Fragmented Global Alignments and Conflictsactive

LONDON — Nigel Farage described the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party as a “mixed bag,” as the British politician eyes gains in crucial U.K. elections next Thursday. Germany’s AfD has an “utterly respectable and decent” cultural stance — but its ties with dictators like Russian President Vladimir Putin are “very, very difficult,” the right-wing Reform UK leader told Axel Springer CEO Mathias Döpfner for his podcast series MD Meets. Axel Springer is the owner of POLITICO. Centrist German politicians have accused the AfD of using its rising influence to act as a mouthpiece for Putin inside Germany — a claim AfD leaders strongly deny. Several AfD members traveled to Sochi in Russia last November to attend a summit on cooperation between Europe and the BRICS — the group of major emerging economies that includes Russia as well as Brazil, India, China, and South Africa. “I think the pro-Putin stuff … I find it hard to understand,” Farage, a key architect of Brexit, said. “I do find this tie with some of those dictators very, very difficult,” he said, when questioned about its stance on China, Russia and Iran. The Reform UK leader also claimed to be “slightly confused” by the AfD’s economic policy. “Do they want to be in the euro? Do they want the Deutschmark back? All of it I’ve found a little bit unclear,” he said. But Farage, who led the Europe of Freedom and Democracy Group in the European Union before Brexit in 2020, …

The entire international jury of the Venice Biennale resigned on Thursday in the latest escalation of a months-long political fight over Russia’s return to the exhibition. The exodus marks one of the most dramatic moves yet in a dispute that has pitted members of the jury, the Biennale Foundation and the Italian government against one another. At the heart of the conflict is a controversial decision to reopen the Russian pavilion, which has been closed since Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. In their resignation letter, the jury said the move was motivated by their refusal to engage with “those countries whose leaders are currently charged with crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court” — in other words, Russia and Israel. After announcing he would boycott the Biennale’s opening, Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli this week sent ministry inspectors to investigate if Russia’s participation is “compatible with the existing sanctions regime.” The decision drew praise from EU Culture Commissioner Glenn Micallef, who cheered the minister’s “principled position.” Earlier this month EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced the European Commission would cut funding to the Biennale as a result of its decision to admit Russian artists to its 2026 edition. Following the jury’s resignation, the Biennale on Friday announced it will revamp its awards procedures and allow visitors to decide who takes home the prestigious Golden Lion prizes. Only two will be awarded: one for best international participant and another for best national artist. Any ticket holder who visits at least two exhibition sites can participate in the vote. In what organizers described as a response to the “exceptional geopolitical situation,” the prizes will be awarded on the final day of the exhibition in November, rather than at its opening. The shift means visitors will be able to vote for artists from all participating countries, including Russia and Israel. The Biennale defended its decision as consistent with its founding principles of openness and dialogue, calling the exhibition “a place of truce in the name of art, culture and artistic freedom.”

The drills are set to take place over the Baltic Sea and in northern Poland

Charles III, with his four-day U. S. tour, helped take some of the rancor out of trans-Atlantic ties—at least for now.

Islamists in Mali have routed Kremlin-backed forces after confounding efforts by the West to uproot al Qaeda and its offshoots in the Sahel.

"We remain ready to target such actions by listing individuals and entities in third countries [Israel] if necessary," the EU had warned on Thursday.

Fousseynou Ouattara noted that such cooperation was key to ensuring security in the Sahel region and countering common terrorist threats

On April 24, the US and the EU signed the memorandum on strategic partnership in the sphere of critical minerals

Dmitry Polyansky noted that Paris and Warsaw are preparing joint bilateral military exercises involving the procedure of carrying out nuclear strikes

Robert Fico criticized the European Union for its 90 billion euro "military loan" to Ukraine

The latest World Press Freedom Index highlights Serbia and Turkey as countries where journalists are particularly at risk of physical attack, or subject to political pressure.

The National Bank of Ukraine has decided to maintain the key policy rate at 15%.

These demands concerned, in particular, access for the Hungarian minority to education in their native language

