A Closer Look at the Most Chaotic Day of Modern Serbian Democracy

4 March will be considered a dark day in the history of modern Serbian democracy. During the first day of the spring session, opposition politicians threw smoke bombs and flares in the building, sabotaging key reforms regarding months-long anti-government protests. The chaotic events fit in a regional pattern of destabilization efforts concerning patriotic governments, including Hungary and Slovakia.

A Crossroads for the Church — Why Cardinal Péter Erdő Is the Pope’s Ideal Successor

‘As Francis’s tenure nears its close, we stand at a crossroads—what lies ahead? I pray for his renewed health, while recognizing the time has come—for Catholics, Christians of other traditions, non-believers, indeed all who cherish our shared Western civilization—to ponder and pray for the next pontiff. For the Church and the world now face trials that demand a steady hand to guide this succession’s course.’

Robert Palladino Succeeds David Pressman as Head of US Embassy in Hungary

Senior US diplomat Robert Palladino will assume leadership of the US Embassy in Budapest as Chargé d’Affaires from 7 March. However, as stated in the embassy’s announcement, Palladino’s mandate is temporary, leaving the race open for the successor to former US Ambassador David Pressman—who will face the enormous task of repairing US–Hungary relations, which were severely damaged by Joe Biden’s envoy.

Bosnia and Hungary in Diplomatic Standoff over Orbán–Dodik Ties

The Hungarian Foreign Ministry’s plane was denied landing in Sarajevo following a decision by Bosnian Defence Minister Zukan Helez. Helez cited Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s continued support for Milorad Dodik, leader of Republika Srpska. Dodik was sentenced to one year in prison last week on politically motivated grounds.

A Chill Wind from the West

‘It was from Plymouth in 1588 that Sir Francis Drake set out to defeat another invading force, that of the Spanish Armada…Perhaps it is too much to hope that it will be from Plymouth once again that a wind of change blows through our land, blasting to smithereens the remnant of any idea that multicultural society has succeeded and that vast numbers of immigrants are an unalloyed good.’

The Sovereigntist Era Alters Our Sense of Space and Time

‘The emerging sovereigntist era unleashes nationalist energies that must be tempered and channelled constructively. Currently, Trump’s “America First” is swinging like a wrecking ball through the West’s liberal order. Also, a new zeitgeist is unfolding, upending our conceptual world and even shifting how we imagine space and time.’

Bulgaria’s Schengen Membership and the Future of Hungarian–Bulgarian Cooperation

‘Hungarian Minister for National Economy Márton Nagy recently visited Bulgaria and met with President Rumen Radev, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications Grozdan Karadjov, Minister of Economy and Industry Peter Dilov, and Minister of Tourism Miroslav Borshosh. The meeting marks a significant step forward in bilateral relations.’