Hungary
Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker stated the need to make energy costs the top priority of the EU leaders' summit. High energy tariffs threaten the competitiveness of the industrial sector.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit Hungary and Slovakia next week. The visit comes after Donald Trump endorsed Viktor Orban, who is trailing in the polls ahead of the elections.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó supported the illegal smuggling of Ukrainian men across the border, stating that mobilization hinders the end of the war. He mentioned the detention of a Hungarian who helped Ukrainians leave illegally and emphasized the need to stop forced conscription.
US President Donald Trump will hold the first official meeting of the Peace Council in Washington on February 19. This council is a key element of his 20-point plan, which helped achieve a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán called Ukraine an enemy of his state, arguing that it threatens to increase the cost of living for Hungarians if the supply of cheap resources from Russia stops.
Donald Trump, in a Truth Social Post, expressed support for Viktor Orbán, calling him a strong leader who tirelessly fights for his country. Trump endorsed his re-election as Prime Minister of Hungary.
The lower house of the Czech parliament rejected the opposition's proposal to dismiss the coalition led by Prime Minister Andrej Babiš. The attempt to declare a vote of no confidence garnered only 84 votes, allowing the current cabinet to remain in power.
The EU Council has approved a legal framework for providing Ukraine with financial support of 90 billion euros, with the exception of the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia. The funds will be directed to budget support and defense needs, and the first payment is expected in early Q2.
Hungary has filed a lawsuit with the EU Court, demanding the annulment of the RePower regulation, which prohibits the import of Russian energy carriers. The Hungarian government claims that a ban on energy imports is only possible with unanimous sanctions.
In Budapest, the Roma community protested against Minister János Lázár's statements regarding the segregated education of Roma children. Activists demand an apology and condemnation of segregation from the government.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, known for his loyalty to Donald Trump, is offering an "olive branch" to partners in the EU. This move comes amid rumors of his meeting with Trump, which reportedly did not meet Fico's expectations.
The European Commission confirmed discussions on Ukraine's future accession to the EU in the context of peace negotiations. Spokesperson Guillaume Mercier stated that Ukraine has made steady progress and is moving very well.
On January 30, the draw for the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 season playoffs took place in Switzerland. The matches will be held on February 19 and 26, and the winners will advance to the round of 16.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine will be technically ready to join the EU by 2027. He stated that by the end of 2026, Ukraine will have completed the main steps required for membership.
The European Union plans to provide Ukraine with the first tranche of financial assistance within the framework of a new 90 billion euro loan package in April. This assistance is designed for 2026-2027, of which 60 billion euros will go to military needs, and 30 billion euros - to budget support.
EU High Representative Kaja Kallas confirmed that Ukraine's future is linked to the EU, but enlargement is viewed geopolitically. She emphasized the need for political will and tangible results for new countries to join.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine summoned Hungarian Ambassador Antal Heizer over false statements about Ukraine's interference in the elections. The Ukrainian side called on Hungary to stop anti-Ukrainian rhetoric.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó agreed with the words of his Ukrainian counterpart Andriy Sybiha that Hungary is the only obstacle to Ukraine's accession to the EU. Szijjártó stated that as long as they are in power, Ukraine will not become a member of the European Union.
The Hungarian government has launched a campaign to collect signatures against EU funding for Ukraine, arguing that it threatens to impoverish Hungarians. The campaign is unfolding ahead of elections where Orbán's party could lose its lead.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán accused Ukraine of attempting to interfere in the parliamentary elections. He instructed to summon the Ukrainian ambassador to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after "gross insults and threats" from Ukrainian politicians.
Hungary and Slovakia will challenge the EU's ban on Russian gas imports in court. The countries state that this contradicts their national interests.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić stated that the peace plan for Ukraine envisages its accession to the European Union on January 1, 2027. However, he noted that some EU member states, including Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia, would not agree to this.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha reacted to Viktor Orban's statements about blocking Ukraine's accession to the EU. Sybiha accused Orban of fulfilling "Putin's whim" and compared him to Hungarian politicians during World War II.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated that his country's parliament would not vote for Ukraine's accession to the EU for the next 100 years. Official Kyiv reacted, hinting that this plan is doomed to fail, as "the master in Moscow" will not last that long.
Belgium has not joined the Peace Council initiated by Donald Trump. Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prévot stated that his country had not signed the Peace Council Charter.
A new public conflict erupted between the leaders of Ukraine and Hungary. Orban accused Zelenskyy of unwillingness to end the war.
Donald Trump is developing a project for an international organization called the "Peace Council," which will be an alternative to the UN. Countries wishing to obtain a permanent seat must contribute $1 billion.
U. S. President Donald Trump today initiates the signing of the "Peace Council" charter in Davos, an alternative to the UN for resolving global conflicts. Over 25 countries will join, while European leaders express concern, and Ukraine is studying the format.
The 2026 European Futsal Championship starts on January 21 and will be held in Lithuania, Latvia, and Slovenia. The Ukrainian national team has announced its final squad for the tournament.
MEPs will vote on providing Ukraine with a €90 billion support loan at the next plenary session. This instrument will provide military and budgetary support, as well as support Ukraine's defense industry.