challenges like the recent downgrade of France’s outlook, the EU rating is expected to remain strong, maintaining access to competitive financing.
According to the OIDAC’s 2022/2023 report, there was a 44 per cent increase in crimes against Christians in those two years. In 2022, OIDAC documented as many as 749 anti-Christian hate crimes. The report points out that there is a reasonable probability that the actual numbers are higher, due to limited reporting as a result of the crimes’ chilling effect on victims, and the lack of media coverage. OIDAC found that Christian converts of Muslim origin are particularly vulnerable to violence.