Explore

EU hosts Palestinian peace conference as it seeks greater sway in the Middle East

EU hosts Palestinian peace conference as it seeks greater sway in the Middle East

Europe is focusing on the Palestinians after Hungary's election defeat of Israel ally Viktor Orbán

European Commission and Hungary's Incoming Government Collaborate to Unlock EU Funds

European Commission and Hungary's Incoming Government Collaborate to Unlock EU Funds

The European Commission has initiated talks with Hungary's incoming government, led by the Tisza Party, to release frozen European funds designated for Hungary. This development follows a high-level delegation visit to Budapest, marking the first informal contact between Brussels and Hungary's future government. The discussions aim to unlock billions in recovery funds before an end-of-August deadline. The Commission has previously blocked €17 billion of the €27 billion earmarked for Hungary due to concerns over corruption and rule-of-law deficiencies. Hungary is also seeking an additional €17 billion from the EU's joint defense borrowing instrument, SAFE, to modernize its defense industry. The immediate focus is on the €10.4 billion Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), which Hungary risks losing without an agreement by the end of August.

European Commission Engages Hungary to Unfreeze €17 Billion in EU Funds

European Commission Engages Hungary to Unfreeze €17 Billion in EU Funds

The European Commission is actively engaging with Hungary's incoming Prime Minister Péter Magyar to unfreeze €17 billion in EU funds that have been frozen due to concerns over corruption and rule-of-law issues during Viktor Orbán's tenure. Magyar's Tisza party has recently increased its parliamentary majority, which strengthens his mandate to implement necessary democratic reforms. These reforms are crucial for Hungary to meet 27 EU-mandated conditions, known as 'super milestones', which include changes to procurement rules, judicial independence, and academic freedom. Over the weekend, Magyar and his future ministers held discussions with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s chief of staff and other officials to outline a roadmap for releasing the funds and to discuss a €90 billion loan to Ukraine that was previously vetoed by Orbán.

EU hosts Gaza peace conference as it seeks greater sway in Middle East

EU hosts Gaza peace conference as it seeks greater sway in Middle East

More than 60 nations have sent representatives to Brussels to discuss stability, security and long-term peace in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohamed Mustafa

Hungarian Election Winner Péter Magyar Announces New Cabinet Members Following Landslide Victory

Hungarian Election Winner Péter Magyar Announces New Cabinet Members Following Landslide Victory

Péter Magyar, leader of Hungary's center-right Tisza party, has announced the first round of Cabinet members for his incoming government after a decisive victory over Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Magyar's party secured a two-thirds majority in the Hungarian parliament, allowing for significant policy changes. The new government plans to increase the number of ministries from 12 to 16, with nominees including Anita Orbán for Minister of Foreign Affairs, István Kapitány for Minister of Economy and Energy, and András Kármán for Minister of Finance. Magyar aims to restore democratic institutions and address corruption, which he claims was prevalent under Orbán's administration.

Rumen Radev, Russia-friendly ex-fighter pilot, sweeps Bulgaria's election

Rumen Radev, Russia-friendly ex-fighter pilot, sweeps Bulgaria's election

By Edward McAllister and Alex Lefkowitz SOFIA, April 20 (Reuters) - When Rumen Radev stepped down from his role as president of Bulgaria in January to run in Sunday's parliamentary election, he urged voters to ditch the "corrupt officials, conspirators and extremists" that he said were running the

Hungary's New Government Announced Following Election Victory

Hungary's New Government Announced Following Election Victory

Following a decisive election victory, Hungary's Péter Magyar has announced the first members of his incoming Cabinet. Magyar's center-right Tisza party defeated Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, securing a two-thirds majority in parliament. This majority allows Magyar to reverse many of Orbán's policies. The new government plans to increase the number of ministries from 12 to 16, with new ministries for health, environmental protection, and education. Key appointments include Anita Orbán as Minister of Foreign Affairs, István Kapitány as Minister of Economy and Energy, and András Kármán as Minister of Finance. The new parliament will convene in early May to elect a prime minister and confirm cabinet appointments.

EU Hosts Palestinian Peace Conference Amid Changing Political Dynamics in Hungary

EU Hosts Palestinian Peace Conference Amid Changing Political Dynamics in Hungary

The European Union hosted a significant conference in Brussels focused on security and peace in Gaza and the West Bank, attended by representatives from over 60 nations. This meeting comes in the wake of Hungary's election results, which saw the defeat of Israel ally Viktor Orbán. The EU, a major aid provider to the Palestinians and supporter of a two-state solution, has often been sidelined in Middle Eastern diplomacy. However, with Hungary's new leadership under Péter Magyar, there is potential for a shift in EU policy towards Israel. Magyar has indicated a willingness to rejoin the International Criminal Court and reconsider Hungary's previous vetoes on EU actions against Israel. The conference also saw Palestinian Prime Minister Mohamed Mustafa calling for unity and the disarmament of armed groups in Gaza.

Hungary's Incoming PM Pétér Magyar Seeks Polish Support to Mend EU Relations

Hungary's Incoming PM Pétér Magyar Seeks Polish Support to Mend EU Relations

Pétér Magyar, Hungary's incoming Prime Minister, is seeking to strengthen ties with Poland to help restore Hungary's relations with the European Union. Magyar aims to draw on Poland's recent experience in reversing years of illiberal governance to improve Hungary's state institutions and rule of law. This move comes after years of democratic backsliding under Viktor Orbán's leadership. Magyar plans to collaborate closely with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who has successfully navigated similar challenges in Poland. The partnership is expected to play a crucial role in reintegrating Hungary into mainstream European politics and addressing issues such as corruption and judicial independence.

Hungary's Incoming PM Seeks Polish Support to Renew EU Relations Post-Orbán

Hungary's Incoming PM Seeks Polish Support to Renew EU Relations Post-Orbán

Péter Magyar, the newly elected Prime Minister of Hungary, is seeking to strengthen ties with Poland to aid in restoring Hungary's relations with the European Union. This move comes after years of strained relations under Viktor Orbán's leadership, characterized by democratic backsliding and clashes with the EU. Magyar aims to draw on Poland's recent experience in reversing illiberal policies and unlocking EU funds. He plans to join the European Public Prosecutor's Office to investigate corruption during Orbán's tenure. Magyar's first foreign visit will be to Warsaw, signaling a special relationship with Poland, which recently underwent a similar political transition.

Bulgarians head to the polls to elect a parliament for the eighth time in 5 years

Bulgarians head to the polls to elect a parliament for the eighth time in 5 years

Bulgarians are heading to the polls for the eighth time in five years hoping to finally elect a parliament that would be capable of resolving the prolonged political impasse that has gripped the country for years

Lithuania and Latvia Block Slovak Prime Minister's Airspace Access for Moscow Visit

Lithuania and Latvia Block Slovak Prime Minister's Airspace Access for Moscow Visit

Lithuania and Latvia have barred Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico from using their airspace to travel to Moscow for Russia's Victory Day celebrations. Fico announced this decision on April 18, criticizing the move as a restriction imposed by EU member states. Despite previous calls from European officials to boycott the event, Fico attended last year and plans to find an alternative route this year. The Victory Day celebrations in Russia are marked by grand military parades, often used to glorify the Soviet Union's role in World War II.