Francesca Albanese has a long track record of antisemitic remarks and denunciations of Israel, for which she has faced repeated condemnation and even sanctions from the Trump administration.

‘Eventually, a compromise was reached, and Kyiv was authorized to procure weapons from outside the bloc…In exchange for the purchases, these non-EU countries are required to participate in the cost of the loan. Brussels will negotiate the exact level of “fair and proportionate” contributions with each partner country individually.’

Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said a Brussels–Kyiv alliance is seeking to remove Hungary’s national government as an obstacle to fast-tracking Ukraine’s EU accession, arguing that political change in Budapest is central to the plan.

In a recent episode of the Brussels Playbook Podcast, POLITICO’s Chief EU Correspondent Zoya Sheftalovich has explained that the EU leadership is hiding information about Ukraine’s planned accession to help Péter Magyar defeat Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in the upcoming Hungarian elections. If PM Orbán does prevail, the EU is even willing to strip Hungary of its voting rights, she also revealed.

‘The rules-based international order fragmenting, uncertainty growing, and conflicts multiplying around the world, this year’s conference is taking place at a fundamental turning point.’

From the collapse of USAID to debates over federalism and decentralization, speakers argued that aid and political models in the Middle East must be grounded in realism, accountability and respect for lived realities rather than abstract ideals.