Hungary

Minister of Economy Petko Nikolov highlighted the potential economic benefits of Bulgaria's full accession to the Schengen Area, estimating it could generate up to BGN 1.3 billion annually, as reported by the Bulgarian National Radio (BNR).

Hungary takes over the EU's rotating presidency on Monday, promising to be an "honest broker" despite widespread concerns over what critics see as an authoritarian, Russia-friendly government.

The EU's top court fined Hungary 200 million euros ($216 million) and imposed a daily one-million-euro penalty for failing to follow the bloc's asylum laws and illegally deporting migrants.

BELGRADE - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Wednesday morning that, in a long and substantial telephone conversation with Viktor Orban, he had congratulated the Hungarian PM on "another victory" in Hungary, and added that friendly cooperation guaranteed peace, stability and prosperity to the two countries and the region.

Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Hungary Thursday seeking a "new journey" with Beijing's closest European Union ally amid Beijing's divisions with the West over the Ukraine war and global trade.

The state visit to Hungary is the last leg of Xi's European tour, his first to the continent since 2019.

As the Hungarian forint experiences volatility, German investors are increasingly advocating for Hungary to adopt the euro, reaching the highest level of support in over a decade, according to a survey conducted by the German-Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson arrived in Budapest on Feb. 23 for talks with his Hungarian counterpart Viktor Orban ahead of a key parliamentary vote on Stockholm's bid to join NATO.

Hungary remains the last obstacle to the Nordic country's NATO membership after Türkiye's ratification last month, but its parliament is set to vote on Sweden's bid on Feb. 26.

China has extended its support to Hungary on public security matters, marking a significant development in their long-standing strategic partnership. The offer comes at a crucial juncture as NATO seeks to bolster its influence in Europe, adding a new dimension to Hungary's foreign relations beyond traditional trade and investment ties.

In a surprising turn of events, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has signaled a willingness to reconsider his position on utilizing the European Union budget to provide military aid to Ukraine. The announcement precedes a crucial emergency EU summit scheduled for Thursday, where leaders will deliberate on support for Ukraine amid escalating tensions.

The EU will sabotage Hungary's economy if Budapest blocks new aid to Ukraine at a summit this week, the Financial Times reports, citing a confidential plan drawn up by Brussels that marks a major escalation in the battle between the Union and its most pro-Russian country. member.