Hungarian officials have condemned the death of 46-year-old Zsolt Rebán, an ethnic Hungarian and EU citizen who collapsed after being forcibly conscripted by Ukrainian authorities despite a documented heart condition. His death has intensified Budapest’s criticism of Kyiv’s mobilization practices and further strained already tense Hungarian–Ukrainian relations.
‘Broadly speaking, Hungary rejects the two main driving forces behind the anti-Israel sentiment in Europe: Wokeism and mass migration. But unlike other countries in Europe that share the same views on these topics, Hungary’s strong pro-Israel stance organically flows from this rejection, and also constitutes an integral part of its conservative vision for the future realignment of the European right.’
‘The leaders of the most successful small or medium-sized countries tend to be acutely aware of the dexterity required to maintain security…it seems very unlikely that they and others like them will get lost in their own imagination or succumb to the self-fulfilling fatalism of the postmodernist cosmopolitan mind that gave birth to the “end of history”, the “rules-based liberal international order”, and all the rest of that dangerous nonsense.’
Nigel Farage’s Reform UK is riding an extraordinary wave, securing its first Scottish council seat and overtaking Labour to become Britain’s largest party by membership. The developments, both hailed as historic moments, underscores the accelerating collapse of the UK’s traditional two-party system.
POLITICO Brussels has once again revealed its anti-Orbán bias: within a single day, its Poll of Polls went from showing Fidesz narrowly ahead to presenting a sudden 9-point TISZA lead. The shift came after the outlet removed two pollsters whose surveys had placed Viktor Orbán’s party in front.
Elon Musk has publicly humiliated Ursula von der Leyen over the EU’s democratic deficit, replying to her post about the ‘European Democracy Shield’ by asking: ‘If democracy is the foundation of freedom, shouldn’t your position be elected by the people?’ The viral exchange reignited debate over the Commission’s legitimacy and growing centralization of power in Brussels.
‘Spain’s cultural diplomacy in Chengdú and Beijing may win headlines, but its deeper strength lies in its ties to the Ibero-American world.’
The European Commission is considering legal action against Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia for refusing to lift bans on Ukrainian agricultural imports. Beyond its legal implications, such a move could once again unite the Visegrád countries against what they perceive as Brussels’ disregard for farmers’ livelihoods and national economic sovereignty.
A new poll shows Nigel Farage’s Reform UK heading for a landslide victory unprecedented in modern British politics, securing a projected 445 seats in the House of Commons. As disillusionment with Labour and the Conservatives deepens, commentators warn that the two-party system is collapsing.
What could be Europe’s future: a decline, or a new golden age? How imminent is the Russian threat to Europe? How does Sweden view Hungary’s fight for sovereignty? We asked former Prime Minister of Sweden Carl Bildt about Europe’s bright or dark future at Brain Bar 2025 in Budapest.