Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán leads a nationalist government, steering Hungary’s politics and Europe-facing strategy amid anti-corruption and democracy concerns.
President Donald Trump has publicly taunted Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni over a G7 photo, posting a meme that said "Restraining order needed" and repeating that she "begged" for a picture. European leaders have rallied to Meloni, and Washington is reviewing U.S. force posture in Europe after allies refused base access for strikes on Iran.
Since his April landslide, Prime Minister Péter Magyar has moved to dismantle Viktor Orbán’s network: parliament has passed a constitutional package that has ended President Tamás Sulyok’s term, forced retirements for senior judges and imposed 12‑year term limits on MPs. Tisza is replacing Orbán appointees, suspending public broadcasters’ newsrooms and creating an anticorruption office.
EU conferences open for Ukraine, Moldova, Albania and Montenegro mark renewed momentum in enlargement talks. Kyiv partners with Brussels to advance five policy clusters; Hungary's veto persists on two clusters. Ukraine seeks I EU reform alignment amid security concerns as Russia’s war continues.
Civil rights leaders have announced a major demonstration in Washington, D.C. for Aug. 28, marking the 63rd anniversary of the 1963 march. The event, led by Rev. Al Sharpton and Martin Luther King III, aims to press Congress after a Supreme Court ruling tightened voting rights protections and spurred state redistricting.
EU foreign ministers are debating options to curb trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank and Golan Heights amid growing pressure from member states. While some push for a full or partial ban, no decision has been made as Brussels weighs legal and political hurdles. Meanwhile, Israel expands settlements and a Gaza-related aid package is discussed.
Iranian strikes on Kurdish dissident camps in Iraqi Kurdistan have intensified, with drones, missiles, and air defenses reported. Erbil and nearby bases have faced downed drones and fires, while Iraqi Kurdish authorities condemn the attacks and call on Tehran to stop the escalation. The United States-led coalition is monitoring the developments as violence threatens regional stability.
The Hungarian prime minister’s party has nominated Judit Polgar for president as part of a plan for regime change. Polgar has declined, saying she lacks the strength to unify a divided nation, while Magyar vows to press on and seeks a consensus candidate in parliament.
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office has initiated a probe into EU funds funneled to the Agrofert group. The move follows a June letter from European Delegated Prosecutor Daniela Bárti ková about potential criminal proceedings concerning EU subsidies, tying back to former prime minister Babiš and his control over Agrofert. The Commission is assessing Prague’s steps to sever links, while Czech authorities continue subsidies to Agrofert.
Serbia has formalised a snap parliamentary election in late October, as President Vucic faces two years of anti-government protests and international scrutiny after the Novi Sad canopy collapse tragedy. The vote tests Vucic’s grip on power as student-led protests demand accountability and broader reforms.
Serbia has held a large funeral for Ratko Mladić, the convicted Bosnian war criminal, with soldiers, several government ministers and church leaders taking part. The event has prompted condemnations from the EU, led to Bosnia downgrading diplomatic ties, and caused EU officials to pause visits and reassess Serbia’s accession prospects.
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) has won roughly 44% of the vote in Saxony‑Anhalt, taking 39 of 83 seats and falling three short of an outright majority. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has condemned the result, calling the party's "remigration" plans ethnic cleansing, while international figures including Donald Trump and Elon Musk have praised the AfD's performance.
The Swedish left-wing bloc has secured a slim 176-seat majority following a tightly contested election. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has resigned, and Magdalena Andersson is exploring coalition options with the Left Party, Greens and Centre Party. The speaker will oversee subsequent talks to form a government within a tight timeframe.
Israel's Netanyahu is seeking reelection as world leaders gather at the UN. Mamdani continues to clash with Israeli policy, calling for accountability and criticizing genocide accusations, while Trump remains a key ally on some fronts. Protests and counter-demonstrations surround Netanyahu's UN appearance.
Britain has announced a National Centre for Information Defence to detect, attribute and disrupt AI-enabled disinformation campaigns. The move follows a UN address by Prime Minister Burnham warning of an industrial-scale information assault and calls for closer cooperation with tech platforms and allies. The effort aims to shield the UK from foreign interference and bolster national resilience.
Prosecutors have sought to lift immunity from Magyar and two former Orban-era ministers, amid investigations into embezzlement and bribery. The vote to lift immunity follows allegations linked to a nightclub incident and broader corruption cases tied to government figures from Orban’s 16-year tenure. The process also targets further ministers and fund misuses as part of a sweeping anti-fraud push.