As our neighbour is fighting a homeland-defending war against Russia, let’s take a moment on this memorable day to pay tribute to the long-standing Hungarian-Ukrainian relations, which have been close and essentially positive throughout history.
‘I applaud Hungary’s efforts to pursue peace and to offer its good offices here in Budapest, or at least to serve as a venue for American–Russian dialogue. Beyond that, I think what’s key here is that this war is about the future of Europe’s security order.’
‘An increasingly uncomfortable truth is emerging for Europe: its economic fate now depends largely on the balance of power between the United States and China…One of the big questions for the coming years will therefore be whether Europe, and Hungary within it, will be able to move beyond its role as a passive victim of other countries’ trade wars and instead build its own industrial and climate policies.’
‘Rather than embracing theoretical frameworks like the concept of the EU as a “liberal empire”, what is now needed is a far more pragmatic approach—one that focuses on enhancing economic competitiveness and developing strategies aimed at strengthening the role of the EU in the global economy.’
Once upon a time, there was a coffee house called Belvárosi Café, one of the largest and most prestigious cafés in Pest, which was the first to reopen its doors after the siege of Budapest. Its manager, Egon Rónay, was the scion of a famous hospitality dynasty and the initiator of the English gastronomic revolution.
‘Pokrovsk’s encirclement emerged from these dynamics not as a sudden catastrophe but as the predictable outcome of long-developing trends.’
Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies have launched a sweeping investigation into a $100 million kickback scheme tied to the state energy sector and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s inner circle. The scandal, centred on businessman Timur Mindich, comes as the EU considers whether to open membership talks with Kyiv.
‘The education system [Count Kunó Klebelsberg] established shaped the educational policies of future generations, laying the groundwork for ideas that continue to have an impact today. The reforms he enacted contributed to the emergence of a more educated, aware, and independent Hungarian society.’
Elon Musk has publicly humiliated Ursula von der Leyen over the EU’s democratic deficit, replying to her post about the ‘European Democracy Shield’ by asking: ‘If democracy is the foundation of freedom, shouldn’t your position be elected by the people?’ The viral exchange reignited debate over the Commission’s legitimacy and growing centralization of power in Brussels.
Momentum co-founder and MEP Katalin Cseh has announced that she is joining the newly founded Hungarian Humanists’ Party. The pink-themed progressive movement, established by Richárd Barabás, promises ‘more EU and Pride flags’ and ‘less machismo and hatred’ in politics—prioritizing the advancement of a woke agenda above all else.