The 5th Danube Institute Geopolitical Summit is currently taking place in Budapest, Hungary. Minister of Defence Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky of Hungary has delivered the keynote address, speaking about such crucial issues of the time as the Russo–Ukrainian war, the Israel–Hamas war, common European defence, and EU enlargement.
From 1 January, members of the Hungarian Defence Forces and civilian defence employees are receiving improved non-wage benefits, including higher travel reimbursements, increased housing support and expanded family-related allowances.
‘As part of the high-level meetings, Hungary and Türkiye also convened the first-ever session of the Hungarian–Turkish Consultation Mechanism, bringing together the foreign ministers, defence ministers and national security officials of both countries—a format Türkiye reserves only for its closest partners.’
What role do women play in UAE politics? What is the geopolitical significance of the UAE? And why is Hungary an important partner for the Emirates? We spoke with a female member of the UAE Federal National Council and Chairwoman of the UAE–Hungary Friendship Committee about gender equality, diplomacy, and geopolitics.
‘“Within half a year, our bilateral relations gained new momentum, and the unsuccessful, troubled period may be replaced by a new American–Hungarian golden age,” wrote Minister of Defence Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky on his social media page after meeting Chargé d’Affaires Robert J Palladino of the US Embassy in Budapest, who is leaving the capital upon the expiration of his interim mandate.’
Hungary’s new Defence Centre in Nyíregyháza aims to present the world of the military in a more engaging, hands-on way. Opened on Thursday, the facility offers interactive experiences designed to bring the armed forces closer to people of all ages.
Hungarian Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky confirmed that Hungary plans to acquire HIMARS rocket artillery systems from the United States, marking a new phase in bilateral defence cooperation. He said talks at the Pentagon followed the Trump–Orbán summit, which removed political obstacles that had stalled military contracts under the previous US administration.
Hungary successfully concluded its largest military exercise since the political transition, the Adaptive Hussars 2025. The NATO-linked drill tested the army’s full spectrum of capabilities and marked a milestone in Hungary’s ongoing defence modernization.
The Center for Fundamental Rights held its third International Pro-Israel Summit in Budapest. While the first event in 2023 followed the 7 October Hamas attacks, this year’s took place a few weeks after President Trump’s Israel–Hamas peace deal. Speakers included Hungary’s Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky, Israel’s Education Minister Yoav Kisch, and Yair Netanyahu.
An event honouring the life and legacy of UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was held at the Danube Institute in Budapest. Institute President John O’Sullivan, who worked closely with Thatcher as a policy advisor and speechwriter, was joined by a number of distinguished guests who shared personal memories and reflections on the enduring impact of the Iron Lady.