Spain’s Eastern Overture and the Perils of Refuge Diplomacy
‘Spain’s cultural diplomacy in Chengdú and Beijing may win headlines, but its deeper strength lies in its ties to the Ibero-American world.’
‘Spain’s cultural diplomacy in Chengdú and Beijing may win headlines, but its deeper strength lies in its ties to the Ibero-American world.’
‘From the Middle Ages, a rare folk custom, still popular today, was associated with the holiday: the consumption of goose dishes…The custom was traditionally explained by a scene from the saint’s legend: Martin humbly hid in the goose pen so that he would not be elected bishop, but the geese betrayed him with their cries.’
Democrats have won big in Virginia and New Jersey, and the government shutdown, thank God, is on track to end after a record 41 days. Here are a few important takeaways from the last few eventful weeks in American politics.
Hungarian businesses are rushing to apply for the new fixed 3 per cent loan scheme: over 5,000 applications worth 280 billion forints were filed in just one month under the Széchenyi Card Programme, the Ministry for National Economy announced.
‘Attacks from the Dems are ultimately to be expected, with the cause secondary to the pure utility of attacking Europe’s most effective right-wing leader.’
‘By being responsive to changes at the system level, multilateralism can contribute to maintaining peace during the shifts in the balance of power that we are currently living through. Europe’s peoples would benefit from it, as would their governments’ reputation and diplomatic standing in the world.’
‘I wasn’t sure whether Gyula was interested romantically or only as a friend. When I asked him, he answered: “I don’t know. I find you interesting, but I have children, and they are my top priority.” I replied to him: “If you had answered anything else, I wouldn’t be as interested.” In the end, instead of Hungary, I chose Gyula…I found my true home beside him.’
Lake Balaton’s 179th passenger shipping season has closed with record-breaking traffic. BAHART ferries and boats carried more than 2.3 million passengers this year, already surpassing 2024’s full-year total and signalling continued growth in regional tourism.
‘Brazil’s energy transition is marked by uneven progress. Highlights include the implementation of deforestation curbs and the robust growth of renewable energy generation…However, the country ranks 28th in the Climate Change Performance Index, among the medium performers, while the Climate Action Tracker deems its climate targets insufficient.’
The liberal establishment appears to be turning its back on French President Emmanuel Macron. As his approval ratings collapse and his mandate nears its end, even former allies like his mentor, Alain Minc, have joined the chorus of critics, accusing him of ‘narcissism’ and ‘imperilling French institutions’ while leaving France in deep political instability.