Hungary
Viktor Orban's financial savings below national average, his annual asset declaration shows
Hungarian MPs are required to submit asset declarations, but the system relies on self-reporting with no independent verification. There are no real consequences for misreporting or omitting information.
Hungary’s economy emerges from recession in Q4 but 2024 growth disappoints
After two consecutive quarters of decline, Hungary’s economy bounced back from recession in Q4, posting 0.5% q/q growth, beating analyst consensus by 0.3pp.
Hungary to enhance cooperation with UAE in defence and advanced technologies
Hungary and the United Arab Emirates have affirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in several areas "based on mutual respect".
Central and Eastern European banks defy expectations with robust 2024 earnings, says RBI
Banks across Central, Eastern and Southeast Europe defied expectations and reported impressive returns on equity ranging between 15% and 20% in 2024, says Raiffeisen Bank International.
Hungarian PM arrives in UAE amid controversy surrounding flagship real estate development project
Prime Minister Viktor Orban is on a two-day official visit to the United Arab Emirates, where he will hold talks with UAE President and Abu Dhabi ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as well as leaders of Emirati companies.
Lack of megadeals drags down M&A volume in Emerging Europe
The number of deals in Central and Southeast Europe rose in 2024 but aggregate deal value fell by 31%, finds law firm CMS.
Hungary not ready for single currency, Viktor Orban says
The euro, in its current form, benefits strong and competitive economies, but does not contribute to strengthening emerging economies, Hungary's prime minister said.
Hungary lets EU extend Russia sanctions
The European Union foreign ministers have agreed to extend Russian sanctions for another six months, after Hungary lifted its opposition.
Hungarian government unexpectedly brings pandemic defence back into public discourse
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, facing a string of crises, has unexpectedly revived the topic of the pandemic with the release of a YouTube video commemorating the fifth anniversary of the Covid-19 outbreak.
EU leaders brace for emergency summit if Hungary continues to block extension of Russian sanctions
Hungary has withheld its consent to extend EU sanctions against Russia at the meeting of EU ambassadors on January 24. EU Foreign Ministers will gather on Monday, 27 January, to vote on the issue.
Bomb threats to schools in Hungary traced to emails sent through Yandex platform, IT experts say
IT security experts said the bomb threats were traced to emails sent through the Russian Yandex platform, suggesting involvement from Russian actors.
City of Budapest vows to exercise pre-emptive rights over plot for planned €5bn luxury project by UAE investor Eagle Hills
The Budapest municipality has vowed not to waive its pre-emption rights over a plot of land sold by the state to UAE investor Eagle Hills, which plans a €5bn real estate development on the site, Mayor Gergely Karacsony announced.
Wizz Air stops refuelling at Belgrade airport to comply with US sanctions
Recent US sanctions targeted oil and gas company NIS, the sole supplier of aviation fuel in Serbia, which is majority-owned by Russia’s Gazprom Neft.
Hungarian rapper's video taking aim at Viktor Orban and corruption goes viral
The music video by Hungarian rapper and television personality Majka has sparked significant political repercussions and dominated public discourse over the last few days as it targeted the ruling party and its leader Viktor Orban.
COMMENT: Europe needs to start the fightback against Trump now
The European centre-right is facilitating the populist attack on liberal democracy.
Viktor Orban skips Trump’s inauguration to launch offensive against Brussels at Budapest conference
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban used a conference evaluating the country's EU presidency to launch fresh attacks on Brussels, reiterating his long-standing criticisms of the EU and Western liberalism.
Analysts expect ‘perfect storm’ of political risks in 2025
Global political risk is set to intensify in 2025 with international trade becoming a geopolitical battleground after Trump’s return to office, said Verisk Maplecroft analysts.
COMMENT: With Trump back in the White House, Europe may need to turn to Turkey to strengthen its security
Analyst suggests EU cannot hope to deter Russia effectively without closer cooperation with Ankara.
Emerging Europe split between eager anticipation and wary acceptance ahead of Trump inauguration
For some leaders in Central and Southeast Europe, the new Trump presidency is seen as a opportunity; for others it’s a challenge to navigate carefully.