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. The European Commission has launched infringement proceedings against Poland over its failure to restore and protect the Oder river after major environmental disasters there in recent years. In 2022, over 360 tonnes of fish died in the river as a result of algal blooms caused by poor water quality, with a further 100 tonnes dying in 2024. The European Commission says that Poland has failed since then to take sufficient steps to protect the Oder, including limiting the discharge of saline water from mines into the river. It has therefore filed a formal letter of notice to the Polish government, which now has two months to respond. If it fails to allay Brussels’s concerns, the commission may launch legal action against Poland at the Court of Justice of the European Union. Komisja Europejska wszczęła postępowanie wobec Polski ws. naruszenia prawa UE. Chodzi o rzekę Odrę.https://t.co/IZBvVqe4vh — PolsatNews.pl (@PolsatNewsPL) April 29, 2026 Announcing its decision on Wednesday, the commission said that, since the outbreaks of toxic golden algae in 2022 and 2024, “the measures taken by Poland have been insufficient to reverse the deterioration and ensure that water bodies achieve good status”. It noted that “Poland has authorised saline mine water discharges into the river despite their acknowledged negative impact on the water status” and has “failed to take the necessary measures to ensure restoration of the protected habitats and species present along the river”. As a result, “the ‘golden algae’ remains present in the Oder River basin and the salinity of the water remains high”. The country’s official river basin management plan for the Oder did not even take into account the 2022 disaster, notes the commission. It therefore believes that Poland has failed to fulfil its obligations stemming from European directives relating to water management, industrial emissions, natural habitats, and protection of birds, including failing to properly assess the impact of plans for the river on EU-protected natural areas. Click here to help us continue providing news free from paywalls and ads Commenting on the decision, Maria Włoskowicz, a lawyer from environmental group ClientEarth, told news website Gazeta.pl that some of the causes of the 2022 and 2024 disasters do indeed remain in place. “Saline water discharges from mines continue as before,” said Włoskowicz. “The government has not changed the regulations on this. We do not even have an early response system or adequate, up-to-date and widespread monitoring.” She noted that successive governments have had years to deal with the issue, but that expert findings and a damning report by the Supreme Audit Office (NIK) had failed to prompt them to act. “We hope that the opening of infringement proceedings will be a warning that the government will take seriously.” At the time of writing, neither Poland’s climate and environment ministry nor other government departments had commented on the European Commission’s announcement. Jedną z głównych przyczyn katastrofy było wysokie zasolenie Odry, tymczasem zrzuty solanki z kopalń mają miejsce tak samo jak wcześniej – nasza prawniczka Maria Włoskowicz w @gazetapl_news o wszczęciu postępowania wobec Polski przez @EU_Commission 🐟https://t.co/sJOEEf32M1 — ClientEarth Polska (@ClientEarth_PL) April 29, 2026 In 2022, it was estimated that over half of the Oder’s fish died in the environmental disaster. Various investigations found that the ultimate cause of the mass die-off was algal blooms that produced toxins which damaged the ecosystem. An EU report published in 2023 noted that industrial waste entering the water was a “key factor” leading to the catastrophe, while poor communication by the Polish authorities hampered the response. Soon after, Germany, along whose border the river runs, criticised Poland for failing to protect the Oder. Later that year, NIK published a report that identified numerous failings by the then Law and Justice (PiS) government and other state authorities. It pointed to years of negligence and poor decision-making that led to the catastrophe, and said that the response was initially passive. Last year's environmental disaster in the Oder river resulted from "years of inaction and mistakes" by the Polish authorities, says the state audit office. It also found that failings in the government's response to the crisis made the situation worse https://t.co/8bsnRMzVNA — Notes from Poland 🇵🇱 (@notesfrompoland) November 16, 2023 After a new coalition government led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk and his centrist Civic Coalition (KO) took power in 2023, it claimed that the measures promised by PiS, such as 800 monitoring points along the river, had in fact not been put it place. In 2024, the climate ministry informed prosecutors of potential crimes by officials under the PiS government, whom they said had mismanaged finances intended for the monitoring system. In that same year, the death of more than 100 tonnes of fish in a canal and lake linked to the Oder led to fears of a renewed crisis. Since early August, over 100 tonnes of dead fish have been removed from a lake and canal in Poland. PiS, which was in power during the height of a similar crisis in 2022, accuses the government of hypocrisy and downplaying the disasterhttps://t.co/uQVefxHuVT — Notes from Poland 🇵🇱 (@notesfrompoland) August 19, 2024 In January this year, Poland’s climate ministry announced plans to reduce salinity in the Oder river in summer months by 59% in Lower Silesia and 14% in Upper Silesia. It said that one of the main objectives of the plan is to ensure compliance with European directives. The first phase of the project aims at increasing wastewater retention capacity in mines as well as piloting desalination technologies. In March, Poland’s climate minister, Paulina Hennig-Kloska, and her German counterpart, Carsten Schneider, discussed efforts to monitor water quality in the Oder and counteract environmental threats. Earlier this month, the Polish ministry claimed that, thanks to measures it has taken since the change of government in 2023, last summer saw no golden algae enter the river. Germany says Poland is not doing enough to protect the Oder after a new report found that over half the river's fish died off due to last year’s environmental disaster. But a Polish government official says Germany is spreading disinformation https://t.co/gOQ0HReJvN — Notes from Poland 🇵🇱 (@notesfrompoland) June 29, 2023 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: Hanno Böck/Wikimedia Commons (under CC BY-SA 4.0)

Vladimir Zelensky also expressed Ukraine's interest in establishing a long-term ceasefire

The top Russian diplomat highlighted that relations between Moscow and Astana show "high intensity, a multifaceted and comprehensive nature, and, most importantly, help maintain stability across the common Eurasian space"

The president of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), Tadashi Tamura, emphasized that the company will work closely with the Japanese government to expedite the movement of ships currently within the Persian Gulf to waters outside the gulf, given the ongoing de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

The statement by Minja Koskela follows similar calls by the leaders of the opposition SDP and Green parties.

Kazakh Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev added that developing relations with Russia remains an absolute priority for Astana

Germany-based open-source software provider SUSE has launched an AI infrastructure stack, in partnership with Nvidia, to help enterprises build, deploy, and scale AI workloads across data centers, edge, and

Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi has signed an order introducing mandatory rotation for servicemen performing tasks on the front line, setting clear time limits for deployment on positions as well as requirements for support and rest.

For decades, hepatitis C has been recognized as a significant public health challenge worldwide, with an estimated 58 million people living with chronic infection. While there is currently no vaccine, hepatitis C is now a curable disease thanks to highly effective direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapies, administered in treatments lasting 8 to 12 weeks. In this context, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Glasgow Declaration on Viral Hepatitis in 2015, setting ambitious goals to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. In line with WHO guidelines for validating the elimination of viral hepatitis and the "Path to Elimination" (PTE) framework, Taiwan has achieved programmatic goals at the Gold Tier level in the elimination of hepatitis C. This progress has been made possible thanks to the strong political will of the government and the systematic integration of hepatitis prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment within a universal healthcare system. Through preventive health services for adults—which include screening for hepatitis B and C—and the National Health Insurance program, which covers treatment with DAAs, Taiwan has ensured broad access to diagnosis and treatment, significantly reducing economic and structural barriers. As of June 2025, the…

Attempts by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office to probe EU agricultural subsidies fraud in Greece are triggering a political backlash from officials – and accusations of institutionalised clientelism from critics.

