‘The paradox, if not hypocrisy, on the part of the EU is that its so-called enforcement of the rule of law or founding values, whatever those are supposed to be, is in direct violation of the principle of subsidiarity…’
Elon Musk has publicly humiliated Ursula von der Leyen over the EU’s democratic deficit, replying to her post about the ‘European Democracy Shield’ by asking: ‘If democracy is the foundation of freedom, shouldn’t your position be elected by the people?’ The viral exchange reignited debate over the Commission’s legitimacy and growing centralization of power in Brussels.
‘Shortly after the press conference between the two countries, the mainstream media began to sow doubts about Hungary’s diplomatic achievement. Citing anonymous sources, Reuters and the BBC started to spread rumours that Hungary received its exemption for only one year.’
Hungary has secured a US-backed ‘financial shield’ to protect its economy from external shocks, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said after meeting Donald Trump at the White House. He claimed that the European Commission’s ‘financial blackmail’ had become ineffective, adding that the US had promised to defend Hungary’s financial stability.
‘The Commission considered Ukraine’s support to be more important than the protests at the national and sectoral level in the Member States and therefore pushed through the amendment to the trade agreement…’
‘Our world has changed, the international order has transformed, and every actor is trying to adapt. With the end of unipolarity, the hegemony of liberal foreign policy also ended…Free trade has given way to protectionism; moralizing, value-centric diplomacy has given way to transactional realism. However, this recognition apparently eludes the European Union.’
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán warned that Europe is on the brink of a new arms race and drifting toward war, urging Hungary to remain on the side of peace while outlining his government’s economic plans, including pension reforms and wage programmes.
‘Belgium, where most of these Russian assets are held (by the Belgian financial institution, Euroclear), is strongly resisting the European Commission’s push to use them. It fears not only repercussions from Russia, but also the capital markets losing trust, which could have long-term consequences on third countries’ willingness to invest and keep their assets in Belgium, or in Europe, indeed.’
A ceasefire in Ukraine is possible only through intensified pressure on Russia, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said at the EU summit in Brussels, calling for tougher sanctions, advanced air defense systems, and continued financial aid.
‘Taxpayers want European public funds to be used wisely. Supporting maternity and the family would be the most beneficial possible investment for Europe and its future.’