
Playing Second Fiddle: Europe in the Atlantic Community
‘The gradual diminishing of Europe’s importance in the eyes of the successive US administrations in the twenty-first century has been arrested by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, and weakened the “pivot” or “rebalance” to Asia for the time being: emergencies have cropped up elsewhere. As Joseph Stalin may be said to have been one of the “founding fathers” of NATO, so may Vladimir Putin be seen in a similar role with regard to the revival of NATO, and closer US–EU cooperation.’

‘We need to teach our young people that their country is something to be proud of’ — An Interview with Robert Wilkie
‘You [in Hungary] imbue your young people in primary and secondary school with a sense of Hungary’s place in history…I mean, this was the country that turned back the invasions from Turkey and the Muslim lands and saved European civilization hundreds of years ago…We need to teach history in our schools, teach our young people that their country is something to be proud of.’

Accepting the Reality of a Probable Russian Victory
‘Since the start of the war, 8 million Ukrainians have fled their country; another 3 million have emigrated to Russia. Aside the mass defections, because of Ukraine’s birth rate collapse to the lowest recorded level, Zelenskyy has been unwilling to mobilize men aged between 18 and 25—typically the bulk of any fighting force. The fear is that, since most of these men are childless, should such die or become incapacitated, future demographic prospects would dim further.’

Orbán Hits Back at Zelenskyy’s Baseless Claims and Threats
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed that an overwhelming majority of Hungarians—around 70 per cent—support Kyiv’s EU bid, citing an ‘open survey’ conducted by the Hungarian opposition. While this claim is factually incorrect, Zelenskyy also issued a veiled threat to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, warning him not to block Ukraine’s accession or face consequences.

Israeli Hungarian Hostage Omri Miran Marks His 48th Birthday in Captivity
‘Our Omri is strong and will not break, but his heart is broken. A year and a half and 58 hostages are waiting to be brought back…We will continue to fight until Omri returns to us, and especially to his two daughters who are waiting with all their hearts to hold him again.’

Family Housing Lottery Stimulus: How to Win an Election and Raise the Birth Rate
‘What is needed is an investment-led stimulus that promotes Hungarian families, raises the birth rate, and aims at improving the living standards, especially in towns and villages. To achieve all these objectives at once—and, at the same time, to provide the economic boost needed to prevent a recession—, we advocate for an innovative new policy called the “Family Housing Lottery Stimulus”.’

On Trump’s Pope Image: A Sign of the Times
President Trump sparked backlash after posting an AI-generated image of himself as the Pope, drawing outrage from Catholic leaders and public figures alike. While some defended the move as harmless, it can be seen as part of a broader decline in respect for the papacy and its spiritual authority.

Does Donald Trump’s Approval Rating Even Matter Anymore?
After nearly a decade of mainstream pollsters consistently underpolling President Trump’s national support in the United States, it is fair to ask the question: Does his approval rating even matter anymore? Or is there any better way to asses the success of his second administration?

From Makeshift Morgue to EPP Congress Venue
‘The EPP held its Congress last week, in Valencia, Spain. The choice of location soon became a burden to the organizers, however, as locals’ EPP-inflicted wounds are fresh. About half a year ago, the region was hit by a deadly flood that took the lives of 228 people.’

Trump-Effect Hits Australia as Labour Secures Upset Victory
After the Canadian Conservatives faltered in last week’s federal election—amid a campaign dominated in its final months by US President Donald Trump’s tariffs—, Australia witnessed similar electoral dynamics, as the Liberal–National Coalition led by Peter Dutton lost to incumbent Anthony Albanese’s Labour Party in what had long seemed a certain win for the opposition.