With support collapsing, its leadership in limbo and no clear path back to power, Hungary’s once-invincible ruling party confronts the possibility of long-term decline and irrelevance. There remain the faithful, however.

Roman Popadiuk, the former U. S. Ambassador to Ukraine, is convinced that Ukraine’s recovery must be discussed now, despite the war, because planning should be done in advance.

The Drone Deals initiative "creates the illusion that Ukraine is not entirely dependent on others," Ambassador at Large Rodion Miroshnik said

A barge carrying a humpback whale stranded in Germany for weeks has reached Danish waters on its journey to the North Sea.

The incoming Hungarian prime minister met with Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday, seeking to unlock European Union funds frozen over rule-of-law concerns under his predecessor, Viktor Orban. The total at stake is €17 billion, with an additional €16 billion earmarked to help the country rearm.

At a United Nations Security Council meeting, Japan and China clashed again over maritime order in the Indo-Pacific region. While Japan called for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, China cautioned Japan, saying things like, "Don't play with fire on the Taiwan issue."

As Ukraine increases its long-range attacks on energy-related facilities within Russia, President Zelenskyy has indicated a plan to further expand these long-range attacks, stating that they are a "justified response to Russia's terrorism."

Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that Ukraine will pursue Russia's shadow grain fleet and those who enable it, in all geographic areas.

Hungary's Magyar pushes to unblock EU billions in Brussels

On Saturday, authorities at the Archaeological Museum of Badajoz, in Spain, were shocked by the theft of 149 gold coins that were part of the Villanueva treasure. According to reports, the value of this cultural heritage is incalculable, causing widespread dismay throughout the municipality of Villanueva de la Serena. The gold coins were discovered in 1987. They were minted between 1772 and 1822 and originate from various mints of the Spanish Empire, including Madrid, Mexico City, Lima, Potosí, Popayán, Santiago, Seville, and the so-called New Kingdom. According to preliminary information from the incident provided by El País, the thieves entered the museum through the rear of the building. The perpetrators broke through one of the main gates and then forced open a display case where the coins were exhibited. Police investigations suggest that the theft was a carefully planned operation. At 6:00 AM, the museum's alarms triggered an alert, but by the time officers arrived, it was too late. After the theft was confirmed, the National Police secured the perimeter of the museum, and forensic teams analyzed each area in an attempt to find genetic evidence that could lead to the identification of the perpetrators. The museum director filed the corresponding report, and the regional government assured that all required security measures were in place. Throughout Saturday, the museum…

With TotalEnergies posting record profits, calls are growing for a fairer distribution of oil revenues through processes such as taxation and nationalization. The prime minister is defending the company, while urging it to 'redistribute' a portion of its profits to its customers.

The changes backed by the European Parliament on Wednesday would release more allowances when carbon prices rise above €45 per tonne in 2026 prices.

Incoming Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar met European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels on Wednesday in an effort to unlock frozen EU cash — with a political deal now targeted for late May. Billions of euros in EU funding that could have gone to Hungary have spent years in limbo because of disagreements between Brussels and the policies of outgoing Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán. “I can say that the negotiations are progressing very well so far,” Magyar said in a Facebook reel ahead of the talks, citing “constructiveness” from EU institutions and member states. He confirmed he will return to Brussels on May 24–25 to conclude a “public political agreement.” After the meeting, which he called “highly constructive” in a post on X, Magyar struck a confident tone. “EU funds will soon start arriving in Hungary,” he said, while stressing the bloc was not imposing conditions “contrary to Hungary’s national interests.” Von der Leyen echoed the message in an X post of her own: “A very good exchange with Péter Magyar in Brussels today. We discussed the steps necessary to unlock EU funds earmarked for Hungary that are frozen due to corruption and rule-of-law concerns. The European Commission will support your work to address these issues and realign with shared European values. Our teams will continue to work closely together.” At stake is a large slice of Hungary’s recovery fund — including roughly €10 billion that will expire if Budapest fails to meet EU conditions by the end of August. To access the money, Hungary must deliver on 27 so-called “super milestones” covering public procurement, judicial independence, academic freedom and anti-corruption safeguards. Magyar has made clear where he sees the problem. The funds were blocked, he said, because of “corruption on an industrial scale” under Orbán. Magyar is due to be sworn in on May 9, marking the formal start of his premiership.

The former head of the Serbian State Security Service, Jovica Stanisic, sentenced to 15 years in prison for wartime violations in Bosnia and Croatia, has apologised for his crimes and requested early release.

Russian troops are testing new potential routes for future offensives in the Kharkiv region, but Ukrainian forces are in control of the situation and repelling the attacks.

Coalition Against SLAPPs in Europe bestows its top 'award' on Croatian judge Ivan Markovic for issuing over 20 lawsuits against journalists – the third 'winner' from Croatia in five years.

