Eastern Europe Shifting Alliances and Tensionsactive

Fugitive former Polish Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro is now in the United States courtesy of a visa from President Donald Trump after fleeing Hungary, local media report. Ziobro had been in Hungary since 2025 after former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán granted the disgraced minister asylum. New Hungarian leader Péter Magyar, however, promised to launch extradition proceedings against Ziobro upon taking office. Ziobro is wanted in Poland over the alleged misuse of public funds and the deployment of Pegasus spyware against political opponents. He has consistently denied the charges, calling the investigation a political vendetta from Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Poland’s foreign ministry told local media on Sunday that it had no official information of Ziobro’s whereabouts, adding that his passport had been revoked.

The future Hungarian Minister of Health, Zsolt Hegedűs, went viral after celebrating the inauguration of the new prime minister and the opening of the country's new National Assembly with an unusual dance on the stairs of the Parliament building in Budapest. Hegedűs, who had already become known for his movements during the celebrations of his party's electoral victory in April, repeated the dance as his colleagues applauded, and some even joined in. While a crowd gathered in the center of the Hungarian capital, waving flags to celebrate the Tisza party's success in ending Viktor Orbán's government, the leading candidate to head the Ministry of Security—dressed in a suit and tie—jumped, made gestures as if playing the guitar, and clapped along to the music. The Hungarian Minister's Dance Hegedűs had previously starred in a similar moment just over a month ago, after Péter Magyar and the center-right Tisza party's victory, when he danced exuberantly on the stage after the elected candidate's victory speech. This was the same dance he repeated now on the stairs of the Hungarian Parliament. The Party's Victory Magyar was sworn in as the new Prime Minister of Hungary this Saturday, marking the beginning of a new political era after 16 years of Orbán's government. The Tisza party defeated Fidesz and secured more votes and seats in Parliament than any other party…

Some of the world's longest pedestrian suspension bridges are not in Asia, but Germany, Hungary and the Czech Republic. Here's a list of these spectacular, world-breaking structures and where to find them.

The company had convinced workers to take up employment as light entrepreneurs, the court ruled.

Due to sanctions and geopolitical isolation, Russia has become a market for forced substitutes, parallel imports, and rising prices.

Yet despite a scaled-down military parade, thousands marched in the Immortal Regiment.

