‘A new chapter is unfolding—the patriots have emerged on the horizon, and the era of sovereignty has begun,’ Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán declared at the first general assembly of the Patriots for Europe in Paris. The event, attended by the most prominent figures of the European right, saw Santiago Abascal, leader of Spain’s VOX party, elected as the new chairman of the political group.
The German paper Passauer Neuer Presse conducted an interview with EPP President Manfred Weber on the occasion of the informal European Council meeting in Budapest, using the opportunity to prod him on the supposed ‘isolation’ of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán within the EU. Weber was also asked about the impact of the results of the US presidential elections on Europe.
‘This is not a West–East conflict, but a West–West conflict. It is the traditional West versus the liberal, and even increasingly left-wing, self-eliminating West. The conflict is strong because we want the West that they want to abolish. They think it was hell worth to be eliminated, but we think it was a pretty good little world, and we want to remain an extended part of it.’
Prosecutors have demanded prison and a ban from public office for Marine Le Pen, a key figure in the French National Rally party. Viktor Orbán responded to the accusations against his ally, stating: ‘Marine, please remember we are with you in this battle!’
As the US prepares for a presidential transition, Ambassador David Pressman may soon depart Budapest in line with protocol for political appointees under a new administration. There has been no career diplomat leading the US mission in Hungary since the 1990s.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán highlighted Hungary’s diplomatic rise after hosting two landmark summits, marking Budapest as a key player in European diplomacy. Orbán shared insights into Hungary’s renewed ties with the United States under President Trump, Hungary’s economic agenda, and the bold policy goals embedded in the recent Budapest Declaration.
One of the most pressing issues in enhancing the competitiveness of Europe is the need to optimize defence spending. Europeans now spend much more on defence in the wake of Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, with ten European NATO members set to reach the 2 per cent of GDP spending threshold by the end of 2024. However, developing and acquiring modern weapon systems of cutting-edge technology demand an exponential level of spending for development and production, which can hamstring the capabilities of nation-states if they want to fit out their armies fully with domestically produced equipment, from building tools to jet fighters.
Leaders gathered at the European Political Community Summit in Budapest reached consensus on several key issues. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated that there was agreement on the urgent need to achieve peace in Ukraine and to develop a new European security architecture. He also warned against judicial activism that may hinder government efforts to stop migration.
Romanian President Klaus Johannis is participating in the fifth European Political Community summit in Budapest, where he will emphasize regional security, continued support for Ukraine, and advocate for stronger EU cohesion and a long-term approach to migration.
An election night in Budapest: Hungarian conservatives gathered in anticipation of a Trump victory at an event hosted by MCC and the Center for Fundamental Rights on 5 November. There were serious panel discussions with experts, but also plenty of fun, chatting, drinks and food, with attendees keeping their fingers crossed for the candidate on the right side of history.