Omoda used the expansive display space at the Beijing Auto Show to unveil its latest offering for the C-segment: the C4, a SUV featuring electrification, a futuristic design, and an advanced digital experience, which is confirmed to arrive in Chile towards the end of this year. Measuring 4.42 meters in length, the model stands out with its aesthetics inspired by the "cyber-mecha" design language, featuring sharp lines and a lighting signature that evokes the energy of a lightning bolt. This approach not only aims to visually differentiate it, but also to connect with a young audience that values both design and technology in their driving experience. One of the key features of the C4 is its diverse powertrain options. The model will be available with both combustion engine versions and a hybrid variant based on the SHS technology, which combines a 1.5 turbo engine with an electric system to achieve up to 165 kW (224 hp) and 295 Nm of torque. This system, supported by a 1.83 kWh battery, promises efficient fuel consumption and a cleaner driving experience. In addition, there is a 100% electric version, which delivers 155 kW (211 hp) and a range of over 400 kilometers, thanks to a 61.1 kWh battery. This powertrain duality allows the C4 to adapt to different user profiles, from those seeking daily efficiency to those who prioritize full electrification. Inside, the SUV introduces the concept of the AI Cabin, an intelligent interior that redefines the interaction with the vehicle. A…

Russia ​will hold a scaled-back version of its Victory Day parade marking the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II, the Kremlin said on Wednesday. For the first time in nearly two decades, the annual parade on Moscow's Red Square will not feature a military hardware display. The Kremlin said it was due to Ukraine's "terrorist activity".

President Vladimir Putin has used the occasion to project Russia’s strength, but this year’s military pageant will look very different.

This Tuesday, police officers had to intervene to restore calm at the Gambian embassy in Madrid after dozens of immigrants, who had spent the entire night in front of the diplomatic mission trying to get an appointment, stormed the building out of fear of not receiving their vulnerability certificates. The moments of tension and desperation occurred around 10 a.m. on Hernández Iglesias Street, in the Ciudad Lineal district, according to the local newspaper El Mundo. Scenes of desperation: Dozens of immigrants stormed the Gambian embassy in Madrid. After spending the entire night outdoors waiting for an appointment to process their paperwork, local authorities informed the immigrants early Tuesday morning that there were no more available slots to begin the process, which led to a tense atmosphere. Several people began to jump over the embassy's fence and forcibly enter the premises. Due to the incident, officers from the National Police's Prevention and Reaction Unit (UPR) and municipal police officers had to intervene. The officers managed to restore order and remove the people who had entered the diplomatic mission, without making any arrests. A security operation was then put in place at the location. Developing story.

The Caucasus Investment Forum is taking place on April 28-30 at the MinvodyExpo International Exhibition Center in the Stavropol Region

Vladimir Tarabrin emphasized that "the deterioration of bilateral ties is a direct result of the actions of the Dutch authorities which act with little independence"

Moscow won’t just stand by and watch that happen, Vladimir Tarabrin said

Five programs have been already implemented within the Union State

The agreement was signed in Moscow on November 19, 2025

Vladimir Tarabrin added that Russia is facing unfounded accusations of disinformation and slander.

The Russian Ministry of Defense announced that this year's "Victory Day" celebrations, commemorating the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, will not include a display of military hardware in Moscow. This is an unusual measure, as the annual ceremony typically features a parade of tanks, ballistic missiles, and other military equipment.

Ukrainian border guards are not observing any movement of equipment or reinforcement of troops near the border on Belarusian territory, according to the State Border Guard Service.

The center trains cadets with combat experience, as well as service members who have signed their first contract with the Russian Army’s Unmanned Systems Forces

Zhanna Chernyavskaya, Chair of the Parliamentary Assembly Committee said that Belarus bears a significant responsibility for land recovery, and Russia continues to require further remediation

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, confirmed this Wednesday the use of long-range missiles against Russia, stating that Kyiv now has the capability to strike up to 1,500 kilometers within Russian territory, and urging Russia to end the conflict and negotiate a cessation of hostilities. In a social media message accompanied by images of explosions caused by these types of projectiles, Zelenskyy emphasized that the long-range missiles represent a "new stage" in efforts to "limit Russia's war potential." "The straight-line distance is over 1,500 kilometers. We will continue to expand these ranges, and these are entirely justified Ukrainian responses to Russian terror," the Ukrainian leader stated, emphasizing that "each attack reduces the capabilities of Russia's military industry, logistics, and oil exports." In light of this, he stressed that the consequences of using this weaponry are "evident to everyone." "It is also evident to everyone that Russia must end its war. It is time to move towards diplomacy, and this is a signal that Moscow should heed," he declared, reiterating his call for Russia to end the aggression launched in February 2022. The Ukrainian Armed Forces have recently warned of the increasing intensity of attacks carried out by the Russian army against areas in the southeast...

Many Republicans say that the charges against former FBI director James B. Comey and others distract attention from the economy and other issues that voters care about.

Privacy, political, and ethical concerns are pushing people to look for alternative social media platforms. What are the options? Are they the solution? Euronews Tech Talks tries to understand.

Two people were injured in the south of the Odesa region as a result of a massive Russian attack.

Peter Magyar, recently elected as the new Prime Minister of Hungary, will be the focus of attention this Wednesday during his first official visit to the heads of the European Union in Brussels, following his victory in the national elections. The aim is to move beyond the long tenure of the nationalist Viktor Orbán, who has been in power for over 15 years. The new leader seeks to inaugurate a new era of cooperation with European institutions, which could begin with the release of billions of euros in funds earmarked for Budapest. Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, celebrated Magyar's victory and stated that his arrival makes the bloc "stronger and more united." EU leaders emphasized that the conservative's victory marks the end of 16 years of a Hungarian government allied with Moscow and a constant critic of Brussels. Although Magyar will officially assume office next month, his team has already held two rounds of discussions with high-ranking European officials to reintegrate Hungary into the core of the bloc, after years of disputes that paralyzed key initiatives, including the rejection of funds for Ukraine, which is defending itself against the Russian invasion. "We have never seen such a level of commitment from a government that has not even taken office," said MEP Daniel Freund to the AFP news agency. During the day, Magyar will meet with von der Leyen and with the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, in an effort to...