Keep our news free from ads and paywalls by making a donation to support our work! Notes from Poland is run by a small editorial team and is published by an independent, non-profit foundation that is funded through donations from our readers. We cannot do what we do without your support. This is a breaking news story and may be updated as events develop and more information becomes available. Poland’s former justice minister Zbigniew Ziobro, who is wanted in his homeland on a range of criminal charges, has been photographed at an airport in the United States, where he has reportedly fled from Hungary. Ziobro was granted asylum in Hungary last year by the government of Viktor Orbán, who is a conservative ally. However, new Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar, who was sworn into office yesterday, previously promised to launch proceedings to extradite Ziobro to Poland on his first day in office. On Sunday morning, right-wing Polish broadcaster Republika reported that Ziobro was in the US and would appear on the station on Sunday evening. NASZ NEWS: Zbigniew Ziobro przebywa w Stanach Zjednoczonych [SZCZEGÓŁY]#włączprawdę #TVRepublikahttps://t.co/aNCLfqMMKK — Telewizja Republika 🇵🇱 #włączprawdę (@RepublikaTV) May 10, 2026 A few hours later, TVN, a US-owned Polish liberal broadcaster, published a photograph of Ziobro at at Newark Liberty International Airport that it said had been taken by another traveller. The image showed Ziobro sitting at a Panda Express Chinese restaurant, speaking on his phone and surrounded by luggage. The face of a person sitting at the same table as Ziobro cannot be seen. But conservative Polish news website wPolityce reported today that Marcin Romanowski, a former deputy justice minister who also received asylum in Hungary after fleeing charges in Poland, has likewise now travelled to the US. Były minister sprawiedliwości, poseł PiS Zbigniew Ziobro był widziany w sobotę na lotnisku Newark w New Jersey w Stanach Zjednoczonych. Zdjęcie polityka otrzymaliśmy na @Kontakt__24.https://t.co/sdAUjXRXaR pic.twitter.com/DLITt4Ceyi — tvn24 (@tvn24) May 10, 2026 At the time of writing, there has been no comment from Ziobro, Romanowski or their legal teams on the latest reports. The spokesman for Poland’s foreign ministry, Maciej Wewiór, told the Fakt newspaper that they currently have no official information regarding Ziobro’s alleged travel to the US. Wewiór noted that Ziobro’s Polish passport had previously been revoked, so “we do not know what documents he was supposed to be using to travel, or if it is even true”. Click here to help us continue providing news free from paywalls and ads Ziobro and Romanowski were part of the national-conservative Law and Justice (PiS) government that ruled Poland from 2015 to 2023. PiS is an ally of Orbán and his Fidesz party. Both are also closely aligned with American President Donald Trump. After PiS lost power in December 2023, the new, more liberal government led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk began a series of investigations into alleged corruption and abuses of power under the former administration. Ziobro is accused of committing a variety of crimes, including leading a criminal group and approving the unlawful purchase of Pegasus spyware. If found guilty, he could face up to 25 years in prison. Ziobro denies the offences and claims to be the victim of a “political vendetta” against him by Tusk. In October, the government’s majority in parliament approved the lifting of Ziobro’s immunity from prosecution. However, he had by then already travelled to Hungary, where he met personally with Orbán and was then granted asylum in December. Hungary has granted asylum to former Polish justice minister @ZiobroPL, who is facing charges in Poland for alleged crimes committed when he served in the former PiS government. Ziobro thanked Viktor Orbán for defending him against "political persecution" https://t.co/dFi6zwQSxX — Notes from Poland 🇵🇱 (@notesfrompoland) January 12, 2026 In February, Hungarian opposition leader Magyar announced, after meeting with Tusk, that, if he won power at April’s elections, on his first day in office he would begin proceedings to extradite Ziobro and Romanowski to Poland to face justice. Magyar’s Tisza party subsequently won a landslide victory at those elections, ending 16 years of Orbán rule. Yesterday, Magyar and his new government took office. Ziobro and Romanowski have both previously declared that they would only be willing to return voluntarily to Poland “when the rule of law is restored”. They claim that, under Tusk’s government, it would be impossible for them to receive a fair trial. Hungarian opposition leader Péter Magyar has declared that, if he wins April's elections, his government would extradite former Polish justice minister Zbigniew Ziobro, who was recently granted asylum in Hungary, back to Poland on its first day in office https://t.co/lMi3oF2U7x — Notes from Poland 🇵🇱 (@notesfrompoland) February 16, 2026 Notes from Poland is run by a small editorial team and published by an independent, non-profit foundation that is funded through donations from our readers. We cannot do what we do without your support. Main image credit: Pawel Malecki / Agencja Wyborcza.pl

Large crowds gathered outside the Hungarian parliament building to celebrate the official inauguration of Peter Magyar as prime minister. Among the attendees was incoming Health Minister Zsolt Hegedus, who became popular online for his dancing on the night of the country's April election.

On April 28, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said that the EU’s 21st package of sanctions against Russia will be aimed at increasing pressure on the energy sector

Robert Fico said that he had important information on prospects for cooperation with Russia in the energy sector

The territory of the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in the Tatarstan region, where Russians manufacture Shahed-type kamikaze drones, has expanded by 340 hectares over the past year.

Euractiv noted that Brussels warned about a shortfall in Slovakia’s agricultural payments agency, which puts funding for local farmers at risk

Spanish health officials says all 146 passengers remain asymptomatic as vessel arrives in Tenerife waters Good morning, and welcome to our Europe live blog. Spanish health ​officials have said all the passengers on the ‌hantavirus-stricken MV Hondius remain asymptomatic after the vessel arrived in Tenerife on Sunday, almost a month after the first passenger died of the rodent-borne disease on board the ship. “The anchoring has been a success despite all the difficulties,” the health minister, Mónica García, said after intensive preparations to receive the ship in the port of Granadilla were carried out over recent days. Vladimir Putin has said he thinks the Ukraine war is winding down, adding that he was ready to meet Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a third country only once all conditions for a potential peace agreement were settled. The pro-European centre-right leader Péter Magyar has been sworn in as prime minister of Hungary, marking the official end to Viktor Orbán’s 16 years in power. The king of Denmark asked a centre-right politician to try to form a new government after the prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, failed to put together a ruling coalition. Continue reading...

Utility bills and food costs: a thousand euros in taxes for Italians. It will take months to return to normalcy. Businesses are also affected.

