Ursula von der Leyen and Mario Draghi pose with copies of the Draghi Report in Brussels on 9 September 2024.

Draghi Report on Competitiveness: Wise Guidance for the Upcoming Five Years?

Draghi proposes that the EU’s priorities should include the lowering of energy prices, increasing competitiveness, proper governance of industrial policy, and increased defence spending. The EU should no longer rely on others to maintain its security, he argues, since continuing to do so would make it more vulnerable.

FM Szijjártó: ‘Without Russian oil we will simply not survive’

‘If Hungary does not receive more oil from Russia, we will simply not survive; we will not be able to supply the country,’ Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó emphasized in an interview with the Russian TV channel RBK. The minister stressed that currently, there is no alternative route capable of supplying Hungary with sufficient oil other than the pipeline that runs through Ukraine.

Illegal immigrants walking in the desert after having crossed into the United States on June 5 2024.

Attempting to Solve the Crisis of Illegal Immigration in the U.S.

‘Most wishing to migrate to the U.S. are seeking a better life, contrary to the regional violence, corruption, and economic devastation in their home countries. If U.S. and Central American governments are able to institutionalize a ‘Marshall Plan’ as Washington had done for Europe after World War II, then perhaps a workable solution is possible. However, the U.S. needs to take the lead in this, though it would be unable to do so long as members of both Democratic and Republican Parties continue to childishly bicker with one another.’

Ukraine to Shut Down Druzhba Oil Pipeline in January?

According to Ukrainian presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolyak, Kyiv plans to shut down the Druzhba oil pipeline starting from 1 January 2025. This pipeline is a key route through which Russian oil reaches Europe, including Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. Hungarian oil and gas company MOL stated that it has not been informed of this decision and that transport is currently running smoothly. Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó has assured that Hungary’s energy supply remains secure.

Ukraine Refuses to Renew Gazprom Contract, Raising New Concerns Over Hungarian Energy Security

Ukraine’s decision not to renew its contract with Gazprom has raised concerns in many about how Russian gas will reach Europe in the future. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov indicated that Russia could still meet European customers’ needs through the Turkish Stream pipeline, but at a higher cost than before. This latest move by Ukraine poses yet another threat to Hungary’s energy security.

Spanish Government Vetoes Hungarian Train Manufacturer Deal

The Socialist Sánchez government in Spain vetoed the Hungarian consortium Ganz-MÁVAG Europe’s acquisition of the Spanish train manufacturer Talgo. Their concern was the supposed close ties between Budapest and Moscow, fearing that the Hungarian company may share trade secrets with the Russians.