European competitiveness was made the top priority of the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2024, thus the meetings of the EU Competitiveness Council have carried special, added significance to them. The last of these meetings took place last week under the Hungarian Presidency, where five conclusions were adopted by the Member States.
A recent AFP articles titled ‘Orban’s soft power shines as Hungary hosts Israeli match’ apparently praised the Hungarian leadership for welcoming many Israeli football teams in the midst of the ongoing Hamas–Israel war. However, as expected, the piece also insinuates that the Hungarian government at times ‘veers into’ antisemitism, citing as an example the anti-Soros billboard campaign of 2017.
In recent days jihadist insurgents in Syria have launched attacks with an intensity not seen in years, raising the threat of reigniting the civil war that began thirteen years ago. On Monday, 2 December Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán met with Syrian Orthodox Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II to express his support for the Syrian Christian community.
Despite insisting for months that he would not, US President Joe Biden issued a pardon to his son Hunter Biden on Sunday, 1 December. Hunter Biden was convicted on three felony counts of making false statements on a federal firearm purchase form and three felony counts of tax evasion earlier this year. However, peculiarly, his pardon covers any other potential crimes he may have committed in the last decade as wel.
With 6.4 per cent of the total vote, the Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania (RMDSZ) has achieved its best result in Romanian parliamentary elections since 2000. RMDSZ President Hunor Kelemen highlighted that Hungarian voters in Transylvania recognized the danger posed by the rise of extremist parties threatening their community.
Last Friday an explosion occurred at a canal near the town of Zubin Potok in Kosovo, a key component of the country’s energy supply. While Pristina blames Belgrade for the incident, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has called for an independent investigation.
Călin Georgescu, the independent candidate who garnered the most votes in the first round of the Romanian presidential election, is not unknown to the public. He has held important positions in the state bureaucracy and was the candidate for prime minister of AUR, the party that became notorious for its anti-Hungarian rhetoric. In the past years, however, Georgescu has become marginalized both in influential political circles and within AUR, after having referred to the founder of the Romanian fascist movement as a national hero.
The new Budapest-based airline Hungary Airlines has acquired 100 aircraft from the American manufacturer Boeing and is reportedly planning to make its first cargo flight from Budapest, Hungary to Hong Kong, China this month. It is unclear for now whether or not the company will expand to passenger flights as well.
Viktor Orbán has been a highly constructive politician in recent years, shaping his positions around Hungary’s national interests, incoming President of the European Council Antonio Costa said in a recent interview. The former Portuguese prime minister has known Orbán for many years and is a frequent visitor to Budapest.
Hungarian football has risen from decades of decline, reclaiming its place on the global stage. Viktor Orbán reflected on the journey of rebuilding Hungarian football, the legacy of Ferenc Puskás, and the transformation symbolized by the Puskás Aréna in his remarks at the opening of the Puskás Museum earlier this week.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has nominated incumbent Finance Minister Mihály Varga to assume the role of Governor of the Central Bank of Hungary in March. The position will become vacant as the current governor, György Matolcsy, steps down after completing two terms. The central bank is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping Hungary’s new economic strategy.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán addressed pressing issues in his latest radio interview, including the precarious state of the Russia–Ukraine war, the potential of a peace-focused budget, and the government’s unwavering commitment to wage increases and economic stability. He praised exiting National Bank Governor György Matolcsy, and announced that he is nominating Finance Minister Mihály Varga for the post.
Hungary’s employment remains at a stable 4.7 million in October 2024, reflecting a year of consistent growth. According to State Secretary Sándor Czomba, the government’s proactive policies, including a historic wage agreement, continue to bolster the labour market.
Balázs Orbán’s Hussar Cut was launched in Chinese on Thursday at an event organized by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing. ‘Hungary’s independent and sovereign policies are increasingly recognized internationally, offering a unique and independent voice within various frameworks,’ the political director of the Hungarian prime minister underlined in his remarks at the event.