Sparta keeper Surovcik says he will pursue legal action Slavia chairman Tvrdik calls incident in derby ‘disgrace’ The derby between Slavia Prague and Sparta Prague was abandoned on Saturday after hundreds of home fans stormed the pitch in the closing minutes, when Slavia were leading 3-2 at their Fortuna Stadium and seconds away from clinching the Czech League title. Slavia supporters breached security barriers during stoppage time and flooded the field, with some carrying lit flares and running toward the visiting section. Pyrotechnics were thrown into the stands as players from both teams attempted to leave the pitch. Continue reading...

After securing a decisive victory in April, the pro-European conservative pledged to 'work to ensure the rule of law returns quickly' and, above all, not to repeat the mistakes of his nationalist predecessor, Viktor Orban.

Some shows are already pegged as some of the most highly anticipated art happenings of the year.

The EU’s AI Omnibus is finally here, but some criticize it for a lack of ambition. While the EU must still formally approve the AI Omnibus, focus now shifts to the second leg of the EU’s digital simplification efforts: the Digital Omnibus package, which is crucial for AI development and data.

Climate shelters are becoming "critical components” of urban strategies as heat deaths in Europe continue to rise.

The Russian president also stated that he is willing to meet with Zelenskyy in a third country if a long-term peace agreement is reached.

The city of Guatemala received the first gondolas and structural components of the AeroMetro system. The arrival, announced via social media this Saturday, marks a tangible advancement in the implementation of the cable-based mass transit system. The mayor of the municipality, Ricardo Quiñónez, personally oversaw the unloading of the gondolas and machinery. Furthermore, the official explained that the receipt of these components from Europe represents a key step for the next phase of construction. Quiñónez detailed in a video: "This is a practical mechanism. The seats are made of stainless steel for greater durability, and they can also be raised. Inside the gondola, it is possible to carry bicycles, stretchers, or larger items." AeroMetro, promoted by the Municipality of Guatemala, has an estimated investment of Q1.216 billion (approximately USD 159 million) and operates under a 25-year concession scheme, according to information released by Soy502 and other local media outlets. The system will utilize electromechanical technology, operate on electricity, and have the capacity to transport up to 374,000 users daily in over 450 gondolas. Each gondola has a capacity for 12 passengers and will operate continuously at a speed of 23.4 km/h. The design allows for a gondola to pass each station approximately every six seconds, which will help to expedite travel within the city. The project is progressing...

Canberra has leveraged its position as a major gas exporter to pressure Asian suppliers to ensure a continued supply of essential refined oil products.

The 61st edition of the international art event launched on Saturday in an atmosphere marked by geopolitical strife. (Image credit: Luca Bruno)

On Saturday, May 9, a banner reading "Putin war criminal" was displayed on the wall of Narva Castle in the Estonian city of Narva, facing Russia.

As of March 31, 2026, a total of 4.33 million Ukrainian citizens who fled the war had temporary protection status in the European Union.

A Greek military source said the flying robot, found this week off the island of Lefkada, may have been Ukrainian. Kyiv has admitted using drones to target Russian oil tankers in the Mediterranean.

Belarusian President said the country would do everything possible to preserve the peace achieved by veterans

A large-scale international memorial and unity run titled "I Run with Europe" was held in Kyiv to mark Europe Day.

Asked about EU plans for talks to end the four-year conflict, the Russian president said former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder would be his preferred negotiator.

Russia's failure to critically confront the mass crimes of the Stalin era is one of the key preconditions for the war against Ukraine, and the West bears part of the responsibility for never having firmly demanded such a reckoning.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow’s warnings that it would retaliate against any Ukrainian strikes on its annual Victory Day celebration helped spark a deal over a three-day ceasefire.

The release of over 160 classified UFO files raises questions about government transparency.

Taurus cruise missiles would have a real military impact for Ukraine, but the decision on their supply is a political responsibility of the governing parties.

In Toronto, Obama and Carney met. In Rome, the Avs party proposed a program for consideration by the government.

Losses driven largely by depreciation of cryptocurrency assets as prices of digital currencies tumble.

Ukrainian forces have significantly intensified strikes on Russian logistics, military equipment, and manpower, which has weakened Russia's ability to conduct offensive operations.

Global politics are casting a long shadow at the Venice Biennale, which opens for six months on Saturday. The world's oldest contemporary art event is off to a rocky start amid resignations, boycotts and protests over the inclusion of Russia and Israel.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has congratulated Peter Magyar on his appointment and the start of his work as Prime Minister of Hungary.

