The Danube Institute launched its new Turkic Western Engagement Initiative (TWEI) in Budapest on Tuesday with a high-profile conference exploring how the West and the Turkic world can deepen cooperation amid growing geopolitical volatility, with particular emphasis on Hungary’s strategic bridging role.
X is filled with videos of the Budapest Christmas lights, as well as the large outdoor festive market located near St Stephen’s Basilica.
The European Commission’s decision to fine X €120 million under the DSA has ignited the sharpest transatlantic clash since Trump returned to power. Musk called the penalty ‘bullsh*t’, while senior US officials warned the EU is undermining free speech and straining the foundations of the alliance.
The Trump administration’s new National Security Strategy warns that Europe is on a path toward ‘civilizational erasure’, urging EU governments to reverse course on mass migration and reclaim national sovereignty. The document explicitly backs Europe’s patriotic forces, signalling a coordinated push to reshape EU politics.
Hungarian forint hit its best level since December 2023 on Wednesday, strengthening to HUF 380.2 per euro. Markets continue to reward the Hungarian Central Bank’s disciplined approach and the Trump–Orbán currency-swap deal, which signalled that the forint is well-protected from external shocks.
‘Following an embarrassing spectacle in Ireland that saw nearly 13 per cent of voters cast “spoilt” ballots while an unapologetic leftist cruised to victory in the Irish presidential race, establishment-liberal politicians like Tánaiste [Deputy Prime Minister] Simon Harris exhibited timid initial signs of policy reversal on the immigration issue.’
Hungary has become a net contributor to the European Union for the first time since its 2004 accession, as frozen EU funds continue to distort the financial balance. With Budapest paying more into the common budget than it receives, the economic impact of the European Commission’s political blackmail campaign is increasingly visible ahead of the 2026 election.
Hungary has risen from sixth to second place among Israeli travel destinations, driven by public safety and Budapest’s pro-Israel policies. As Israeli tourism surges and travellers favour countries seen as friendly to Israel, Hungary is expected to welcome a record number of visitors this holiday season.
Antifa mobs clashed with police in Giessen while attempting to disrupt the founding congress of AfD’s new youth organization, Generation Deutschland. With over 25,000 protesters blocking roads, violence escalated as masked agitators threw stones and bottles at authorities, and assaulted journalists and politicians, prompting a massive police response.
What is the nature of the relationship between Hungary, Japan, and the US? Is ‘woke’ a significant issue in Japan? What does Japan do to counterbalance the influence of China in the Pacific? We spoke to a former Special Advisor to PM Shinzo Abe about the geopolitical turbulence surrounding Japan.