Kata Tüttő, former deputy mayor of Budapest, expressed concerns about the impact of Viktor Orbán’s governance, stating the city “suffered a lot.” As President of the European Committee of the Regions, she cautioned against a “wave of centralisation” that poses risks to Europe’s regions.

Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh faces significant challenges with upcoming inflation data expected to show an annual rate of 3.9% for April, the highest since May 2023. Competing pressures from President Trump for lower rates and rising inflation complicate Warsh’s commitment to reshape Fed operations while maintaining independence.

Taras Kachka, Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, emphasised the need for “fast, merit-based, full membership” in the European Union, rejecting alternative proposals such as associate membership. He urged for the opening of all negotiation clusters by June to expedite Ukraine’s EU accession process.

Armenia has formalised a strategic partnership with the United States, as Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan prepares for parliamentary elections amid rising pro-Russia sentiment. The agreement, signed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, includes a framework for critical minerals and a transit corridor.