"Ever since the 1990s, the narrative has been ... 'divide and conquer’ in the Balkans. The students have a different approach: ‘unite and conquer’."

Péter Magyar was sworn in Saturday as Hungary’s new prime minister, ushering in a new era in the country that had been under the autocratic rule of Viktor Orbán for 16 years. Magyar’s center-right Tisza party notched a landslide victory in last month’s elections, securing a two-thirds majority in parliament despite a last-minute push from both Vice…

Peter Magyar, a pro-EU conservative, was sworn in as Hungary's new prime minister on Saturday, closing the chapter on the 16-year rule of his nationalist predecessor, Viktor Orban.

Peter Magyar has officially been sworn in as Hungary's new prime minister, nearly a month after defeating Viktor Orban.

The Hungarian opposition leader, Péter Magyar, was sworn in as the new Prime Minister of Hungary this Saturday, marking the end of Viktor Orbán's 16-year rule and ushering in a new political era characterized by promises of institutional reforms and economic recovery. Magyar assumed office after winning a decisive victory in the parliamentary elections held on April 12th. His party, Tisza, secured a constitutional majority, which will allow him to reverse some of the reforms implemented by Orbán over more than a decade in power. The new Prime Minister was confirmed by Parliament with 140 votes in favor, 54 against, and one abstention, during a session held this Saturday in Budapest. In his first speech as Prime Minister, Magyar stated that the citizens of Hungary voted for a profound change in the country. "The Hungarian people have given us a mandate to end decades of inaction," he said. "I urge everyone here, within the walls of Parliament, to listen and hear that the Hungarians have expressed that they want change, not just a change of government, but a change of system, to start anew," he added. Magyar's arrival in power represents one of the most significant political shifts in Hungary since Orbán's return to power in 2010. For years, the now-former leader has been criticized by opposition groups and European organizations, who accused him of progressively weakening institutions and undermining democratic principles in the country. The new government...

Russian President Vladimir Putin is expanding Russia’s military capabilities along NATO borders and, under certain conditions, could decide to attack Alliance territory, but credible deterrence could prevent this.

Peter Magyar said the head of state had no right to remain in office because he had covered up wrongdoings of Viktor Orban’s previous government in recent years

Yury Ushakov added that some time would be needed to organize the exchange, but the process could move fairly quickly

Hungary may be entering a new political phase as the European Union flag appeared alongside the national flag outside parliament, symbolising a potential shift in the country’s long-standing confrontation with Brussels. FRANCE 24 International Affairs Editor Shirley Sippon said the change comes after years in which Viktor Orban positioned Hungary as a key challenger within the EU, particularly on issues ranging from veto power to Ukraine policy and rule-of-law disputes.

Yury Ushakov described the messages conveyed from Kiev by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico as outdated and already heard before

For the first time, Biennale workers went on strike on Friday over Russia's and Israel's presence at the kermesse, with twenty pavilions closed on the eve of the public opening.

The Ministry of Culture and Sports presented progress in the development of the Public Policy on Indigenous Peoples and Interculturality, a key initiative to consolidate cultural diversity and the participation of indigenous communities within the Guatemalan state system. The proposal, presented to the National Council for Urban and Rural Development (Preconadur), outlines a roadmap aimed at incorporating the worldview and rights of indigenous peoples into state institutions to reverse historical exclusion and promote intercultural coexistence, according to the MCD news outlet. The Deputy Minister of Cultural and Natural Heritage, Rossina Cazali, along with the Deputy Minister of Interculturality, Santos Alvarado, described the mechanisms designed to ensure the legitimacy and representativeness of the new policy. Santos Alvarado explained that the initial phase involves organizing eight regional workshops across the country to gather input from communities and disseminate the content of the policy. A multidisciplinary team of indigenous professionals will also be formed, responsible for compiling the contributions and refining the document, with specific funding allocated to facilitate the consultation and dialogue process in the various regions. "Through this policy, we aim to ensure the inclusion and participation of indigenous peoples within the state system," Alvarado stated during the presentation.

Péter Magyar called for those who occupy high office, described as remnants of the Orbán regime, to vacate their posts by the 31st of May. The order was extended to specifically include the country's President Tamás Sulyok.

