Von der Leyen’s Censure Debate: Cover-Up Wins over Accountability

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen used her speech during Monday’s motion of censure debate not to take accountability for Pfizergate, but instead to frame her political opponents as ‘Putin apologists’ and ‘conspiracy theorists’. The debate laid bare everything that is wrong with EU leadership and the lack of accountability among unelected bureaucrats.

Understanding the Religious Reforms of Joseph II

‘In any case, this is not the first time Emperor Joseph II…is presented as an unsentimental authoritarian who deprecated the Catholic Church through his reforms…Yet, if we take the time to research and grasp the historical context in which such reforms were implemented, and contrast them with the secular ones, we arrive at an altogether different conclusion about the man.’

Ukrainian FM Summons Hungarian Ambassador over Ad Campaign

In the latest sign of deteriorating relations, Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned Hungarian Ambassador to Kyiv Antal Hejzer in response to an advertising campaign portraying Hungarian opposition leader Péter Magyar as the ‘Hungarian Zelenskyy’. Ukraine’s EU accession is increasingly becoming a central topic in the electoral campaign for Hungary’s 2026 parliamentary election.

USAID Ceases All Operations — Balázs Orbán: RIP to US-Funded Revolutions

As of 1 July 2025, the US Agency for International Development (USAID) has ended all of its operations, with the remaining programmes continuing under the State Department’s oversight. Political Director to the Hungarian Prime Minister Balázs Orbán welcomed the decision, emphasizing its significance in reducing foreign interference against sovereignist governments.

Hungary’s Significant Role in the Balkans

‘In short, for the vast majority of the people in the region, Hungary would be the most acceptable and desirable form of Europe and Europeanization. Of course, the close connection with Trump, whom many truly appreciate and respect in the Balkans, also significantly contributes to this.’