The explosive growth of artificial intelligence is transforming the semiconductor industry, with memory chip shortages driving unprecedented demand, reshaping global markets, and elevating chips to a strategic economic resource.

Germany now leads the US in conventional ammunition production capacity, according to Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger, reflecting Europe’s rearmament driven by the war in Ukraine and the broader recalibration of US–NATO relations under Trump. The company, mirroring a wider European trend, has expanded production capacities across the continent, including through important facilities in Hungary.

Both Atlético Madrid and Arsenal scored from penalty kicks in a 1–1 draw in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final in Madrid, Spain. Referee Danny Makkelie awarded a third PK in the match for Arsenal, but rescinded the call after VAR review. Who will get to play the final in Budapest, Hungary, on 30 May will have to be decided in London, UK, next week.

British police carried out a massive raid on the headquarters of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light in Cheshire, arresting six members of the Islamic sect over allegations involving rape, forced marriage, and modern slavery linked to a single alleged victim.

Hungary’s growing partnership with the Organization of Turkic States has evolved far beyond symbolic diplomacy, according to experts at the Danube Institute, who described the relationship as a key geopolitical, economic, and energy asset that the incoming government should preserve.

Rome’s controversial ‘take one migrant home for free’ initiative has largely collapsed after only three families agreed to participate in three months, reinforcing criticism that left-wing migration policies are increasingly detached from the social and economic realities facing ordinary Italians.

A Hungarian chief physician performed a rare life-saving procedure on a stabbing victim, opening the man’s chest and stitching his heart on the street to stabilize him before transport.

Greek MPs have waived immunity amid an European Public Prosecutor’s Office probe into misused EU farm funds. The scandal cost minister Konstantinos Tsiaras his post. Athens accuses EPPO of political bias as scrutiny widens and past EU probes raise doubts about its effectiveness.

As Europe debates migration, sovereignty, living costs, and the green agenda, MCC Brussels hosts a launch event for Frank Füredi’s new book In Defence of Populism on 20 May. Joined by Matthew Karnitschnig, Füredi will examine populism, democracy, and Europe’s shifting political landscape.

The Ludovika Festival will take place between 7 and 9 May in Budapest, offering a mix of security policy discussions, scientific lectures, concerts and family-friendly programmes at the Ludovika Campus.

Wizz Air is expanding its capacity across Central and Eastern Europe and expects to carry 80 million passengers this year, maintaining low fares and avoiding fuel surcharges despite rising costs.

Hungarian Prime Minister-elect Péter Magyar has invited Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Transcarpathia for talks aimed at resetting deeply strained Hungarian–Ukrainian relations, placing the rights of the Hungarian minority at the centre of a potential diplomatic breakthrough between Budapest and Kyiv.

In a game that is sure to be talked about for generations, defending champions Paris Saint-Germain bested Bayern Munich 5–4 (!) at home in the first leg of the first UEFA Champions League semi-final. The final will be held at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary, on 30 May.

Romania’s deepening political crisis could create a strategic paradox for Hungary’s incoming government. While instability in Bucharest may strengthen Péter Magyar’s leverage in negotiations with Brussels over frozen EU funds, the growing influence of AUR simultaneously threatens the position of RMDSZ and could create unwanted tensions between Hungary and Romania.

Kia has narrowed the price gap with Chinese electric vehicle makers in Europe, signalling intensifying competition as Chinese brands rapidly expand in the region amid slowing domestic demand.

A number of people in education in the United States have been called out on X for posting messages seemingly condoning the assassination of President Donald Trump.

Hungary’s tourism sector remains more optimistic than other industries, with performance expectations outpacing the national average despite a slight decline in April.

Fidesz has unveiled its new parliamentary group following its election defeat, with a mix of experienced politicians and new faces as part of a broader renewal effort.

AfD continues to gain momentum in Germany, reaching 28 per cent in a new INSA poll and emerging as the most preferred party to provide the country’s next chancellor, signalling a growing crisis of legitimacy for Friedrich Merz and CDU.

‘Defence cooperation among the Turkic states has gained greater impetus than before, and the Organization of Turkic States has itself become an increasingly important platform for these endeavours.’

Hungary’s unemployment rate stood at 4.5 per cent in March 2026, according to KSH data, placing the country among the lowest in the EU. Employment rose month-on-month, while joblessness declined, with the rate coming in below both expectations and the EU average.

Mairi McAllan’s assertion that Scotland receives ‘too few’ migrants has intensified the immigration debate ahead of the Holyrood election, as Reform UK and Conservatives accuse the SNP of ignoring mounting pressure on housing and the growing unease among voters.

Viktor Orbán’s exit from parliament marks the end of an era—but also a deliberate attempt to shape what comes next. His move reflects a calculated effort to preserve his political myth and avoid becoming a constant, easily targeted opposition figure—or a liability for Fidesz after its crushing electoral defeat.

Trump’s strategy regarding the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz appears to be working, as Tehran has put forward a new proposal to make progress toward ending the war.

Marie-Louise Eta is the first woman to be appointed as head coach in one of the big four European men’s football leagues. Thus far, she has suffered two losses with her team, Union Berlin, including one against relegation-bound VfL Wolfsburg. Can she turn things around and set a trend of female coaches in men’s pro football?

A travelling exhibition celebrating Hungary’s most influential scientists has opened in Washington, featuring Nobel laureate Katalin Karikó.

Hungary is entering a new phase of railway development, with plans to reopen and modernize regional lines, according to incoming transport minister Dávid Vitézy.

Israeli police confiscated a Hungarian flag from a protester, claiming it resembled the Palestinian flag and could provoke tensions, according to media reports. The incident quickly drew ridicule online, with critics questioning how the Hungarian tricolour could be mistaken in such a context.

‘To be clear, this visit by King Charles III is more than welcome, and he will receive a proper reception, but American concerns won’t change. The special nature of our relationship was never under question in Washington. Rather, it is due to the special nature of the relationship that the U.S. will continue to push for more from its British allies.’

‘The Three Seas Initiative presents Hungary with a unique and timely opportunity to enhance its regional influence, accelerate domestic development, and reinforce national and alliance-level security objectives. While the initiative is not without its limitations, its potential to address infrastructure gaps, strengthen energy and digital resilience, and improve regional coordination makes it one of the most strategically relevant multilateral frameworks for the CEE today.’