Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, Hungary’s energy security has faced constant and varied threats—from strikes on Russian gas pipelines to the suspension of transit through Ukraine. However, if the current ceasefire agreement is implemented effectively, Budapest could finally experience stability in this regard.
‘To suggest swapping Hungary for Ukraine simply because the Hungarian government does not fall in line on critical issues and instead maintains a consistent, principled position is not only impossible but reckless. It would trigger a series of developments that could ultimately lead to the EU’s collapse—a risk that already looms large.’
After the second round of peace talks in Saudi Arabia, Washington announced that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to a ceasefire in the Black Sea and on each other’s energy infrastructure. If upheld, the deal could mark the first concrete step toward a broader truce.
The 2024 election marked the fourth consecutive US presidential election where the popular vote margin was within five points—an unprecedented occurrence in US history. The last candidate to win the popular vote by more than 10 points was Republican Ronald Reagan in 1984. Why are US presidential elections so close in the 21st century?
‘Likud joining forces with PfE shook the liberal establishment. This can be measured by the intensity of their rhetoric. Patriots ought to look out for such signals from mainstream media: wherever they try to undermine you, it means you have done something right. This is the signal to close ranks and pursue whichever course of action caused this reaction in the first place.’
US Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Robert Palladino appears determined to restore US–Hungary relations following the turbulent tenure of his predecessor, David Pressman. The senior American diplomat began the week with high-level bilateral meetings—first with Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó, followed by political director to the Hungarian Prime Minister Balázs Orbán.
Is the EU capable of defending itself against the Russian threat? Why is the US turning away from Europe? Is there fear in an atheist’s heart of meeting Jesus after death? How well-founded are our strongly held beliefs? We asked the American philosopher in Budapest.
‘The defence of democracy, human rights, and sovereignty cannot be contingent on political expediency or the geopolitical convenience of targeting smaller or less powerful states. A genuinely united Europe must demonstrate a consistent and impartial commitment to its principles, respecting the agency of all member states.’
‘One of the main consequences of falling birth rates is labour shortages, which hamper economic growth and the sustainability of pension systems. In a paradoxical twist, regional inequality is deepened by the depopulation of rural areas, while in urban areas, the increase of real estate prices still hinders young people from starting new families. Digitalization…could be a solution to these problems.’
‘One of my grandfathers was a Reformed pastor, and the other was a county chief magistrate, so, from the Communist regime’s point of view, we were a “reactionary” family who didn’t accept the people’s democracy. Our family certainly helped us develop a healthy outlook on life. We weren’t spoiled; we got used to difficulties, and we even took them for granted.’
Hungarian Conservative is a quarterly magazine on contemporary political, philosophical and cultural issues from a conservative perspective.
