In a recent episode of the Brussels Playbook Podcast, POLITICO’s Chief EU Correspondent Zoya Sheftalovich has explained that the EU leadership is hiding information about Ukraine’s planned accession to help Péter Magyar defeat Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in the upcoming Hungarian elections. If PM Orbán does prevail, the EU is even willing to strip Hungary of its voting rights, she also revealed.
‘The rules-based international order fragmenting, uncertainty growing, and conflicts multiplying around the world, this year’s conference is taking place at a fundamental turning point.’
New data from the Kiel Institute reveal a decisive turning point in the Ukraine war: Europe, not the United States, has become Kyiv’s primary military and financial backer. As Washington scales down support under Donald Trump, European governments are assuming the burden—transforming the conflict from a mainly American proxy war into Europe’s own geopolitical and economic responsibility.
MCC Brussels has launched the Democracy Interference Observatory (DIO) to investigate how EU institutions, regulators, digital platforms, and EU-funded NGOs influence national elections. The Observatory will begin its work with the 2026 Hungarian parliamentary elections, examining emerging patterns of regulatory pressure, narrative coordination, and information control across Europe.
‘The establishment of stronger institutional checks and balances reflects Kazakhstan’s continued commitment to political modernization and governance reform.’
‘You are fortunate in Hungary: under your conservative Christian government, you are able to evangelize freely, unlike, for example, the UK, where prayer vigils often encounter civil and governmental opposition.’
Hungary has launched a new ‘three-in-one’ education programme linking technical schools and universities, allowing IT students to earn a university degree faster through credit recognition and practice-oriented training.
The Hungarian governing Fidesz party’s success in a closely watched Balmazújváros by-election offers a symbolic boost ahead of Hungary’s parliamentary elections. By overturning local paralysis and defeating an opposition-backed challenger, the victory underscores continuing support for Viktor Orbán’s party, contrasting sharply with polling that suggests rising strength for Tisza.
The New England Patriots are taking on the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX tonight. Bryan Leib has correctly predicted the last two Super Bowl winners for Hungarian Conservative. Read the interview to find out who he picks this year, as well as what he thinks about this year’s midterm elections, US–Hungary relations, and foreign policy under President Trump’s second term.
Controversial Algerian Olympic boxing champion Imane Khelif has acknowledged possessing a Y chromosome and elevated testosterone levels, reigniting global controversy over her participation in women’s competition at the Paris 2024 Games.