With the lowest level of support in the EU’s history, the European Parliament has approved Ursula von der Leyen’s second Commission, set to begin work in December. The largest conservative EP group, Patriots for Europe unanimously voted against the new Commission, stating that it goes against the will of the electorate.
‘The challenges generated by the demographic change are increasingly urgent. Ageing populations and declining birth rates are putting enhanced pressure on public financing systems and threatening long-term economic sustainability, therefore, the conference aims to explore the economic and social consequences of demographic change and discuss possible solutions.’
Hungary’s EU presidency, despite facing unjust criticism, stands as a testament to courage and determination, said Maurizio Gasparri, leader of Italy’s Forza Italia Senate faction, during a concert in Rome held in honour of the Hungarian presidency, dedicated to fostering peace and harmony among the nations.
The night sky will host a stunning celestial event starting December, as the red-hued Mars aligns with the shimmering blue stars of the Beehive Cluster. This rare conjunction, visible even with a small telescope, promises a dazzling display for astronomy enthusiasts.
President-elect Donald Trump picked former Chief of Staff of the National Security Council Keith Kellogg as special envoy for the war in Ukraine. Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó welcomed the decision, highlighting its significance in strengthening the global peace camp.
From early December, updated COVID-19 vaccines will be available for free at general practitioners’ offices across Hungary. Recommended for vulnerable groups, the Spikevax JN.1 vaccine offers protection against current virus variants for individuals aged six months and older.
An agreement reached on Tuesday between Hungarian Cardnet and Chinese Macau Pass will pave the way for the establishment of a payment platform linking Chinese and European payment and settlement systems. ‘Sino–European cooperation could reach an entirely new dimension through this agreement,’ Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó remarked.
‘The ceasefire is a development that aligns with the Trump administration’s anticipated foreign policy approach, which is expected to support Israel’s military objectives while facilitating diplomatic resolutions to regional conflicts. The ceasefire may also pave the way for expanding the Abraham Accords, with potential new agreements involving countries like Saudi Arabia.’
A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah came into effect early Wednesday morning after 14 months of intense conflict. Under the agreement, Israeli forces will gradually withdraw from southern Lebanon over the next 60 days as Lebanese troops move in to secure the region.
On 20 November 2024 Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kazakhstan, was officially welcomed at the Lion Courtyard of the Royal Buda Castle Castle by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. This event marked the start of Tokayev’s three-day official visit to Hungary. The Kazakh leader was accompanied by government ministers and representatives of Kazakh businesses, highlighting the significance of bilateral relations between the two nations.
The Hungarian government and the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MKIK) have reinforced their commitment to collaborate on addressing economic challenges and enhancing business performance, focusing on reducing administrative burdens, supporting innovation, and boosting market access.
At the request of Special Counsel Jack Smith and his team on Monday, the election subversion case against Donald Trump was dismissed. Prosecutors also moved to dismiss the case concerning the alleged mishandling of classified documents. Additionally, Trump’s hush money case could be deferred until the end of his four-year term, marking significant legal victories for the president-elect.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has announced a historic wage agreement on Monday. Under this deal, Hungary’s minimum wage will see a cumulative increase of approximately 40 per cent over the next three years.
President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Hungarian-born Sebastian Gorka as director general for counter-terrorism in his new administration. Gorka, who previously served in Trump’s first administration, is a staunch supporter of Israel and takes a hardline stance against radical Islamic terrorist groups.
Hungary’s largest energy storage facility is being built in Szolnok, marking a significant step towards energy independence and sustainability. The project is part of broader efforts to expand energy storage capacity, crucial for balancing solar power’s weather-dependent output.
President of the Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania (RMDSZ) Hunor Kelemen expressed gratitude for increased voter support in the first round of Romania’s presidential elections, highlighting the importance of mobilization ahead of the parliamentary elections on 1 December.