Search results: ursula van der leyen

How to Tackle the Devastating Effects of the European Green Deal?

‘We all want to leave our children a world worth living in. There is no dispute about this among the members of European nations. Protecting the created and built world is not only our goal but also our duty. But to do so, we need sensible solutions. Firstly, we need to involve all stakeholders. The voices of those who bear the burden of the green transition must also be heard and listened to.’

Leader of the French party Rassemblement National Marine Le Pen and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán attend a joint press conference in the Prime Minister’s office, Budapest, Hungary, 26 October 2021.

A European Alternative: The Origin and Future of Patriots for Europe

‘Although the political forces thinking in terms of a European alternative failed to replace the Brussels Grand Coalition in the 2024 EP elections, there is a real chance that they could organize themselves into a new right-wing pole in the next five years, which could bring about a real systemic change in Brussels politics.’

‘Hungary advocated for competitiveness before it was sexy’ — EU Affairs Minister János Bóka at Danube Institute Conference

Hungarian EU Affairs Minister János Bóka gave a detailed presentation on the first day of the conference co-organized by the Danube Institute, outlining the key priorities of the Hungarian EU Presidency. Bóka highlighted an early success of the presidency, noting that while six months ago the importance of developing European competitiveness was rarely discussed, it has now become a central topic in the European political debate.

European Commission Candidates List Still Incomplete after Deadline for Nomination Elapses

At the end of July Viktor Orbán announced that he would nominate again Olivér Várhelyi, the former Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Policy. Hungary would retain the position in charge of enlargement policy in the new Commission, but this ambition may be thwarted. Currently it seems that the majority of Member States and the EP are reluctant to give Hungary any strong commissioner position, and many predict that Várhelyi will be given a hard time during his parliamentary committee hearing.

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev hold a meeting at Ak Saray Presidential Palace in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on 23 August 2024.

Azerbaijani and Uzbek Green Energy to Be Exported to Europe through Hungary

Hungary has been proactive in building strong economic ties and investing in energy production in Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan. Hungarian companies, such as MVM and MOL groups, play a key role in oil production in Kazakhstan and natural gas production in Azerbaijan. Notably, Hungary recently acquired a 5 per cent share in Azerbaijan’s Shah Deniz natural gas field. The successful operations of Hungarian businesses in these countries, combined with the development of economic and transit projects, have elevated Hungary’s role within the EU as a bridge to these energy-rich nations, enhancing the EU’s access to diversified energy resources.

Hungary Addresses EU Concerns Over Belarusian, Russian Worker Visas

Hungarian Interior Minister Sándor Pintér has addressed the European Commission’s concerns regarding the extension of the Hungarian National Cards programme to Russia and Belarus. In a letter sent to Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson, Pintér emphasized that Belarusian and Russian guest workers arriving in Hungary would undergo thorough screening to ensure compliance with EU regulations and would not pose a threat to the national security of Schengen member states.

Viktor Orbán Nominates Olivér Várhelyi Again as Commissioner for Hungary

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has nominated Olivér Várhelyi, the current Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, as the next Commissioner for Hungary in the new European Commission. Várhelyi’s task will not be easy, as he has experienced numerous conflicts with the European Parliament over the past five years. Additionally, pro-war factions will likely do everything in their power to derail the Hungarian candidate’s nomination process.

Viktor Orbán Presents Ten-Point Plan to Achieve Peace in Ukraine

After some details had been circulating in the press for days, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán decided to release his ten-point proposal and assessment he had sent to the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, following his peace mission. The document is the most detailed plan for achieving peace in Ukraine that has ever been made public since the war broke out in February 2022.