Parent company of president’s Truth Social platform generated only $870,000 even as net sales were up 6% The parent company of Donald Trump’s Truth Social platform – one of the president’s preferred communications channels – lost nearly $406m in the first three months of the year while generating a little over $870,000 in revenue, according to financial filings. The Trump Media and Technology Group’s quarterly report for January to March 2026 showed that while net sales were up 6% year over year, the company took sizable losses related to other investments. Continue reading...

Hungary's Peter Magyar was sworn in as the country's new prime minister on Saturday, ending Viktor Orban's 16 years of autocratic rule. Magyar's center-right Tisza party defeated Orbán's nationalist-populist Fidesz in a stunning upset last month, gaining more votes and seats in Parliament than any other party in Hungary's post-Communist history. The victory, which gave Tisza a two-thirds parliamentary majority, will allow it to reverse many of the policies that gave Orbán...

Péter Magyar was sworn in as the new Prime Minister of Hungary this Saturday, marking the end of Viktor Orbán's long tenure. In an inaugural address to the Parliament in Budapest, the conservative leader announced his commitment to dismantling the illiberal regime that has dominated Hungarian politics for the past sixteen years, and to placing the fight against corruption at the center of his administration. Magyar's inauguration coincided with Europe Day, a symbolically charged occasion in which the Parliament once again raised the flag of the European Union (EU), a symbol that had been removed during Orbán's administration. The ceremony was attended by 199 members of parliament, of whom 140 supported the new Prime Minister, while 54 voted against him. The day was marked by the message of change that the Prime Minister conveyed from the very beginning: "Hungarians have expressed that they want change, not just a change of government, but a change of system." The elections held on April 12th gave Tisza, Magyar's party, an absolute majority of more than two-thirds in the Parliament. This parliamentary advantage will allow the new government to push for constitutional changes, ensuring the viability of its reform program aimed at dismantling the political system established by Orbán and restoring relations with the EU. In his first address as Prime Minister, Magyar announced the creation of the Office of Recovery and...

Newly elected Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar arrived at the country’s parliament building on Saturday, May 9, and took his oath of office.

The family of a former senior official at a newspaper affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party has issued a statement regarding the man, who was detained in Beijing four years ago shortly after meeting with a Japanese embassy staff member. He was subsequently sentenced to seven years in prison on espionage charges. The family revealed that the man is currently hospitalized due to health problems and that a tumor has been discovered in his lungs. They are appealing for his release so that he can receive proper medical treatment.

Sultan Ibrahim invited Putin to pay a state visit to Malaysia next year

Slovakia receives "significant resources," namely oil and gas, from Russia, Slovak Prime Minister said

Magyar's Tisza party has won a large majority in parliament.

He will replace Viktor Orban, who after 16 years of uninterrupted rule is moving into opposition together with his party, Fidesz - Hungarian Civic Alliance

