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.
Deputies of "European Solidarity" are preparing for winter holidays abroad. The faction demands that the Cabinet of Ministers lift restrictions on the departure of officials, claiming business trips.
The pro-government media group Indamedia acquired Ringier Hungary, along with the tabloid Blikk, sparking outrage among journalists. This event occurred just months before elections where Viktor Orban's party faces serious competition.
EU countries have agreed to cut emissions by 90% by 2040 compared to 1990 levels, a compromise ahead of COP30. The agreement provides for flexibility, including the possibility of purchasing international carbon credits.
Ukraine is actively preparing for EU accession negotiations, with the support of 26 member states and working to change Hungary's position. Deputy Prime Minister Kachka stated that all six clusters will be ready for opening by the end of November, and completing negotiations by 2028 is a realistic goal.
The European Commission and the Belgian government will meet to overcome the political deadlock regarding the use of frozen Russian assets. Belgium is in no hurry to approve the plan due to fears of financial and legal risks, demanding guarantees and risk sharing with other EU countries.
New EU member states may be subject to a "probationary period" of several years, with the possibility of suspending membership or expelling them from the bloc if they deviate from democratic principles.