Hungary
US tariffs on EU imports to hit Central and Southeast Europe
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says bloc considering retaliatory moves after Trump announces 20% tariffs.
Fidesz submits bill to suspend citizenship, targeting dual nationals seen as national security threats
The draft law specifies that citizenship revocation would apply only to dual nationals who do not hold citizenship from an EU member state or EEA countries (Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Iceland).
Israeli Prime Minister visits Budapest in first European trip since ICC arrest warrant
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was scheduled to arrive in the Hungarian capital late Wednesday night, but according to Hungarian media, he will land at Liszt Ferenc International Airport early morning of April 3.
Viktor Orban's inner circle braces for major shake-up amid mounting political and economic pressures
Hungary's ruling elite is bracing for a major realignment as Prime Minister Viktor Orban is seeking to contain mounting political and economic pressures.
MOL AGM approves massive dividend payout, equating to 9% dividend yield
Hungary’s MOL has announced plans for a HUF220.4bn (€560mn) dividend payout for 2025, as the oil and gas giant seeks to maintain shareholder returns despite earnings cooling from their 2022 peak.
MEPs confront Hungary over Ukraine policy and growing US trade tension
The European Parliament has called for urgent measures to boost the EU's economic competitiveness and defence capabilities as lawmakers seek to bolster the bloc's resilience against escalating trade tensions with the US and wider global challenges.
Serbia and Hungary move towards military alliance amid regional tensions
Move reflects increasing ties between Serbia and Hungary, which share a similar approach to international affairs and have resisted pressure from the European Union to sever their ties with Russia.
Serbia advances key oil pipeline project with Hungary
The Serbian government has approved the construction of a critical oil pipeline connecting Serbia to Hungary, aiming to secure the country’s energy future amid the looming threat of US sanctions on its national oil company, NIS.
Emerging Europe risks being “cast adrift” from the West, think-tank warns
Ongoing geopolitical realignment accelerated by Trump’s return to office could plunge Emerging Europe into a cycle of instability and regional conflict, says a paper published by the ECFR.
Viktor Orban existential threat to EU, writes Eurasia Group’s Europe chief in FT opinion piece
Standing up to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is now a matter of survival for the EU, writes Mujtaba Rahman, the managing director for Europe at Eurasia Group in an opinion piece for the Financial Times over the weekend.
COMMENT: Europe’s outlook improves as Trump makes Ukraine conflct progress
European leaders are alarmed at the increasingly warm relations between US President Trump and Putin, but economists are encouraged as even a “quick and dirty” ceasefire deal to the Ukraine conflict will buoy flagging CEE economies.
Hungary opposes Ukraine's EU accession due to unclear borders, says cabinet chief
The head of the Hungarian Prime Minister's Office described the push for Ukraine's fast-track EU membership as "absurd," citing unresolved issues in agriculture, labour markets and cohesion, but also due to its unclear borders.
Hungary's National Bank warns full-scale trade war could knock 0.5pp from 2025 growth
Hungary's central bank has sharply downgraded its economic forecasts, warning that inflation will remain elevated for longer than expected while growth prospects continue to dim amid weak investment and a fragile external environment.
Hungary to expand energy cooperation with Russia, foreign minister says in live stream from Red Square
Hungary views the operations of its oil company MOL in Russia as highly successful and expects further expansion, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said during his visit to Moscow.
Protesters in Budapest rally against amendment to assembly law, blocking bridges
Thousands of demonstrators gathered in central Budapest on March 25 to demand the withdrawal of a controversial amendment to Hungary's assembly law and against what organisers called techno fascism.
IKEA to make Budapest store world's largest fulfillment centre
Swedish furniture retailer IKEA will transform its store in southern Budapest to become the world's largest fulfillment centre by 2026, tripling warehouse capacity to support both in-store and online orders from a €50mn investment.
Hungarian central bank keeps rates on hold in first rate-setting meeting under new MNB leadership
Hungary's Monetary Council left the base rate on hold at 6.5% for the sixth straight month on 25 March at the first rate-setting meeting under the new MNB leadership in line with the consensus.
Viktor Orban's rival launches "Voice of the Nation" consultation on economic and political issues
Hungary's opposition Tisza Party has launched "Voice of the Nation" referendum, aiming to gauge public opinion on a range of social, economic and political issues ahead of next year's elections.
Scandal surrounding Hungarian central bank’s investments spreads to Polish developer GTC
Hungary's central bank-linked foundations are facing renewed scrutiny over their investment practices after a scathing report from the State Audit Office triggered a sell-off in assets linked to their portfolio.
Rule of law in EU deteriorates, with decline concentrated in eastern members
Liberties report finds collapse of democratic standards in Hungary, and strong deteriorations in Bulgaria, Croatia, Italy, Romania and Slovakia.