Keep our news free from ads and paywalls by making a donation to support our work! Notes from Poland is run by a small editorial team and is published by an independent, non-profit foundation that is funded through donations from our readers. We cannot do what we do without your support. Piwniczna-Zdrój, a small town of around 5,000 residents in Poland’s southern Beskidy mountains, has been named the most climate-change-resistant place in the European Union in a new ranking. COOLCITY, a platform that seeks to help cities enhance their adaptation to climate change, this week published an index that ranks 11,041 municipalities across the EU based on their performance in five categories: land permeability, vegetation state, biodiversity, water conditions and thermal conditions. Each factor was assessed using data from remote sensors, including the Sentinel and Landsat satellites, that were analysed with the help of artificial intelligence. All towns and cities included in the COOLCITY Index, with the top 10 places highlighted (source: COOLCITY Index) Piwniczna-Zdrój, a spa town located around 5 kilometres from the border with Slovakia, achieved the highest average score across all categories, with 8.5 out of 10. It was followed in the ranking by Echinos in Greece and Ii in Finland. Piwniczna-Zdrój received a perfect score of 10 for surface permeability, which measures how concrete and other structures reduce water retention and increase urban heating It also scored highly (9.6) in the state of vegetation category, which looks at the presence of greenery, such as trees and shrubs, that can help with cooling down the microclimate. Click here to help us continue providing news free from paywalls and ads The mayor of Piwniczna-Zdrój, Tomasz Michałowski, welcomed the results of the ranking, saying that his town has prioritised eco-friendly investments, promoted responsible tourism and combated illegal rubbish dumping with monitoring. In comments to local newspaper Gazeta Krakowska, he also noted that his town has never suffered from what many call “concretitis” (“betonoza”), referring to a trend in recent decades for many places around Poland to replace green areas with concrete. In 2023, Poland’s former government launched an initiative to provide small towns with funding to “de-concrete” public spaces, increase greenery, and improve water retention. The COOLCITY index also found that, among the largest cities in the EU (with a population of more than 500,000), Kraków in southern Poland was the joint-sixth most resistant to climate change. Stockholm and Göteborg in Sweden were first and second respectively. “We wanted to create a tool that not only shows data, but above all helps to understand and use it in practice,” said the COOLCITY project’s strategic director, Łukasz Sławik. The initiative is run by a consortium led by MGGP Aero, a Polish company specialising in aerial surveying and remote sensing, and which also includes the University of Warsaw and the University of Lodz. The government will provide funds to help small towns reduce concrete spaces, increase greenery, and improve water retention. Recent years have seen many municipalities replace greenery with concrete, a trend labelled betonoza ("concretitis") by critics https://t.co/GF2XZWqixD — Notes from Poland 🇵🇱 (@notesfrompoland) July 23, 2023 According to scientists, climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including heatwaves, droughts, storms and floods. In 2024, after Poland was hit by catastrophic flooding that claimed nine lives, climate scientists calculated that the severe rainfall which caused it had been made twice as likely and 7% more intense due to climate change. At the same time, Poland has also suffered increasingly common and severe droughts. Last year, the water level in the Vistula, Poland’s longest river, fell to a record low of 7cm in Warsaw. Human-induced climate change made the extreme rainfall that caused recent deadly floods in Central Europe twice as likely and 7% more intense, a group of scientists has found They warn that rising global temperatures will make such events even more common https://t.co/CKG0oU9EeW — Notes from Poland 🇵🇱 (@notesfrompoland) September 26, 2024 Notes from Poland is run by a small editorial team and published by an independent, non-profit foundation that is funded through donations from our readers. We cannot do what we do without your support. Main image credit: Jerzy Opioła/Wikimedia Commons (under CC BY-SA 4.0)

The leader of the Tisza party has gained the confidence of the parliament, marking the end of the Orbán era.

Hungary's new Prime Minister, Péter Magyar, was sworn in on Saturday, ending Viktor Orbán's 16-year tenure and raising hopes for a rapprochement with the EU. Magyar, whose Tisza party won last month's parliamentary elections in a landslide, was voted in during a ceremony in the parliament building in Budapest, where the EU flag was flying for the first time in a decade. The blue and gold banner was reinstated by the incoming speaker, reversing an Orbán-era decision to remove it. "I wish all the best to Péter Magyar and Hungary," European Council President António Costa told reporters at simultaneous celebrations marking Europe Day in Brussels. "It is a new chapter in Hungarian history and we are ready to work with the new Hungarian government." Magyar has vowed a reset with Brussels to try to secure approximately €10 billion in EU funds that have been frozen due to concerns about human rights and the rule of law in recent years. Magyar traveled to Brussels last week to meet with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as the new administration works to meet an August deadline to demonstrate progress on reforms or risk losing access to the funds altogether. Tisza, formed by Magyar in 2020 after he left Orbán's ruling Fidesz party, won 141 of the 200 available parliamentary seats in April's nationwide vote, giving the party the two-thirds supermajority required to make constitutional changes. Orbán, along with many of his top allies…

Peter Magyar vowed to implement wide-ranging reforms after winning a landslide election last month, ending Viktor Orban's 16 years in power.

The new Prime Minister of Hungary, Péter Magyar, was sworn in before Parliament this Saturday, marking the end of Viktor Orbán's 16-year rule. During the ceremony, the newly appointed Prime Minister called on citizens to "write the history of Hungary" and "cross the threshold of regime change," according to The Guardian. This comes just a month after the center-right party Tisza, for which Magyar was a candidate, defeated the nationalist-populist Fidesz party, led by Orbán. In a surprising turn of events, the political force led by Magyar secured more votes and parliamentary seats than any other party in the country's post-communist history. This victory, which gives Tisza a parliamentary majority of two-thirds, will allow them to reverse many of the policies that have led to Orbán being viewed by many of his critics as an authoritarian far-right leader. It will also enable them to strengthen measures against alleged corruption and transform the political dynamics within the European Union, where the former Prime Minister frequently destabilized the bloc by vetoing key decisions. A Parliament without Orbán On Saturday, Magyar entered the massive neo-Gothic Parliament building alongside 140 deputies from his party, who will occupy 141 of the chamber's 199 seats. Orbán's Fidesz-KDNP coalition will control 52 seats, a significant decrease from the 135 they held in the previous legislature. Meanwhile, the far-right party Mi Hazánk (Our Homeland)…

The Russian leader used his annual address to justify what he calls his "special military operation" in Ukraine.

Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine has led to a shift in Germany’s security policy priorities and the introduction of the concept of “integrated security,” which envisages the involvement of the entire society in the defense of the state.

Jubilation in Budapest as Péter Magyar becomes leader and invites people to "step through the gate of regime change." • Europe live – latest updates The pro-European center-right leader Péter Magyar has been sworn in as prime minister of Hungary, marking the official end to Viktor Orbán's 16 years in power. Saturday's ceremony – during which Magyar had invited people to join him to "write Hungarian history" together and "step through the gate of regime change" – comes a month after his opposition Tisza party won a landslide victory in parliamentary elections. Continue reading...

Ukrainian troops continued delivering strikes on Russian army positions and civilian facilities in 18 Russian regions despite the Victory Day ceasefire, the Defense Ministry of Russia reported

The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, stated this Saturday that Ukraine is celebrating Europe Day with the firm conviction that it is already an "indivisible" part of the European family and that it has had the support of Europeans from the very first days of the Russian aggression in February 2022. He also warned that Putin's Russia "will not succeed" in dividing its allies. "Today is Europe Day. And Ukraine is celebrating it not in a formal way, nor with slogans, but with a full awareness that we are already an inseparable part of the European family," Zelenskyy wrote in a message on social media. "We are defending Ukraine, our independence, our future; and in doing so, in Ukraine we are defending our Europe. A Europe of which Ukraine has been and will continue to be a part," he added. He added that from the very first days of the large-scale war to the present day, Europe has stood by Ukraine, not out of charity, but as a decision made by Europeans to "stand with the brave and the strong, with the Ukrainians who are fighting today for peace and for true protection against tyranny, not only for themselves, but for the entire continent." "We will inevitably defend our state, our people, and our right to freely choose our future: a future in Europe," he affirmed. For his part, he warned that "Russia will not succeed in dividing or fracturing Europe," while thanking the president for his congratulations...

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has discussed steps toward Ukraine's European integration with President of the European Council Antonio Costa.

European leaders are commemorating Europe Day this Saturday, the anniversary of the inception in 1950 of the seed of the European Union, the European Coal and Steel Community, celebrating over 70 years of unity, despite disagreements, in the face of the numerous international crises of the present day. Starting with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, members of the EU have taken to social media to celebrate a "European project" that the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, has described as "a treasure forged by the courage of those who refused to let nationalism and war be our destiny." "In the face of crises, Europe has not stopped protecting us and acting quickly, with strength and solidarity when history calls at our door. During the pandemic, in the economic turmoil, in the face of the Russian threat and the war in Ukraine on European soil, we have resisted, always," declared the French head of state. The President of the European Council, António Costa, has presented the EU as an example of international collaboration. "United in diversity, we continue to build our shared future of peace, freedom, and opportunity," he stated. The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has joined in these congratulations on a day that his country "commemorates not with formalities or slogans, but fully aware that it is already an inseparable part of the European family." "From..."

Russia will remain the greatest security threat to Europe for the foreseeable future, and Germany must strengthen its own defense capabilities to prevent an open military conflict.

"Russian-Slovak relations for many years, including during your previous terms as prime minister, were characterized by a high level of political dialogue and stable cooperation dynamics," the Russian leader said

Hungary's incoming prime minister Pater Magyar is marking a "clean break" with his predecessor Viktor Orban as he is set to be sworn into office on Saturday. "It's officially a new era", said Zsolt Kerner, senior reporter at Hungarian online media 24.hu. Magyar was previously a member of Orban's Fidesz party.

German company backed by Spotify’s Daniel Ek set to raise $1.2bn in latest funding round

A military unit from North Korea participated in a military parade for the first time, marching on Moscow's Red Square to commemorate the 81st anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War.

