Hungary
Eurostat has published data for the first half of 2025, showing a significant gap in electricity and natural gas prices between European countries. Some countries pay several times more than their neighbors.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated that the Russian-American summit in Budapest is being postponed due to a territorial issue, but will still take place. He also mentioned the 2022 Istanbul Agreement, which, according to him, was "sabotaged by the Anglo-Saxons."
The Ministry of Education and Science plans to dismiss about 50 rectors across Ukraine to renew leadership. However, the Ministry of Education and Science has not yet terminated the contract with ex-MP Andriy Odarchenko, convicted of bribery, who retains influence over the State Biotechnological University.
Sergei Lavrov risks losing his post as Russian Foreign Minister if he fails to prevent the strengthening of the US position in relations with Russia. The recorded absence of the head of the Russian Foreign Ministry at important events may indicate disapproval in the Kremlin of the "deterioration" of relations with the Trump administration.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has raised the budget deficit target due to election spending. Additional funding will be raised through bank taxes and foreign currency bond issuance.
The European Commission has begun establishing a new intelligence body to improve the use of information from national intelligence services. The unit, being formed within the European Commission's Secretariat-General, will recruit staff from the EU intelligence community.
Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković stated that Hungary's claims about the Janaf pipeline's inability to replace Russian oil are false. He emphasized that Janaf has sufficient capacity to supply all necessary crude oil to Hungarian and Slovak refineries.
The European Union has imposed a ban on Russian oil imports, making exceptions for Hungary and Slovakia for their energy security. Brussels wants to completely abandon Russian energy carriers by the end of 2027.
Andriy Odarchenko, sentenced to 8 years in prison and hiding abroad, continues to control the State Biotechnological University through the administration. The Ministry of Education and Science does not terminate Odarchenko's contract, and the Supervisory Board of the SBU ignores corruption and salary arrears.
Education Minister Oksen Lisovyi extended the powers of Andriy Kudryashov, acting rector of the State Biotechnological University. He is under the influence of bribe-taking MP Andriy Odarchenko.
The planned increase in VAT in Russia to 22% from 2026 will not provide the expected revenues, but on the contrary, will lead to a decrease in revenues by 6. 1 billion US dollars. This will increase inflationary pressure, reduce domestic demand, and increase the cost of government borrowing.
Brent crude futures rose to $64. 08 a barrel, and US WTI crude to $60.23. This happened amid expectations of a quick end to the US shutdown, which could increase oil demand.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated that Donald Trump promised financial assistance in case of pressure on the Hungarian economy. Hungary also received an exemption from sanctions on Russian oil and gas, committing to purchase American liquefied natural gas.
Romania and Bulgaria are trying to prevent the shutdown of their critical oil refineries as US sanctions against their Russian owners take effect on November 21. Bulgaria is considering nationalizing Lukoil's refinery in Burgas, while Romania views nationalization as a "last resort" for the Petrotel refinery.
The United States granted Hungary a one-year waiver from sanctions for using Russian oil and gas after Prime Minister Orban's meeting with President Trump. Hungary pledged to purchase approximately $600 million worth of liquefied natural gas from the US.
The United States of America and Hungary signed a memorandum of cooperation in the field of nuclear energy on November 7. The document provides for negotiations on cooperation in the civilian nuclear industry, including small modular reactors and spent fuel storage.
Donald Trump said he canceled a meeting with Vladimir Putin because Russia does not want to stop. The US President believes that the invasion of Ukraine would not have happened during his presidency.
Donald Trump said that Washington is considering making an exception for Hungary regarding sanctions on Russian oil imports. This is due to the fact that it is difficult for Hungary to obtain oil and gas from other regions due to its landlocked status.
During a meeting with Trump, Hungarian Prime Minister Orban stated that Ukraine could still win the war, but, according to him, it would be "a miracle. " Trump agreed with this.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban arrived at the White House, where he was met by Donald Trump. Trump did not rule out a meeting with Putin in Budapest, despite the previous cancellation of negotiations.
Hungarian oil refiner Mol said it could source most of its oil from non-Russian sources, signaling a shift in tone ahead of a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that a summit with Trump would be in demand, but it must be preceded by expert work.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, during his visit to Washington, will try to organize a summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, which was previously postponed. He will also discuss US sanctions on Russian oil and seeks a visit by Trump to Hungary before the elections.
The EU introduced a new entry-exit system (EES) on October 12, which involves collecting biometric data from non-EU citizens. Currently, all checkpoints on the border with Hungary and Poland are connected to the system, and no traffic complications have been observed.
A bipartisan group of US senators is urging Hungary to stop buying Russian energy ahead of Prime Minister Viktor Orban's meeting with US President Donald Trump. American lawmakers expressed concern that Hungary is not reducing its dependence on Russian fossil fuels.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said that a meeting between the US and Russian presidents on a peaceful settlement in Ukraine could take place soon if several issues are resolved. After that, an agreement on establishing peace in Ukraine is possible.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev announced that the Azerbaijani army is fully transitioning to NATO standards. This statement was made during a meeting with a NATO delegation on November 6 in Baku, where regional security and the modernization of the armed forces were discussed.
The European Council and Parliament have agreed to accelerate investments in the EU defense industry as part of the ReArm Europe plan. Ukraine will gain access to the European Defense Fund for joint developments.
Bundestag President Julia Klöckner called Germany "Europe's brothel" and called for a ban on sex purchases, advocating for the "Nordic model. " She argues that prostitution degrades women and is not a normal profession, despite its legalization in Germany since 2002.
The European Union plans to tighten visa restrictions for Russian citizens, allowing only single-entry visas for entry into the Schengen area starting this week. Exceptions will be made for humanitarian reasons or for individuals with dual EU citizenship.