Hungary
EU does not intend to change the sanctions regime against Russia amid Moscow's demands for SWIFT - Euractiv
SWIFT will not be able to connect Russian banks until the EU changes sanctions legislation.
Glitches in the "Ukrzaliznytsia" application: how to solve the most common problems
Ukrzaliznytsia resumes online ticket sales after the failure, but passengers complain about problems. Instructions for purchasing, returning, and actions in case of ticket loss.
Sijarto in Moscow for the 13th time in 3 years: Orbán's chief diplomat seeks a record in contacts with the Kremlin
Peter Szijjarto made his 13th visit to Moscow since the beginning of Russia's full-scale aggression against Ukraine. EU officials are surprised by the frequent contacts between the Hungarian minister's frequent contacts with the Kremlin.
Sweden and the Baltic countries have asked the European Commission to provide concrete proposals for promoting Ukraine's accession to the EU
Sweden and the Nordic-Baltic countries are asking the European Commission to provide proposals to speed up Ukraine's accession to the EU. Hungary is threatening to block negotiations until the rights of the Hungarian minority are resolved.
Hungary will block Ukraine's accession to the EU until the rights of the Hungarian community in Zakarpattia are restored - Siyarto
Peter Siyarto accused Ukraine of oppressing the rights of the Hungarian minority in Zakarpattia. Hungary will not allow Ukraine to join the EU until the issue is resolved.
The protection of the Ukrainian border with Romania and Hungary has been strengthened
Border guards use modern technology, aviation and special equipment to patrol vulnerable areas of the border. This will help to more effectively counter offenses.
In Strasbourg, the preparation of documents for the creation of a Special Tribunal regarding the aggression of the Russian Federation has been completed - Ministry of Foreign Affairs
In Strasbourg, the first stage of work on documents for the creation of a Special Tribunal regarding the crime of aggression against Ukraine has been completed. Draft documents are ready for political consideration.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reacted to the Hungarian minister's statement about a "buffer zone" between Europe and Russia
The spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Georgiy Tikhyi, stated that if Ukraine did not fight, Hungary would become a "buffer" between Europe and Russia. He emphasized that the security of Ukraine and Hungary is indivisible.
Ukraine will open a new checkpoint on the border with Hungary: what is known
In April, a checkpoint for cars up to 3. 5 tons will be opened, which will operate during the day. Also, the "Luzhanka – Beregshuran" point is available for empty trucks over 7.5 tons.
The EU has a plan to resolve Slovakia's gas dispute with Ukraine - Politico
The European Union is considering the possibility of using Ukrainian underground gas storage facilities to resolve the dispute between Ukraine and Slovakia over the loss of gas transit revenues. Ukraine will import gas from Greece and Turkey.
Orbán's advisor: rearming Europe is a more important challenge than supporting Ukraine
Orbán's political director stated that there are more priority tasks and challenges than helping Ukraine. An advisor to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán notes that for Hungary, "the interests of Europeans are more important."
Slovakia is ready to block EU sanctions against Russia if they threaten peace processes - Fico
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has said that the country may veto new EU sanctions against Russia if they hinder peace talks. He also suggested the possibility of lifting existing sanctions.
EU leaders called on Russia to show real political will to end the war, do not see "real negotiations" - Guardian
EU leaders discussed the situation in Ukraine and US-led negotiations with Zelensky. They agreed that there are currently no real negotiations.
In Ukraine, almost half of the banks have foreign shareholders - research
The state controls the top 5 banks in Ukraine, foreigners - almost half of the institutions. Some banks are connected with politicians and corporations, which affects their activities.
EU is preparing for Orbán to repeat his tactics of blocking support for Ukraine, but is ready to move with 26 - Politico
EU leaders expect the Hungarian Prime Minister to repeat his attempt to block support for Ukraine. Other leaders are ready to make decisions on behalf of a group of 26 countries.
Italy, France and Slovakia are asking for a softer version of Kallas' proposal on aid to Ukraine - Politico
Italy, France and Slovakia are advocating for a softer version of Kaja Kallas' proposal for military aid to Ukraine. They insist on a voluntary basis of support, which raises disputes about funding.
The EU will continue military aid to Ukraine despite pressure from Russia and resistance from Hungary - media
EU leaders will pledge military support to Ukraine despite Russia's attempts to stop arms supplies. Hungary may block text on support for Ukraine at EU summit.
Six EU countries call for speeding up Ukraine's membership - Politico
Six EU countries have called on Brussels to urgently develop a clear roadmap for Ukraine's accession to the bloc. This comes amid concerns that Hungary is trying to undermine Ukraine's chances.
Hungary has officially banned gay parades in Budapest
The Hungarian Parliament has passed a law banning LGBTQ+ prides, citing the protection of children. Violations are punishable by fines and the use of facial recognition.
The foreign ministers of Ukraine and Hungary will hold a bilateral meeting in the near future: what they will talk about
Andriy Sybiha and Peter Szijjarto agreed to meet to discuss agenda issues. This happened against the background of criticism of Hungary's position on Ukraine's accession to the EU.
Ukrainians were asked about their attitude to the authorities – the results of the study
A KIIS survey showed that Ukrainians feel mixed feelings towards the authorities. Most respondents spoke of disappointment (32%) and hope (28%).
Budapest wants to hold "consultations" with Hungarians "by the summer" regarding Ukraine's membership in the EU
Minister for EU Affairs János Bóka stated that the future enlargement of the EU depends on the results of national consultations in Hungary, which will last until the summer.
Hungary is once again threatening to veto the EU summit conclusions regarding Ukraine.
Janos Boka stated that Hungary does not support the conclusions of the European Council regarding Ukraine. This decision contradicts Hungary's position and interests, and also calls for the acceleration of Ukraine's accession.
Trump "inspired" Orbán, Fico and Vučić to increase pressure on NGOs and media
Trump's actions regarding USAID encouraged Orbán, Fico and Vučić to increase pressure on non-governmental organizations and media in their countries. The governments of Hungary, Serbia and Slovakia have stepped up their efforts.
Sikorski calls on the Polish opposition to influence Hungary's position on Ukraine
Radosław Sikorski called on the Polish opposition to influence Hungary to unblock negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU. He expressed concern about the cooperation of Hungarians with centers that weaken the EU.
Customs control at the Kosyno checkpoint on the border with Hungary will be suspended: what is known
On March 18, from 12:00 to 16:00, traffic and people will not be allowed through the "Kosyno" checkpoint. The reason is the connection of an uninterruptible power supply system.
Orbán's party seeks to ban gay parades in Budapest
The ruling FIDESZ party has introduced a bill banning the organization of annual gay parades in Budapest. Orbán has recently stepped up attacks on LGBTQ groups.
Critical U.S. role in countering Russia: Rubio's call forced Hungary to stop sabotaging sanctions
US support is important for EU sanctions against Russia. But Trump can change tactics at any moment, which will affect the European region and further relations with Russia.
EU is preparing an aid package for Ukraine of at least €20 billion, Budapest will not allow itself to be drawn into this - Szijjártó
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said that Hungary does not support the €20 billion financing for Ukraine.
Italy is among the top five countries contributing to the “democratic recession” in Europe - report
Italy is among the top five countries shaping the "decline" of the rule of law in Europe. The impact of government decisions in Slovakia and Croatia is also a cause for concern, and Romania, France and Germany are not immune to problems in the context of the “democratic recession”.