Member states of the United Nations

Austria-Hungary is "rising from the grave"; Don't worry, it will only last 50 years

Given that Hungary is holding 50 billion euros in aid to Ukraine and as a hostage for that country's accession to the EU, Vienna, its critics claim, is using the impasse to push its priorities behind the scenes, ignoring the urgency of the situation in Kyiv.

The world has been warned: Next year...

The report states that the number of people in need of humanitarian aid this year has risen to 300 million, that the number of forcibly displaced people has increased to 110 million and that 20 African countries are facing the worst crisis, according to Reuters.
Sudan tops the IRC's humanitarian situation list, followed by the Palestinian territories and South Sudan.

FT: Hungary Threatened Bulgaria With Schengen Veto Due To The Tax On Russian Gas

Hungary threatened on Monday to block Bulgaria's bid to join the Schengen area if fees for the transfer of Russian gas are not removed.

The Financial Times reports this, citing three sources familiar with the discussions (noting that the Hungarian authorities have not commented officially).

Austrian Media: US Intervention Drives Vienna Toward Bulgaria and Romania Schengen Entry

The United States' behind-the-scenes efforts have influenced Austria's change of heart regarding Bulgaria and Romania's Schengen entry, according to reports by the Austrian newspaper Der Standard. Recent discussions led by former US Ambassador Ronald Lauder and US Assistant Secretary of State James O'Brien in Vienna played a pivotal role in convincing Austria to lift its veto.

Schengen Entry in Limbo: Bulgaria-Austria Negotiations Stalled

Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov clarified that ongoing negotiations with Austria have yet to yield a finalized agreement for Bulgaria's accession to Schengen by air. Speaking to bTV, Denkov emphasized the necessity for compliance with general European regulations, dismissing the prospect of Bulgaria adhering to specific rules exclusive to the nation.

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