Europe is experiencing "severe" impacts from climate change, ranging from heatwaves and wildfires to shrinking ice cover, according to a UN body.

Hungary’s incoming government is entering talks with European Union leaders aimed at releasing €17 billion in frozen funding, while advancing reforms to address long-standing rule of law concerns.

The recent electoral defeat of Viktor Orbán has drawn widespread attention, with most commentary focused on its implications for Europe and the Russia-Ukraine war. Yet this emphasis overlooks a broader strategic consequence: the potential disruption of China’s approach to Europe. For more than a decade, Hungary under Orbán has functioned as a pivotal node in […] The post Orban’s departure shuts China’s back door into the EU appeared first on Asia Times.

Russia will mark victory over Nazi Germany next month with a military parade on Moscow’s Red Square, but with no military equipment displayed in view of the operational situation in the war in Ukraine, the ‌Defence Ministry said late on Tuesday. The parade, traditionally held on May 9, the day the Soviet Union signed Germany’s surrender, would this year mark the 81st anniversary of victory in what Russians call the Great Patriotic War. One of the top holidays on the Russian calendar, it allows...

The Riga City Court in Latvia fined a businessman EUR 10,140 for attempting to violate sanctions imposed by the European Union against Russia.

Hungary’s incoming Prime Minister Peter Magyar will push for a deal to restore access to billion of euros in frozen European Union aid during the first trip to Brussels since his landslide election victory two weeks ago.

Listen on Spotify Apple Music Amazon Music The power shift in Budapest hasn’t happened yet — but Brussels is already engaging with what comes next. Péter Magyar arrives in Brussels as Hungary’s incoming prime minister, skipping the usual waiting period and heading straight into talks with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. His aim: unlocking billions in EU funds frozen over rule-of-law concerns. Zoya Sheftalovich and Sarah Wheaton walk through the early reset between Budapest and Brussels — and the risks that come with moving this fast. In the European Parliament, MEPs debate how Russia is quietly edging back into global sports and cultural life. From the Olympics to the Venice Biennale, restrictions are softening — raising questions about what “neutral” participation really means during a war. Finally, a new snapshot of climate change’s effect on Europe. A major scientific assessment finds almost the entire continent saw above-average temperatures last year, alongside heatwaves, drought and wildfires. Scientists warn a new El Niño could push extremes even further — and sooner than expected. If you have questions or comments — contact us on WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.

BRUSSELS — Péter Magyar is coming to Brussels to hash out with Ursula von der Leyen how Budapest can unblock Hungary’s frozen EU funds. The incoming Hungarian prime minister will meet the Commission president on Wednesday as his team tries to identify the fastest route to releasing billions in EU cash, including €10 billion that Budapest risks losing permanently at the end of August if it fails to make the necessary reforms. The money is part of Hungary’s EU Covid recovery allocation, which the Commission froze over concerns about corruption, judicial independence and democratic standards. Under the bloc’s pandemic recovery fund rules, national capitals must meet the required milestones to qualify for the cash by the end of August or lose it permanently. Magyar’s approach has some political backing in Brussels. The EU will “have to give a credit of trust to this new government,” Manfred Weber, leader of von der Leyen’s European People’s Party, said Tuesday. Magyar “will deliver, not because Europe is asking for this, but because the Hungarian citizens were asking for these changes. And he has a clear mandate.” Magyar, who will be inaugurated in early May, defeated Viktor Orbán in Hungary’s April 12 parliamentary election, ending the populist leader’s 16-year grip on power and opening a new chapter in Budapest’s relations with the EU. The meeting with von der Leyen on Wednesday will “send a signal” of goodwill toward Magyar as he moves to unwind Orbán-era policies, said an EU official familiar with the discussions, who, like several others in this article, was granted anonymity to discuss confidential plans. Magyar is also set to meet European Council President António Costa. Race for the cash Magyar’s conservative Tisza party intends to submit a new national recovery plan to the Commission by the end of May, according to a person familiar with the party’s preparations, replacing an Orbán-era proposal from 2021 that failed to secure the money. The purpose of Wednesday’s meeting with von der Leyen is to brief Brussels on the work already underway, identify the most urgent targets once Magyar takes office, and determine the quickest way to get the funds disbursed, the person said. Magyar wants to prioritize reforms and targets that can be completed before the deadline, while parking slower constitutional changes on which Tisza has promised stakeholder and public consultation. Magyar’s team has also been working with some of his predecessor’s ministers and civil servants to advance the technical work required to make the reforms, three other officials with knowledge of the proceedings said. András Kármán, Magyar’s nominee for finance minister, István Kapitány, tapped for economy minister, and Anita Orbán, the incoming foreign minister, met a high-level Commission delegation, including von der Leyen’s Cabinet chief Bjoern Seibert, on Saturday and prepared the ground for the Magyar-von der Leyen meeting. Before that, the teams met in Budapest on April 18 and 19. The first step to unlocking Hungary’s recovery money is complying with 27 EU-mandated “super milestones,” covering procurement, judicial independence and academic freedom. Because Tisza has won more than two-thirds of the seats in parliament, Magyar is expected to be able to get those changes approved quickly. European People’s Party leader Manfred Weber with Ursula Von der Leyen in Brussels in January 2025. Weber said the European Parliament should halt Article 7 proceedings against Hungary. | Frederick Florin/AFP via Getty Images The harder part is carrying out the more detailed reforms and projects needed to claim the funds before they expire. If Hungary fails to recover the full amount, it could try to extend the deadline by transferring the money to its national promotional bank. A separate workaround under discussion would involve using post-Covid funds to finish projects already financed through regional funds, two of the officials quoted above said. Magyar is also seeking a broader reset with Brussels, including relief from daily fines imposed in a migration dispute, Commission approval for Hungary’s request for billions in loans from the EU’s SAFE program, and a path for Hungarian universities to rejoin Erasmus after they were sidelined over academic freedom concerns. No ‘carte blanche’ The Commission decision to grant Magyar an audience with von der Leyen before he is sworn in is unusual, though not unprecedented. Von der Leyen hosted Donald Tusk in Brussels in October 2023, 10 days after he won Poland’s election but before he had formally become prime minister. The circumstances are similar: Both Tusk and Magyar came to Brussels promising breakthroughs in long-running disputes over democratic backsliding. But the EU is warier this time. The Commission released funds for Poland in 2024 after Tusk pledged reforms, only for many of those changes to stall. And in February, an EU court lawyer warned that funds cannot be disbursed until all required reforms have entered into force, though judges have yet to confirm that opinion. Weber said the European Parliament should halt Article 7 proceedings against Hungary, launched in 2018 over democratic backsliding and capable — in theory — of stripping Budapest of its voting rights in the European Council. The EPP chief said it was time for Parliament to “reconsider this decision,” adding that Europe should “help” Hungarians instead of criticizing. But other groups oppose easing pressure for now. “It is not in their interest at all now to just give a carte blanche,” said Terry Reintke, co-chair of the Greens group. “The super milestones have still not been implemented — it’s not just something that magically happens once Viktor Orbán is not in power anymore.” Zoya Sheftalovich and Gregorio Sorgi reported from Brussels; Max Griera reported from Strasbourg. Gerardo Fortuna and Gabriel Gavin contributed reporting from Brussels.

