Central Europe / News
Hungary steps up efforts to contain infectious foot-and-mouth disease
Hungary is deploying all available resources to combat a recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, according to Agriculture Minister Istvan Nagy, who described the virus as a "terrible" threat to the country's livestock in a radio interview.
Benjamin Netanyahu lauds Hungary’s support for Israel in ICC row, anti-Semitism fight
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Hungary's "remarkable" support for Israel and the global Jewish community during a joint press conference in Budapest.
Hungary to withdraw from International Criminal Court
Hungary will quit its International Criminal Court membership and will initiate the termination procedure "within the constitutional and international legal framework" on April 3.
US tariffs on EU imports to hit Central and Southeast Europe
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says bloc considering retaliatory moves after Trump announces 20% tariffs.
Fidesz submits bill to suspend citizenship, targeting dual nationals seen as national security threats
The draft law specifies that citizenship revocation would apply only to dual nationals who do not hold citizenship from an EU member state or EEA countries (Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Iceland).
Israeli Prime Minister visits Budapest in first European trip since ICC arrest warrant
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was scheduled to arrive in the Hungarian capital late Wednesday night, but according to Hungarian media, he will land at Liszt Ferenc International Airport early morning of April 3.
Viktor Orban's inner circle braces for major shake-up amid mounting political and economic pressures
Hungary's ruling elite is bracing for a major realignment as Prime Minister Viktor Orban is seeking to contain mounting political and economic pressures.
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Fourth dead US soldier found at Lithuania’s training ground
The body of a fourth American soldier has been recovered from a swamp in the Pabrade training ground in eastern Lithuania, the US Army Command Europe and Africa announced on the evening of April 1.
MOL AGM approves massive dividend payout, equating to 9% dividend yield
Hungary’s MOL has announced plans for a HUF220.4bn (€560mn) dividend payout for 2025, as the oil and gas giant seeks to maintain shareholder returns despite earnings cooling from their 2022 peak.
MEPs confront Hungary over Ukraine policy and growing US trade tension
The European Parliament has called for urgent measures to boost the EU's economic competitiveness and defence capabilities as lawmakers seek to bolster the bloc's resilience against escalating trade tensions with the US and wider global challenges.
Serbia and Hungary move towards military alliance amid regional tensions
Move reflects increasing ties between Serbia and Hungary, which share a similar approach to international affairs and have resisted pressure from the European Union to sever their ties with Russia.
Serbia advances key oil pipeline project with Hungary
The Serbian government has approved the construction of a critical oil pipeline connecting Serbia to Hungary, aiming to secure the country’s energy future amid the looming threat of US sanctions on its national oil company, NIS.
Lithuania pulls out US army vehicle from swamp, funeral cars seen
A US armoured vehicle that sank in a swamp near the Pabrade training area in eastern Lithuania has been recovered after a six-day rescue effort.
Viktor Orban existential threat to EU, writes Eurasia Group’s Europe chief in FT opinion piece
Standing up to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is now a matter of survival for the EU, writes Mujtaba Rahman, the managing director for Europe at Eurasia Group in an opinion piece for the Financial Times over the weekend.
Hungary opposes Ukraine's EU accession due to unclear borders, says cabinet chief
The head of the Hungarian Prime Minister's Office described the push for Ukraine's fast-track EU membership as "absurd," citing unresolved issues in agriculture, labour markets and cohesion, but also due to its unclear borders.
Hungary's National Bank warns full-scale trade war could knock 0.5pp from 2025 growth
Hungary's central bank has sharply downgraded its economic forecasts, warning that inflation will remain elevated for longer than expected while growth prospects continue to dim amid weak investment and a fragile external environment.
Albania and Montenegro could conclude EU accession talks by 2026-27, enlargement commissioner says
But Marta Kos warns "external forces" actively seeking to block certain countries from EU accession.
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Lithuania’s former chief of defence tells bne IntelliNews: “Several key questions need to be answered”
The four American troops who went missing during an exercise at the Pabrade training area in Lithuania on March 25 are presumably dead, and their vehicle has been found in a swamp.
Poland tightens asylum rules
Poland has imposed a 60-day restriction on asylum applications at its border with Belarus, with the measure taking effect immediately on March 27.
Hungary to expand energy cooperation with Russia, foreign minister says in live stream from Red Square
Hungary views the operations of its oil company MOL in Russia as highly successful and expects further expansion, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said during his visit to Moscow.