‘The centre-right must formulate a clear programme for Slovenia’— Interview with Andrej Lokar

‘In Slovenia, we do not have any conservative party in the true sense of the word. It is better to speak of “centre-right” than conservatism in Slovenia. The Slovenian centre-right has three parties: the strongest Slovenian party ever, the SDS, and two Christian Democratic parties, NSi and SLS; the first is parliamentary, and the second has not crossed the parliamentary threshold for a long time.’

Macron Marches Europe into War—Hungary Should Not Follow

‘Europe is marching itself off a cliff. Hungary must avoid marching with them,’ political director to the Hungarian prime minister Balázs Orbán said in response to French President Emmanuel Macron’s speech on Wednesday. As EU leaders gather in Brussels today, pro-war leaders have doubled down on their rhetoric against peace, threatening to undermine fragile peace talks.

A Closer Look at the Most Chaotic Day of Modern Serbian Democracy

4 March will be considered a dark day in the history of modern Serbian democracy. During the first day of the spring session, opposition politicians threw smoke bombs and flares in the building, sabotaging key reforms regarding months-long anti-government protests. The chaotic events fit in a regional pattern of destabilization efforts concerning patriotic governments, including Hungary and Slovakia.

Time for a New Ukraine Policy in Europe

‘Now, that the new US administration is very clearly pursuing a different policy on Ukraine compared to its predecessor’s, Europe’s attitude should adapt too. The fact that European leaders’ messages after Friday do not signal any change in the EU’s policy demonstrates that Europe is unable or unwilling to realize that…the only way forward is to end the war on the Eastern front as soon as possible.’

FM Szijjártó Sees Path to Lifting Biden-Era Sanctions After Meeting Rubio

Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó stated that the Trump administration is open to reviewing and repealing the sanctions and retaliatory measures imposed on Hungary by former US president Joe Biden. In their first in-person meeting, Szijjártó and Secretary of State Marco Rubio also discussed strategic cooperation in the energy and defence sectors.

Robert Palladino Succeeds David Pressman as Head of US Embassy in Hungary

Senior US diplomat Robert Palladino will assume leadership of the US Embassy in Budapest as Chargé d’Affaires from 7 March. However, as stated in the embassy’s announcement, Palladino’s mandate is temporary, leaving the race open for the successor to former US Ambassador David Pressman—who will face the enormous task of repairing US–Hungary relations, which were severely damaged by Joe Biden’s envoy.

Trump Stops All Military Aid for Ukraine as EU Leaders Push War Over Peace

US President Donald Trump has moved to halt all military aid to Ukraine following a heated clash with his Ukrainian counterpart in the Oval Office on Friday. The decision comes as European leaders prepare to meet on Thursday to determine the EU’s strategy, with an overwhelming majority favouring continued military support over peace negotiations.