Russian President Vladimir Putin led the military parade on Victory Day, commemorating the Soviet Union's triumph in World War II, in Moscow's Red Square. His remarks focused on the progress of the Russian military in Ukraine. The President stated that, "despite the fact that (Russian soldiers) are fighting against an aggressive force (the Ukrainian army) that is supported by the entire NATO bloc, our heroes continue to advance" on the front lines. Putin used the commemoration of the 81st anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany to emphasize the historical continuity between the soldiers fighting in Ukraine and those who fought in the "Great Patriotic War," a term used by the Soviet Union to refer to World War II. He also highlighted that the current troops "continue the tradition of Soviet soldiers." Putin reminded those present that the Red Army "saved" not only the Soviet Union, but also Europe, referring to countries that "had surrendered and ceded their sovereignty to the advancing Nazi forces." During the ceremony, Putin emphasized the importance of national unity, stating that the consolidation of the Russian people, their moral strength, and "the ability to overcome any challenge" are "the key to success." This sentiment was reflected in his most emphatic message: "I am firmly convinced that our cause is just. We are together, and victory was and always will be ours." The...

Hungary's incoming prime minister, Peter Magyar, arrived Saturday at the Parliament building to be sworn into office, ending Viktor Orban's autocratic 16-year rule. RFI Correspondent Florence Le Bruyère reports from Budapest.

Deputy Head of the Kramatorsk District State Administration Roman Simashov, who was injured in Russia's May 5 strike on the city, has died in hospital.

The number raises the prospect that about half a million soldiers in total have died on the Russian and Ukrainian sides.

Fico’s motorcade arrived at the Kremlin, where he was greeted by an honor guard and an orchestra at the red carpet

A performance at Tikkurila high school has sparked controversy after students performed to a patriotic Russian song and waved Russian flags.

Bright lights and mysterious objects, those are what could be found in a new batch of files on UFOs that the Pentagon began releasing on Friday as President Donald Trump taps into the public's long-held curiosities about "unidentified anomalous phenomena” in the broader universe.

Putin is set to speak at the World War II commemoration, which is scaled back this year due to security concerns.

The Taiwanese parliament, which has an opposition majority, approved this Friday a budget of nearly USD 25 billion for defense. This amount is significantly lower than the proposal presented in November by President Lai Ching-te, who had requested a supplementary budget of USD 40 billion. This measure, which ends months of political debate about defense spending, represents a setback for the president and his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). During the negotiations, the Kuomintang – the main opposition party and favorable to strengthening ties with the Chinese regime – proposed increasing funding for the acquisition of American weaponry. Legislators from the ruling party criticized the proposal and warned that it could leave Taiwan vulnerable in the event of a blockade or encirclement by China, by excluding domestic purchases from the final budget. For this reason, the ruling party accused the opposition group of seeking to "disarm" the island. President Lai intended to increase defense spending to 5% of gross domestic product (GDP) by the end of 2025 and to highlight the support of the United States and the principle of "seeking peace through strength." Lai also stated that the development of the T-Dome, an integrated multi-layered defense system to protect Taiwan from Chinese missiles, rockets, drones, and combat aircraft, is being accelerated, amidst exercises by Beijing near the island and Japan…

In a survey by Uutissuomalainen, second place went to Riikka Purra of the Finns Party, followed by Sofia Virta of the Greens.

"When they try to weaken us, we respond with greater determination."

The parade began with a march of the banner group of the Preobrazhensky Regiment Honor Guard’s unit carrying the Russian national flag and the legendary Victory Banner across Red Square

Earlier, Zelensky threatened to launch drones towards Moscow during the Victory Day parade on May 9.

Each year, President Putin delivers a major speech at the Victory Day parade on Moscow’s Red Square

In accordance with Hungarian law, Magyar, as the leader of the winning party, will be nominated for the post of prime minister by President Tamas Sulyok

On Saturday, May 9, Ukraine is celebrating Europe Day together with the countries of the European Union.

Security was tight in Moscow on Saturday as President Vladimir Putin prepared to speak at Russia’s annual Victory Day parade in Red Square. Authorities have scaled back the traditional military display amid fears of Ukrainian attacks despite a fragile US-backed ceasefire intended to prevent disruptions to the commemorations.

The parent company of President Donald Trump's Truth Social, the social media platform, showed a net loss of over $400 million in the first quarter.

At an informal EU summit in Cyprus in April, "Vladimir Zelensky was reportedly upbraided by other European leaders over his EU membership expectations

U. S. President Donald Trump emphasized that the leaders of Russia and Ukraine had agreed to a three-day ceasefire and a prisoner swap at his request.