TALLINN — Estonia is preparing to fend off Russian soldiers, even after the fighting in Ukraine is over. The small Baltic nation has blocked some 1,300 Russian ex-combatants from entering the country this year, according to its foreign ministry. Now it’s pushing Brussels to ban former Russian soldiers from entering the EU, and to keep them out long after the guns have fallen silent. “You cannot allow these people who are committing the crimes, who are raping the women, who are killing the children and civilians on the battlefield, that we allow these people to come to Europe,” Estonia’s Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur told POLITICO. “It’s not the question of Estonia, it’s the question of the European security,” he added. Estonia first raised the idea at a meeting of EU foreign ministers in January. Though critics warn a blanket ban could also hit coerced conscripts and deserters, the proposal drew the support of Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief and a former Estonian prime minister. The idea enjoys the support of “many member states,” Kallas said in January. In late March, the EU’s national leaders asked the European Commission to explore “possible ways to address” the issue. Kallas has promised concrete proposals in time for an EU summit in June. Lithuania has also pledged to maintain a blacklist, alongside strict entry restrictions that already amount to a near-total ban on Russian citizens. ‘From Bucha to Brussels’ Estonia frames the proposal as both a security and a moral imperative. “People committing the war crimes … should not walk on the European countries’ soil,” Pevkur said. Estonian officials warn that former soldiers could be recruited by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s security services for sabotage or espionage in Europe. “I’m sure Putin will push these people to Europe,” Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna told journalists in January. “We know already hybrid attacks today, but can you imagine these hundreds of thousands of ex-combatants, criminals coming here?” Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna talks to journalists upon arrival for an EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels on Jan. 29, 2026. | Simon Wohlfahrt/AFP via Getty Images “I’m sure they’re not just going to just work and pay our taxes,” he added. “No, they’re going to do many bad things.” Officials also argue that those who fought in a military accused of atrocities — including killings and torture in places like Bucha, near Kyiv — should not be rewarded with entry into the EU. “There cannot be a path from Bucha to Brussels,” Tsahkna said. Blanket ban Estonia defines ex-combatants broadly to cover everyone involved in Russia’s war effort, from regular troops to proxy forces such as the Wagner mercenary group. That includes hundreds of thousands mobilized since 2022, as well as tens of thousands who later deserted at risk of a prison sentence. Pevkur rejected concerns that a blanket ban would also punish those who’d been recruited under pressure. “Before joining the Russian Army, they have the chance to flee,” he said. However, during Russia’s mobilization drive, Estonia was among those countries that decreed that fleeing conscription would not qualify as grounds for asylum or other forms of protection, suggesting that dissenters should resist the war at home. Independent journalists and experts have reported that some 300,000 Russian men have been mobilized, many under pressure. Mediazona, an independent Russian media outlet, estimates that some 18,000 mobilized soldiers have been killed. The remainder have yet to be discharged. Returning veterans Joris van Bladel, a military sociologist at the Brussels-based Egmont Institute, said returning veterans “constitute a risk group — both for Russia and for us.” Using court records, the Russian investigative outlet Novaya Gazeta estimates that at least 6 percent of demobilized soldiers have been convicted of crimes in Russia, including more than 900 serious offences such as murder. Van Bladel warned that the return of roughly 1 million soldiers after the war could strain Russian society, given the country’s limited attention to psychological and social reintegration. “These individuals often return deeply destabilized, in some cases psychologically fragile, in others inclined toward risk-taking or violence,” he said. A woman enters a building housing the editorial office of the Novaya Gazeta independent media outlet in Moscow on April 9, 2026. | Igor Ivanko/AFP via Getty Images Still, he stressed, the primary impact would be domestic. “It’s also a problem for us, but honestly, I don’t think it’s to the extent that Tallinn is now suggesting,” he said. The bigger risk, he said, is that Europe overreacts. “The danger is that it fosters paranoia, leading us to view every Russian and every veteran as a potential security threat.” Russian rights activists warn that punishing deserters, rather than supporting them, discourages them from laying down arms. They also highlight the risks faced by those who refuse conscription, from fines to prison sentences of up to 15 years for fleeing the front. On the issue of soldiers leaving Russia, Putin and his critics seem to be aligned. On Monday, the Movement of Conscientious Objectors said in a post on Telegram that a Russian man who’d been served with draft papers had been thwarted in his attempt to escape. After being first stopped at the Russian border, he managed to make it to Belarus, only to be denied boarding when he tried to fly onward from Minsk.

