‘Russian responsibility in this failure is becoming increasingly clear,’ said Zsolt Németh, referring to the failed peace talks in Ukraine during the opening of the 34th Bálványos Summer Free University. At the same event, State Secretary for National Policy Lőrinc Nacsa also delivered remarks, emphasizing that the Hungarian government stands for Hungarians both beyond and within its borders.
‘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.’
The war in Ukraine is tragic—but it is not Hungary’s war. That was the central message of Balázs Orbán’s interview on CNN, where he criticized the EU for sacrificing stability in pursuit of what he described as an unwinnable proxy. He warned against deeper entanglement in a war that risks becoming Europe’s own—particularly if Ukraine is prematurely admitted into the EU.
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.
A state-of-the-art supercomputer designed for artificial intelligence research has been installed at the University of Szeged, marking a major step in Hungary’s digital innovation strategy and boosting its global presence in AI development.
‘The list could go on indefinitely, but the conclusion remains the same: one of the most corrupt leaderships in EU history is attempting to mask its own misconduct by attacking sovereign member states for precisely the same behaviours it engages in.’
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen used her speech during Monday’s motion of censure debate not to take accountability for Pfizergate, but instead to frame her political opponents as ‘Putin apologists’ and ‘conspiracy theorists’. The debate laid bare everything that is wrong with EU leadership and the lack of accountability among unelected bureaucrats.
Russia’s capture of Shevchenko—site of a key lithium deposit—is alarming investors over the future of a US–Ukraine critical minerals deal. With further Russian advances, Donald Trump may face a tough choice: ramp up pressure on Moscow or risk the deal’s collapse.
‘In short, for the vast majority of the people in the region, Hungary would be the most acceptable and desirable form of Europe and Europeanization. Of course, the close connection with Trump, whom many truly appreciate and respect in the Balkans, also significantly contributes to this.’
Should Ukraine join the EU? Is Russia a threat to Europe? Does Trump endanger transatlantic relations? And how are British–Hungarian relations after five years in the making? We spoke with the British Ambassador to Hungary on the occasion of his completion of a five-year term as Ambassador this autumn.