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Serbia's government has given Russian-owned NIS 50 days to sell its stake or face nationalization, as US sanctions threaten oil supplies. Bulgaria's largest refinery also faces shutdown risks due to sanctions on Russian companies, prompting government intervention and negotiations with potential buyers. The situation highlights regional energy security concerns.
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After 20 years in power, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán faces declining support amid economic struggles and a strong opposition led by Péter Magyar. Polls show Magyar's Tisza Party with a significant lead, challenging Orbán's long-standing rule ahead of upcoming elections.
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Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán visited Moscow to discuss energy security amid ongoing reliance on Russian oil and gas. The trip follows Hungary's exemption from US sanctions and highlights its opposition to EU efforts to reduce dependence on Russia. Orbán also expressed hope for Budapest to host Ukraine peace talks.
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EU lawmakers and member states agreed to end Russian gas imports by late 2027, aiming to reduce dependency and cut Moscow's revenue. The deal includes phased bans on pipeline and LNG contracts, with exemptions for Hungary and Slovakia. The move signals a decisive shift in Europe's energy policy amid ongoing tensions.
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On December 5, 2025, the US released a 33-page National Security Strategy (NSS) outlining a major shift in foreign policy. It prioritizes American dominance in the Western Hemisphere, military strength in the Indo-Pacific, and adopts a critical stance on Europe’s future, warning of "civilizational erasure" due to migration and political trends. The strategy downplays ideological promotion abroad, focusing on pragmatic trade and alliances, and signals a distancing from traditional European partnerships.
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EU leaders are meeting to decide whether to unlock frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's needs in 2026-27. The plan faces opposition from Belgium and others over legal and political risks. The summit could last days or until Christmas, as disagreements persist.
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As of December 2025, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) has chosen not to release its post-2024 election autopsy report, citing concerns it would distract from efforts to win the 2026 midterms. The report, based on over 300 interviews, highlights failures in outreach to young voters and public safety concerns. Meanwhile, fundraising struggles continue for the DNC, contrasting with the Republican National Committee's stronger financial position. Concurrently, former President Trump’s administration has deepened tensions with Europe, labeling it "decaying" and backing nationalist parties opposing immigration, further straining transatlantic relations amid the Ukraine conflict.
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Ukraine's bid to join the EU faces delays due to Hungary's opposition and complex reforms. Despite progress in reform commitments, formal negotiations are stalled, with Hungary citing wartime concerns. EU officials remain optimistic about Ukraine's future membership, emphasizing reforms and political will.
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Mass protests erupted across Slovakia after Prime Minister Robert Fico's government passed laws weakening whistleblower protections and altering criminal procedures. Critics accuse Fico of undermining the rule of law and aligning with pro-Russian policies, amid ongoing political unrest since his return to power in 2023. The protests are among the largest since last February.
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On December 19, 2025, EU leaders agreed to provide Ukraine with a €90 billion zero-interest loan through joint borrowing to cover military and economic needs through 2027. The plan avoids using €210 billion in frozen Russian assets due to legal and political concerns, especially from Belgium and Hungary. Ukraine will repay only if Russia pays reparations.
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On December 19, 2025, after marathon talks in Brussels, EU leaders agreed on a €90 billion loan to support Ukraine’s defense and financial needs through 2026-27. The loan is backed by the EU budget, not frozen Russian assets, which remain immobilized amid legal and political disputes. Ukraine welcomes the deal as vital for resilience amid ongoing peace talks and war threats.
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Recent UK legislation and court cases reveal a significant crackdown on peaceful protests, with laws expanding police powers and criminalizing non-violent activism. Human rights groups warn these measures threaten democratic freedoms, as the government seeks to control dissent amid international scrutiny. The debate continues as the legislation advances in parliament.
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Following October elections, Babiš's coalition has formed a government with anti-EU parties, rejecting aid for Ukraine and green policies. The new cabinet signals a move away from pro-Western policies, with plans to revive coal and expel Ukrainian refugees, raising regional concerns.
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Hungary's April election sees Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's Fidesz trailing opposition leader Péter Magyar's Tisza party in polls. Campaigns focus on national sovereignty, EU relations, and the Ukraine conflict, with Orbán framing the vote as a choice between war and peace amid economic stagnation.
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On January 22, 2026, former President Donald Trump officially launched the 'Board of Peace' at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Initially aimed at overseeing Gaza's reconstruction post-conflict, the board's remit has expanded to address global conflicts. Trump will chair the board for life, with membership requiring a $1 billion fee for permanent status. The initiative has drawn mixed international reactions, with some countries joining and others, including key European allies, declining over concerns it may undermine the United Nations.
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European far-right leaders are increasingly critical of Trump’s interventionist plans, especially over Greenland. While some leaders express concern about sovereignty and foreign interference, others, like Viktor Orbán, continue to support Trump’s approach, highlighting internal divisions within Europe’s nationalist movements amid recent political surges.
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Budapest's mayor, Gergely Karácsony, is charged with organizing a banned Pride march, defying police orders amid Hungary's tightening restrictions on LGBTQ+ events. He vows to continue fighting for freedom despite potential fines and legal action, highlighting ongoing tensions over civil liberties in Hungary.
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Maja T., a 25-year-old anti-fascist activist extradited from Germany, was convicted in Hungary for involvement in violence at the 2023 'Day of Honour' neo-Nazi rally. The case has sparked controversy over detention conditions and political motives, with support and criticism from various countries and groups. The verdict is appealable.
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As Hungary's April 12 election nears, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán confronts his toughest challenge since 2010, trailing opposition leader Péter Magyar. Orbán campaigns on anti-EU rhetoric and close ties with Russia, while US Senator Marco Rubio visits Hungary to strengthen bilateral ties amid rising geopolitical tensions. President Trump has endorsed Orbán's reelection bid.
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On February 19, 2026, the inaugural Board of Peace meeting chaired by former US President Donald Trump will convene in Washington, D.C., with delegations from over 20 countries including Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. The meeting aims to raise billions for Gaza's reconstruction and discuss deploying an international stabilization force amid ongoing ceasefire violations and political tensions.
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Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, led by Sanae Takaichi, secured a landslide victory in the snap election, gaining at least 310 seats in the lower house. The election, called after three months in office, boosts her conservative agenda on defense, security, and immigration amid regional tensions.
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A new international 'Board of Peace' led by Donald Trump is set to meet on Feb. 19 to fundraise for Gaza's reconstruction. Several countries, including Italy, France, and Ukraine, decline participation due to legal conflicts and concerns over UN undermining, highlighting diplomatic tensions and legal challenges.
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The European Court of Justice is urged to annul the decision to release €10.2 billion to Hungary, citing incomplete judicial reforms. The European Commission had frozen the funds over concerns about democratic backsliding and corruption, but a legal opinion suggests the release was premature. The case highlights ongoing tensions over rule of law in the EU.