After months of negotiations between Brussels and Washington, Ursula von der Leyen and Donald Trump announced a new EU-US trade deal. Though hailed as a success by the Commission President, the agreement disproportionately favours the United States, risking Europe’s strategic overdependence on Washington. Additionally, the deal delivers a serious blow to Hungary’s economy.
‘The EU accession of a country financially subjugated to Brussels would have far-reaching implications for the functioning of the Union. If Ukraine were to join the EU as a Member State, it would gain veto power in the Council, a Commissioner in the European Commission, and dozens of MEPs in the European Parliament—amounting to significant voting influence within EU institutions.’
The European Commission’s budget proposal for 2028–2034 has drawn unprecedented criticism from across the European Union—from the European Parliament and member states to NGOs representing a wide range of sectors. In this article, we seek to explain why.
‘Therefore, two Antemurale myths are currently clashing in Europe: one geopolitical and ideological, in which Ukraine is seen as the last bulwark of European civilization; the other cultural and demographic, with Hungary positioning itself as the defender of traditional Western values and Christianity.’
After opposition led by Hungary, the EU has softened its stance on Israel despite growing calls for sanctions and trade restrictions.
‘When Israeli cities burned and much of Europe hid behind legalese, it was Serbia loading pallets of 155 mm shells, the Czech Republic dispatching armour plates, and Hungary vetoing hostile resolutions and defending Israel on the world stage. They may not be Europe’s largest economies or loudest voices, but they acted decisively when it mattered most. ‘
The right-wing political group Patriots for Europe (PfE) will lead negotiations on the EU’s 2040 climate target in the European Parliament. PfE’s rapporteurship is a significant blow to progressive-green forces who have been pushing their aggressive and flawed agenda in recent years, and it represents a clear victory for ordinary European people.
‘Today, it [Hungary] functions as a crucial entry point for the West into the Turkic Silk Road and can offer a platform for deeper engagement and economic collaboration. With its established partnerships and extensive experience, Hungary is well-positioned to help other Western countries effectively engage with the dynamic and increasingly growing Turkic market.’
Taking over the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union, Denmark has promised to exert maximum pressure on Hungary to lift its veto on Ukraine’s EU accession. However, looking back over recent years, there have been several similar threats against Viktor Orbán’s government, and Copenhagen does not have anything new to bring to the table either.
‘Europe stands at a crossroads as America retreats from NATO, immigration stokes domestic unrest, and the EU overreach alienates voters. SI offers a remedy: a continent where nations govern democratically, cooperate voluntarily, and secure themselves without external crutches, by grounding solidarity in national consent.’