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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.
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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.
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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.
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Hungary's Orbán Calls for Party Renewal After Election Defeat

Hungary's Orbán Calls for Party Renewal After Election Defeat

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has announced the need for a 'complete renewal' of his Fidesz party following a significant election loss. The defeat ended Orbán's 16-year tenure, with the center-right Tisza party, led by Péter Magyar, securing a two-thirds majority in Parliament. Despite speculation about his resignation, Orbán has indicated he will remain active in restructuring the party. The election results have prompted discussions about the future direction of Fidesz and its role in Hungarian politics. Magyar, a former Orbán ally, has pledged to improve Hungary's relations with the European Union and NATO.
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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
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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.
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EU Selects Sovereign Cloud Suppliers to Reduce Dependency on U.S. Hyperscalers

EU Selects Sovereign Cloud Suppliers to Reduce Dependency on U.S. Hyperscalers

The European Commission has awarded a €180 million contract for sovereign cloud services to four European providers: Post Telecom, Stack IT, Scaleway, and Proximus. This decision is part of the EU's strategy to reduce reliance on American hyperscalers for cloud services. The selected companies will provide cloud services to EU institutions and agencies over the next six years, meeting criteria set by the Commission's Cloud Sovereignty Framework. This framework evaluates companies based on supply-chain transparency and technological openness. The move reflects the EU's ongoing efforts to enhance its digital sovereignty and ensure secure and independent cloud infrastructure.
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EU officials in Hungary to discuss unlocking billions of euros held while Orbán was in charge

EU officials in Hungary to discuss unlocking billions of euros held while Orbán was in charge

European Union officials are meeting Friday in Budapest with Hungary's incoming leader Péter Magyar's team
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Hungary's Orbán says 'complete renewal' needed within his party after election loss

Hungary's Orbán says 'complete renewal' needed within his party after election loss

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán says his Fidesz party needs a “complete renewal” after losing Sunday's election
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Exclusive-Ukraine PM says she feels more confident of US support after visit to Washington

Exclusive-Ukraine PM says she feels more confident of US support after visit to Washington

By Andrea Shalal WASHINGTON, April 16 (Reuters) - Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko left the United States on Thursday buoyed by what she called positive talks with top U.S. officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, saying she found him to be supportive of her war-torn country.
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Explainer-French trio's planned $24 billion telecoms deal to test EU resolve

Explainer-French trio's planned $24 billion telecoms deal to test EU resolve

By Gianluca Lo Nostro and Elvira Pollina April 17 (Reuters) - A sweetened 20.35 billion euro ($24 billion) joint bid by Bouygues Telecom, Iliad-owned Free and Orange for France's second-largest telecoms operator SFR looks set to test the European Union's regulatory resolve.
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Bulgaria's pro-Russian former president is seen as strong front-runner in Sunday's election

Bulgaria's pro-Russian former president is seen as strong front-runner in Sunday's election

Bulgarians are holding an early election that could bring to power a left-leaning ex-president