‘The Germany in which Hungarians still believe—or try to believe—long drew its strength from the “economic miracle” built by earlier, hard-working generations. The prosperity stemming from that achievement still endures, but its nature has changed. There is no question of outright impoverishment, yet this prosperity now seems to have stalled, and little real progress is being made.’
‘Almost nothing engenders more pride in Australia than someone from an obvious migrant background, speaking with a broad Australian accent, succeeding in something that reflects well on our country. But that means migrants who see Australia as a place to be committed to, rather than simply to be taken advantage of.’
The EU is the first jurisdiction to introduce a carbon border adjustment mechanism to prevent carbon leakage from production moving to countries with looser emissions rules. While it could advance the Paris Agreement’s goals, it also raises trade tensions—especially in the already complex EU–US relationship.
Hungary got Ukraine for a politically charged clash, as well as Georgia and Northern Ireland for their UEFA Nations League group opponents in League B of the competition. The games will be played this fall.
In a recent episode of the Brussels Playbook Podcast, POLITICO’s Chief EU Correspondent Zoya Sheftalovich has explained that the EU leadership is hiding information about Ukraine’s planned accession to help Péter Magyar defeat Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in the upcoming Hungarian elections. If PM Orbán does prevail, the EU is even willing to strip Hungary of its voting rights, she also revealed.
‘The rules-based international order fragmenting, uncertainty growing, and conflicts multiplying around the world, this year’s conference is taking place at a fundamental turning point.’
New data from the Kiel Institute reveal a decisive turning point in the Ukraine war: Europe, not the United States, has become Kyiv’s primary military and financial backer. As Washington scales down support under Donald Trump, European governments are assuming the burden—transforming the conflict from a mainly American proxy war into Europe’s own geopolitical and economic responsibility.
MCC Brussels has launched the Democracy Interference Observatory (DIO) to investigate how EU institutions, regulators, digital platforms, and EU-funded NGOs influence national elections. The Observatory will begin its work with the 2026 Hungarian parliamentary elections, examining emerging patterns of regulatory pressure, narrative coordination, and information control across Europe.
‘The establishment of stronger institutional checks and balances reflects Kazakhstan’s continued commitment to political modernization and governance reform.’
‘You are fortunate in Hungary: under your conservative Christian government, you are able to evangelize freely, unlike, for example, the UK, where prayer vigils often encounter civil and governmental opposition.’