BRUSSELS — European lawmakers have criticized a commissioner's planned trip to Serbia, warning that the timing is poor and could provide a propaganda victory for the government in Belgrade. Magnus Brunner, the European commissioner for migration, is scheduled to visit Belgrade on Wednesday and meet with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić. His trip comes just weeks after POLITICO reported that the Commission was considering freezing €1.5 billion in funds and grants for Serbia due to controversial judicial reforms and a general decline in democratic standards. Tonino Picula, a Croatian MEP from the center-left Socialists and Democrats and the European Parliament's lead negotiator on Serbia, told POLITICO that "there is a risk that the visit may be used by the regime to project an image of business as usual, which does not reflect the current situation." Brunner is expected to discuss collaboration between Brussels and Belgrade on migration and border management. Serbia, which signed an agreement with the EU in 2024 to deepen cooperation on combating irregular migration, is a hub for people-smugglers and migrants attempting to enter the EU via the Western Balkans route. Irena Joveva, a Slovenian MEP and vice president of the liberal Renew group in the European Parliament, said Brunner's trip would likely be "instrumentalized by the Serbian authorities as a PR tool." "While Magnus Brunner might see this as diplomacy and normal relations with a candidate country, Vučić uses these photo-ops to sell..."

There is a time and a place. Just because you have a right to do something doesn’t mean you should exercise it. The United States and its allies keep claiming they have the right of navigation in international waters by sending their navies through the Taiwan Strait. Their intention to provoke is clear despite their justification under international law. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s row with Beijing over her remarks about militarily intervening in a Taiwan crisis has yet to die down....

The setback for the former Hungarian prime minister, who fueled the Kremlin's narrative that Europe is reluctant to support Ukraine, weakens Vladimir Putin's plans, even though the battle against illiberalism is far from won, explains the historian and political scientist in an interview with Le Monde.

The acting US ambassador ⁠to Kyiv Julie Davis will step down from her post and retire, a US official and the State Department said on Tuesday, amid a lull in US-brokered talks to achieve a ceasefire and end Russia’s invasion ‌of Ukraine. The Financial Times first reported Davis’ departure and said it was because of differences of opinion with President Donald Trump’s policies and that Davis had grown frustrated with her role over his dwindling support for Ukraine. The State Department pushed...

The top U. S. diplomat in Ukraine is leaving her role later this year, the State Department confirmed, creating a vacancy in Kyiv at a tense moment in the relationship between President Donald Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Julie Davis, the chargé d’affaires at the U. S. embassy in Kyiv, will retire from foreign service in June, State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said on Tuesday. The Financial Times first reported Davis’ departure, attributing the move to her dissatisfaction with the Trump administration’s level of support for Ukraine. Pigott called that characterization “false.” “Ambassador Davis has been a steadfast proponent of the Trump Administration’s efforts to bring about a durable peace between Russia and Ukraine,” Pigott said. “She will continue to proudly advance President Trump’s policies until she officially departs Kyiv in June 2026 and retires from the Department.” Trump has consistently sought to pressure Zelenskyy into territorial concessions in an effort to reach an agreement to end the war between Russia and Ukraine — something Zelenskyy has continued to resist. In March, Zelenskyy told Reuters the Trump administration tied its offer of security guarantees to Ukraine to a peace deal that would see Ukraine concede its eastern Donbas region to Russia. In the same interview, Zelenskyy said he noticed a shift in the Trump administration’s focus once the U. S. war with Iran began in February. “The Middle East definitely has an impact on President Trump … [he] still chooses a strategy to put more pressure on the Ukrainian side,” Zelenskyy said. In addition to her role at the U. S. embassy in Kyiv, Davis also serves as the ambassador to Cyprus. During the first Trump administration, she served as the U. S. special envoy to Belarus.

