Brussels has entered a new phase of escalation, transforming support for Ukraine into an automatic political and economic war framework. This trajectory narrows national sovereignty, embeds long-term financial commitments in EU budgets, and shifts Europe’s focus from peace toward sustaining conflict, the Center for Fundamental Rights argues in their new analysis.

Europe’s growing return to traditional architecture reflects more than aesthetic preference—it signals a broader struggle over identity, democratic legitimacy, and civic morale, speakers argued at a Danube Institute panel in Budapest. The discussion highlighted public resistance to modernism, the cultural meaning of restoration, and Budapest’s reconstruction as a model for Europe’s architectural renewal.

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán accused Ukraine of ‘blackmailing’ Hungary by halting oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline, warning that Kyiv and Brussels are applying growing pressure to force Budapest into a pro-war European coalition. Hungary has halted diesel exports to Ukraine in response while insisting its own energy supply remains secure.

A majority of Hungarians believe only Prime Minister Viktor Orbán would be able to resist pressure from Brussels in debates over joint EU borrowing and financial support for Ukraine, according to a new Századvég survey.

In a new production of George Bernard Shaw’s 1923 play Saint Joan at the Citizens Theatre in Glasgow, United Kingdom, the titular character Joan of Arc is being played by black actress Mandipa Kabana. This is yet another instance of a white historical figure being portrayed by an actor of colour.

The House of Terror Museum will mark the Memorial Day for the Victims of Communism with special history lessons, exhibitions, theatre performances and free admission between 17 and 27 February, alongside commemorative events in Hungary and abroad.