Browsing: Eastern Europe News

Finance ministers from eight European member states approved national defence investment plans worth €74 billion on February 17, 2026. A spokesperson for the Cypriot presidency stated this decision facilitates affordable loans under the EU’s Security Action for Europe scheme, which aims to enhance defence procurement.

European Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, will attend the US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace gathering to discuss Gaza, despite concerns over governance and charter issues, signalling continued EU engagement in post-war reconstruction efforts.

New data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development reveals that over one-third of individuals in 38 member countries used generative AI tools in 2025, with young people and those with higher education levels leading AI adoption.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio began his Central European tour in Bratislava with Prime Minister Robert Fico, aiming to enhance collaboration on nuclear energy and military modernisation. His visit follows concerns over Europe’s cultural and economic decline, as outlined in the recent US National Security Strategy.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that America seeks stronger partnerships and reduced dependency from European allies, during a joint press conference in Bratislava with Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, amid ongoing discussions on military cooperation and support for Ukraine.

Hungary’s main opposition leader Péter Magyar accused the government of blackmail using a secretly recorded sex tape to discredit him. He called for respect for privacy and urged voters to mark the upcoming elections, where his Tisza Party leads opinion polls.

Friedrich Merz, German Chancellor, declared at the Munich Security Conference that the longstanding global order “no longer exists,” warning the US against isolation in current power politics. He emphasised the urgency for democratic countries to rethink security strategies amid rising threats.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán declared that Europe faces a “century of humiliation” and criticized the European Commission as a “direct threat” in a speech addressing upcoming elections. He emphasized Hungary’s intent to expel foreign influence post-election and cautioned against Europe’s military preparations.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced a summer deadline for a broad deal to reform the European economy, citing frustrations with consensus among EU nations. Enhanced cooperation among smaller groups may be pursued if no progress is made by June, according to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Péter Magyar, a former political figure, has accused his ex-girlfriend of setting him up, denying drug use allegations and claiming that Viktor Orbán’s government is employing secret service tactics to discredit him. This dispute has significant political implications.