During his international press conference, Hungary’s prime minister-elect Péter Magyar outlined a foreign policy strategy that partly echoes Viktor Orbán’s positions on migration and Russian energy, while pledging closer ties with the EU, a reset in relations with Ukraine, and anti-corruption reforms.
‘This enormous mobilization of the population should be the final nail in the coffin of the increasingly desperate narrative, favoured by EU elites and the Brussels media, that Orbán was a dangerous autocrat who had built an anti-democratic system. Orbán remained a democrat to his core.’
Just hours after Viktor Orbán’s electoral defeat, Ursula von der Leyen urged the EU to scrap the national veto in foreign policy decision-making, advocating a shift to qualified majority voting. The move targets what she described as ‘systemic blockages’ on sanctions and funding for Ukraine.
The European Commission plans to ease state aid rules to help member states support businesses facing soaring energy and fertilizer costs following the economic shock triggered by the Iran conflict.
Hungary’s forint strengthened to its highest level in four years following the opposition Tisza party’s electoral victory, with the EUR/HUF rate falling sharply below 370. Markets reacted positively to expectations of closer EU ties and the potential unlocking of billions in withheld funding.
US Republican lawmakers have sent a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen criticizing what they describe as interference in Hungary’s elections, according to a Hungarian MEP.
Donald Trump has pledged that the United States stands ready to support Hungary’s economy with its ‘full economic might’ if needed, two days ahead of the country’s most important election in recent history. The statement has revived discussions about a potential currency swap agreement, first floated in November 2025, aimed primarily at shielding the Hungarian economy from external pressure.
The German government has unveiled a new EUR 8 billion environmental programme to get the country’s lagging climate commitments back on track. The initiative primarily focuses on expanding wind energy and promoting electromobility. Critics argue, however, that the plans are overly bureaucratic and unlikely to deliver meaningful results.
A new batch of leaked calls between Péter Szijjártó and Sergei Lavrov suggests sustained and deep coordination between Hungary and Russia on Ukraine, energy policy and sanctions. While EU officials reacted with outrage, Szijjártó dismissed the leaks as foreign intelligence interference into the country’s upcoming election and reaffirmed Hungary’s known policy positions.
What are the main structural problems of the European economy in 2026? Is breaking away from Russian energy supplies a wise decision? What would be the cost of Ukraine’s accession to the EU? We spoke to the Director of the Austrian Economic Center and President of the Hayek Institute about the current structural problems and future prospects of the European economy.
At a time when public debate is increasingly polarized and superficial, Hungarian Conservative remains committed to depth and independent thought.
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