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.

‘Jesus Christ brought to humanity the message of hope, God’s love above all else, and salvation, thus overcoming darkness as a divine source of light proclaiming salvation. This is why the dawn takes on a special significance in anticipation of his birth.’

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.

‘Last year, Pope Francis met separately with relatives of Israeli hostages in Gaza and Palestinians living through the war. His use of terminology such as “terrorism”, and, according to the Palestinians, “genocide”, set off a firestorm. In any case, the Pontiff now says in his book: “According to some experts, what is happening in Gaza has the characteristics of a genocide. It should be carefully investigated to determine whether it fits into the technical definition formulated by jurists and international bodies.”’

In whichever way we observe Advent, and whatever the colours of our candles are, now that the merry days of Christmas are near, let us stop for a moment and think of those who cannot celebrate in peace this holiday season. Let’s not forget about those who live in countries and regions torn by war, violence and persecution: let’s all try to find ways to contribute, even in the smallest ways, to helping them, and let’s pray that there be peace.

‘Ortega’s image of what members of his ideal elite should be like derives from his wider philosophy. His spells at German universities made him initially a fervent neo-Kantian who, seeing the world through the lens of transcendental idealism, believed in the objective reality of the Platonic triad of truth, goodness, and beauty, and that this should form the basis of one’s life and education…’

‘Knowledge is yours, but if you keep it to yourself, that’s the end of it. On the other hand, if you pass it on to others, you’ll not have less, while others will have more,’ says Judit Kerekes, professor of mathematics and founder of the first Hungarian summer university in the United States.

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.

Barnabás Varga’s brace against Swedish Malmö propelled him to the top of the UEFA Europa League scoring charts. With Thursday night’s victory, Ferencváros took a significant step toward advancing to the knockout stage.

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.

In a recent analysis former Hungarian ambassador to Israel Levente Benkő highlights that for Israel, Hamas’s brutal attack necessitated a forceful response in order to restore deterrence. He points out that Israel has no choice but to confront its enemies decisively, even with or without the help of the US, starting with Hamas in Gaza. By doing so, while not eliminating resistance to Israel as such, at least prevents it from taking the form of an organized insurgency. 

An in-depth interview with Lél Somogyi, son of c-founder of the Hungarian Association, outstanding scholar and Horthy era government official Ferenc Somogyi, about his father’s legacy, his professional career, his family, and his contributions to the Hungarian American community, not the least as the Secretary-General of the Árpád Academy.

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.’