January’s political developments reinforced Fidesz–KDNP’s clear lead ahead of Hungary’s 2026 elections, while the Tisza Party struggled to set the agenda, according to the latest analysis by the Center for Fundamental Rights.
‘While Americans continue to uphold a strong belief in free speech, modern Europe has adopted a more technical approach—one focused on “right” speech rather than free speech; one that censors expression strategically and discreetly.’
‘The European Commission immediately embraced the initiative and began drafting a policy proposal under the same name, with the aim of creating a unified pan-European company structure…However, the member states are likely to be less enthusiastic, as the planned 28th regime would in fact reduce national jurisdiction.’
Liberal-progressive Renew Europe has leapt to the defence of Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony after Hungarian prosecutors charged him over organizing the banned 2025 Pride march. Framing the case as a political attack on ‘European values’, Renew leaders accused Budapest of authoritarianism—escalating tensions just weeks before Hungary’s parliamentary election.
Brussels is considering admitting Ukraine to the European Union as early as 2027, before accession criteria are met, according to Századvég, whose latest survey finds that three quarters of EU citizens oppose the initiative.
Hungary’s government has announced the launch of a national petition campaign urging citizens to reject EU plans to fund the war in Ukraine, Ukraine’s long-term operation and higher energy costs linked to the conflict.
The European Parliament’s first 2026 plenary session saw debates on the fourth motion of censure of the Commission, the Mercosur trade deal, and Hungary’s SAFE defence fund. Von der Leyen skipped the censure debate, Mercosur was referred to the Court of Justice, and Hungary’s access to SAFE funds faces opposition over alleged ‘corruption’.
Hungary has joined Donald Trump’s newly unveiled Board of Peace as a founding member in Davos, with Viktor Orbán warning that war brings inflation, sanctions, high energy prices, and economic decline. Balázs Orbán hailed the platform as ‘one of the first institution of the new world order,’ while European powers such as France and the United Kingdom refused to join the new conflict resolution forum.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said Hungary will not approve the EU Mercosur trade agreement as long as a national government is in power, accusing Brussels of deceiving farmers and bypassing national parliaments.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has received an invitation from US President Donald Trump to join the Gaza Peace Council, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said, while reaffirming Hungary’s rejection of Ukraine’s accession to the European Union.