Hungary
Record turnout reported as Hungarians vote in pivotal election that could end Orbán era
Hungarians turned out in record numbers in a closely fought parliamentary election that could end Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s 16-year rule and reshape the country’s relationship with the European Union.
OPINION: Hungarian vote puts EU unity on the line
Hungary's general election is “make-or-break” for Brussels-Budapest relations, says Clingendael Institute report.
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Viktor Orban makes last-ditch appeal for unity in final campaign push
Looking tired and weary, Hungary’s veteran leader, trailing in the polls behind, praised Fidesz’s achievements, including transforming a crumbling nation into a stable, secure homeland.
Viktor Orban faces toughest test yet as polls show Tisza momentum in final stretch
The opposition Tisza Party appears to have the momentum in the final leg of Hungary's election campaign, putting it on track for a potential two-thirds parliamentary majority, according to the latest Median poll.
Zelenskiy proposes a new European version of Nato
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has proposed the creation of a new European-centred security bloc that would include Ukraine, the EU, the UK, Turkey and Norway, as concerns mount over the future of US support for Nato.
Hungary signs major US energy, defence, and technology agreements during Vance’s visit
Hungary signs $22bn in deals with the US during VP Vance's Budapest visit, including $700mn in HIMARS rockets, a $20bn SMR nuclear study and $500mn in crude oil purchases by MOL from American suppliers.
Hungary shared intelligence with Iran after 2024 Hezbollah pager incident
Shortly after Israel detonated thousands of pagers used by members of the Iran-backed terrorist group Hezbollah in a deadly operation in September 2024, the Orban government offered its assistance to Iran.
US-Europe relations strains bring Nato alliance close to breaking point
The West is discussing a new defence alliance format to replace Nato that would include Ukraine. Nato's current form is ineffective, so it is worth creating a new defence structure.
Grid constraints threaten Europe’s energy security ambitions
Europe risks undermining its energy security and industrial competitiveness due to insufficient electricity grid capacity, with at least 120 GW of planned renewable projects facing delays, according to a report by Ember.
Greenpeace says gas flaring persists in eastern EU despite methane ban
Fossil fuel operators in parts of eastern Europe are continuing to burn methane in potential breach of new EU rules banning routine flaring.
JD Vance praises Viktor Orban, accuses EU and Ukraine of meddling in Hungarian elections
Vance paid a visit to Budapest to endorse Donald Trump's strongest EU ally, just days before the pivotal elections on April 12.
Hungary's Orban says friendship elevated to new level in leaked talk with Putin
Leaked conversation reinforced narratives that Hungarian PM Viktor Orban, long seen as Russia’s strongest ally within the EU, often aligns with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s interests.
Hungarian election outcome may do little to ease EU funding deadlock for Ukraine
Ukraine’s access to tens of billions of euros in European Union support may remain uncertain regardless of the outcome of Hungary’s closely contested election this month.
Hungary urges end to Russian energy sanctions as energy crisis builds
Hungary has called for the lifting of sanctions on Russian oil and gas imports, as Prime Minister Viktor Orban warned that Europe faces a potential energy crisis and ordered military protection for a key pipeline.
Slovak PM Fico to visit Moscow for Victory Day
Robert Fico was the only EU leader to attend the Moscow parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII last year.
JD Vance heads to Budapest to give final campaign push for Orban
The visit comes just days ahead of the pivotal April 12 election and is widely viewed as a demonstration of support for Orban and his Fidesz party, which is currently trailing the opposition Tisza Party.
Explosives found near Serbia gas pipeline ahead of Hungary vote
Powerful explosives were discovered near a key gas pipeline in northern Serbia that supplies Russian gas to Hungary, raising concerns about energy security a week before Hungary’s parliamentary election.
Spain cuts the link between gas and power and has Europe’s cheapest power
A year ago this week, Spain’s grid ran entirely on renewable power for a full day for the first time ever. Wind, solar, and hydro met all the peninsula’s electricity demand on April 16.
COMMENT: Win or lose, Orban has broken Hungary’s democracy
Hungary’s parliamentary elections on April 12 would, under normal democratic conditions, point towards a change of government, but the country’s political system no longer operates on conventional terms.
Erdogan lobbies Fico in campaign to lift EU sanctions on Uzbek tycoon Usmanov
Media outlet publishes full text of letter written to Slovak PM by Turkish president.