Levente Benkő: ‘There is a clear Hungarian interest in the survival of a strong Jewish nation-state’

In a recent analysis former Hungarian ambassador to Israel Levente Benkő highlights that for Israel, Hamas’s brutal attack necessitated a forceful response in order to restore deterrence. He points out that Israel has no choice but to confront its enemies decisively, even with or without the help of the US, starting with Hamas in Gaza. By doing so, while not eliminating resistance to Israel as such, at least prevents it from taking the form of an organized insurgency. 

EP Approves Second Von der Leyen Commission with Historically Low Support

With the lowest level of support in the EU’s history, the European Parliament has approved Ursula von der Leyen’s second Commission, set to begin work in December. The largest conservative EP group, Patriots for Europe unanimously voted against the new Commission, stating that it goes against the will of the electorate.

Hungary to Play Key Role in Harmonizing Eastern and Western Payment Systems

An agreement reached on Tuesday between Hungarian Cardnet and Chinese Macau Pass will pave the way for the establishment of a payment platform linking Chinese and European payment and settlement systems. ‘Sino–European cooperation could reach an entirely new dimension through this agreement,’ Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó remarked.

Judge Dismisses Case Against Donald Trump — A Positive Sign for Europe?

At the request of Special Counsel Jack Smith and his team on Monday, the election subversion case against Donald Trump was dismissed. Prosecutors also moved to dismiss the case concerning the alleged mishandling of classified documents. Additionally, Trump’s hush money case could be deferred until the end of his four-year term, marking significant legal victories for the president-elect.

George Harizanov

‘Viktor Orbán is the most popular European political leader in Bulgaria’ — An Interview with Georgi Harizanov

‘I am proud to say that Bulgaria is a multicultural, multi-ethnic and extremely tolerant society. Being the oldest state in Europe and having the oldest inhabited city in Europe, Plovdiv, only shows for how long this society has been preserved. At the same time, we are extremely cautious and sensitive concerning the subjects of tradition, values, religion, family, and homeland. We have kept our borders safe, just like our friends in Hungary.’

ForraiTamasatya_at Scout Camp, Fillmore, NY, 2023

‘Assimilation is inherent in the diaspora’ — A Conversation with Jesuit Father Tamás Forrai

‘It’s very interesting to see to what extent we can acknowledge the fact that diaspora life automatically implies linguistic and cultural assimilation. There’s a growing geographical dispersion; mobility is very characteristic in North America…In 2018 we finally started to talk…about how we see the community, what our strengths and weaknesses are, what we can learn and what challenges we face.’

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen rings the bell during a College meeting at the EU headquarters in Brussels on 30 October 2024.

What Can We Expect from the New Commission?

‘The President made a powerful comment on Ukraine: “Ukraine is fighting for our freedom every day—and we must work for its freedom too.” In light of this, she resolved that our top priority will continue to be “rallying partners to support with short-term needs and long-term reconstruction efforts”.’