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.’
‘Hungary’s conservative reform agenda has demonstrated considerable success across various domains, including migration policy, family support, economic development, and national security, with the country widely regarded as among the safest in Europe.’
Construction of Hungary’s 102-mile border fence with Serbia began ten years ago amid the 2015 European migrant crisis. Despite EU criticism and daily fines, the Hungarian government defends the barrier. Migrant clashes and trafficker violence followed. Since then, migration pressure has shifted from Hungary to Italy.
‘This was a vacuous election. No one truly won the campaign, and no one emerged victorious in the battle of ideas. Neither major party offered a compelling vision for Australia’s future. As Liberal candidate Henry Pike admitted after election day, the campaign “became a blur of competing handouts and taxpayer-funded concessions.” It was, in short, a mess.’
Hungary strongly opposes the EU’s seven-year budget proposal, which diverts funds from vital cohesion and agricultural subsidies to Ukraine. Gulyás Gergely warns the plan prioritizes Kyiv over Hungarian interests, vowing to block it unless revised. Meanwhile, Hungary prepares a new affordable housing loan scheme.
Sophie Wilmés, the former Prime Minister of Belgium and current Vice President of the European Parliament, has stated that Slovakia may be on a path to become ‘the next Hungary’ while presenting the EP’s civil liberties committee report, according to news by POLITICO.
The Council of Europe has raised alarm over widespread abuse by Ukrainian military recruiters. Days later, a Hungarian man allegedly died after violent conscription. With Brussels silent, Hungary is demanding answers—and questioning Ukraine’s readiness for EU membership.
As Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade stated in 2023: ‘Hungary and Qatar share the same position concerning the vast majority of the world’s gravest problems.’
Donald Trump seems to have lost patience with Vladimir Putin regarding peace talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, as the US president has shifted his tone and promised increased weapon shipments to Kyiv. It increasingly appears that Trump has been unable to bring peace to Ukraine, just as Volodymyr Zelenskyy failed to deliver on the same campaign promise during his early days as president.