Author: Iris East

Hungary’s incoming Prime Minister Péter Magyar aims to visit Brussels to negotiate the release of billions in frozen EU funds. He emphasised his commitment to restoring checks and balances within the government, highlighting a significant shift in Hungary’s approach to EU relations.

US President Donald Trump has urged NATO allies to devise a plan within days to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, crucial for global energy supplies. Following talks with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Washington, expectations for military deployment and action remain amidst European reluctance.

An Italian arms dealer has pleaded guilty to illegally exporting over $540,000 worth of US ammunition to Russia via Kyrgyzstan, using Italian companies to bypass export controls. Manfred Gruber admitted to conspiracy charges, with sentencing pending in a New York court.

As Hungary’s elections approach, EU officials are preparing for potential outcomes, anticipating continued tensions under Viktor Orbán or a cautious reset with opposition leader Péter Magyar. Both pathways hold significant implications for Hungary’s relationship with the EU and its ongoing funding disputes.

Hungarians began voting on Sunday in a pivotal election that analysts label as a referendum on the 16-year tenure of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. His key challenger, Péter Magyar of the Tisza Party, aims to disrupt Orbán’s parliamentary supermajority, amidst a campaign marked by intense personal attacks and allegations of intimidation.

What’s happening?
U.S.-Iran peace talks in Islamabad have ended without a resolution, following 21 hours of negotiation. The talks aimed to address ongoing tensions but ultimately failed to produce an agreement.

Coverage analyzed: NPR | Al Jazeera | The Washington Post | Fox News
NPR’s headline, “No Deal: U.S.-Iran peace talks in Islamabad fall through,” emphasizes the conclusion of the talks as a setback, focusing on the lack of agreement. In contrast, Al Jazeera’s “Iran war live: Vance says no deal reached, US has made ‘best, final offer’” highlights the U.S. position, presenting the situation as a missed opportunity for Iran, thereby framing the narrative around U.S. diplomacy. The Washington Post opts for “Direct U.S.-Iran talks fail to reach resolution after lengthy negotiation,” which stresses the process and the effort involved rather than the implications of the failed outcome. Fox News’ “Vance says US-Iran talks end without deal after 21 hours of negotiations” similarly contextualizes the duration of discussions, portraying the event as a procedural failure.

Péter Magyar has rapidly become a significant figure in Hungarian politics, challenging the ruling Fidesz Party amid a presidential pardon scandal. Since 2024, he has capitalised on public discontent, securing a seat in the European Parliament and positioning his Tisza Party as a formidable opposition force.

Pope Leo XIV condemned the US-Israel war on Iran, labelling the “delusion of omnipotence” as dangerous during a prayer in St. Peter’s Basilica. He urged political leaders to prioritise peace processes, denouncing the use of religion to justify violence and calling for an end to war.

Viktor Orbán’s tenure as Hungary’s leader has transformed the nation’s governance and foreign policy, marking a shift towards illiberalism. His approach has notably altered Hungary’s interactions with both the European Union and Russia, establishing a distinct national framework under his leadership.

Marie-Clarisse and Milena, two chefs at the Cité Fertile in Paris, are transforming their culinary skills into successful catering businesses through Meet My Mama, a foodtech startup. The programme supports diverse women, empowering them to launch independent ventures and reshape their narratives in gastronomy.