Vasily Nebenzya says that the perpetrators must receive punishment regardless of their status

This week is crucial for Christian Garin (ranked 85th). The Chilean tennis player needs to defend the 100 points he earned last year by winning the Challenger in Mauthausen. He was unable to reduce this number at the Madrid Masters 1000, as he lost in the first round after qualifying as a "lucky loser." Therefore, the Cagliari Challenger 175 appears to be a perfect opportunity to avoid a drop of nearly 20 places in the rankings and to stay within the top 100, despite the tournament draw being similar to that of an ATP event. His opening match was far from easy, as the Tunisian Moez Echargui (ranked 144th) gave Gago quite a few problems. Gago had to work hard to eventually win 6-7(5), 6-4, and 6-2, in two hours and 42 minutes. Rodríguez's protégé showed great resilience after losing the first set, which lasted for an hour and 11 minutes and was decided by a few points in the tiebreak. In the second set, a single break in the seventh game was enough for him to equalize the match. In the final set, Garin displayed the best of his game and managed to secure two consecutive breaks, which allowed him to maintain a comfortable lead and close out a very good victory. His opponent in the semifinals will be the Portuguese player Nuno Borges (ranked 49th), whom he will face this Thursday. Meanwhile, at the Mauthausen Challenger 100, Tomás Barrios (ranked 123rd) will be aiming to reach the quarterfinals this Wednesday, around 8 am in Chile, against…

WASHINGTON. – The U.S. Department of Justice has once again placed former FBI Director James B. Comey in the spotlight, as a new indictment has been filed against him, in a case that once again intertwines with the long-standing political dispute he has with President Donald Trump. The indictment, presented by a federal grand jury in North Carolina, marks a new chapter in a series of attempts to bring to trial one of the most vocal critics of the president. Although the specific charges were not immediately detailed, sources familiar with the investigation indicated that the case originates from a post Comey made on social media last year. The image showed seashells arranged on a beach to form the phrase "86 47," a combination that generated controversy due to its potential interpretation. Trump is the 47th president of the United States, while "86" is a colloquial expression that can mean "to get rid of" someone, but also, in certain contexts, is associated with the idea of killing. The post was removed shortly after it was published, following a wave of criticism from sectors close to the government. At the time, Comey stated that he had not perceived any violent connotations and that he interpreted the arrangement as a "political message." "I was not aware that some people associate those numbers with violence," he wrote, before the text was cut off.

The road blockades carried out by former military personnel at key routes in Guatemala this Tuesday morning have generated strong opposition from representatives of the productive and commercial sectors, who warn about the immediate impact of these actions on mobility, the economy, and the functioning of the country. Business chambers insist on the need to maintain legal certainty and conditions for investment, warning about the serious consequences of disrupting the free flow of traffic at a time when the Guatemalan economy is facing additional challenges. A single day of blockades results in millions of dollars in economic losses and affects more than 4.9 million vehicles. According to estimates from the Observatory and Industrial Policies of the Chamber of Industry of Guatemala (CIG), the affected departments account for the daily transit of more than 4.9 million vehicles. This figure reflects the logistical impact of the blockades, as thousands of citizens see their access to healthcare, education, and employment disrupted. According to the CIG, even a single day of blockades represents an average loss of Q217.59 per economically active person, which demonstrates the direct cost that falls on national competitiveness and the confidence of investors and job creators in Guatemala. Just one day of disruptions puts at risk the timely supply of essential goods and paralyzes production processes, causing delays…

A US backed gas pipeline could help Bosnia cut reliance on Russian energy. But Brussels warns that a deal with a company linked to Trump allies could put the country's EU hopes at risk.

Beran A admits conspiring in other plans abroad as well as planning attack on Swift's Vienna concert.

Julie Davis frustrated with president’s lack of support for Kyiv, say people familiar with the matter

The incineration of 4,920 kilograms of cocaine, seized in Puerto Quetzal in January, was supported by a technical report from the National Institute of Forensic Sciences of Guatemala (Inacif), presented on Wednesday to the Criminal Court of First Instance for Drug-Related Crimes, specifically for incineration cases. The analysis, conducted by the Inacif Controlled Substances Laboratory using a recently acquired gas chromatograph with mass spectrometer, determined that the drug had a purity of 55%, providing technical support for the legal proceedings and ensuring the legality and reliability of the chain of custody. This procedure was carried out during the opening and verification hearing for the seized packages and constitutes preliminary evidence according to the Law against Drug Trafficking. The process included the collection of samples, the performance of preliminary and instrumental tests, and certification according to international standards, all of which were documented in the report presented to the judge. The protocol applied allowed for the involvement of all institutions within the justice sector, including the Public Prosecutor's Office, the Police, and judicial authorities. This facilitated the immediate issuance of an order for the transfer of the drug under strict security measures, culminating in its incineration in the specialized furnace at the Precursors and Chemical Substances Complex, located on the Estanzuela estate in Navajas, San José de…

The export of Ukrainian weapons will become a reality, and any surplus beyond the amount needed by the Ukrainian military will be put up for sale.

On the morning of the 28th, U.S. President Trump posted on social media, claiming that "Iran has just stated that it is in a state of 'collapse.'" He further stated that "They are seeking a swift 'opening of the Strait of Hormuz' from us as they try to find answers on how to deal with their leadership structure." He also added that "We believe Iran can handle the issues surrounding its leadership structure." President Trump has previously claimed that Iran lacks a stable leadership structure and that internal conflicts are occurring, but the Iranian side has emphasized unity and denied President Trump's claims.

According to data released by Anmil for 2026, there was a 2.6% increase compared to the previous year. Oil is focusing on the psychosocial well-being of its employees.

Austrian prosecutors said the man plotted in 2024 to set off a bomb outside the concert, which was later canceled. He and another man still face separate charges.

Following the Hungarian election, hyper-wealthy circles around outgoing prime minister Viktor Orbán are moving assets out of the country, to places such as Dubai, the US and Uruguay.

On Russian President Vladimir Putin's instructions, Emergencies Minister Alexander Kurenkov flew to the Krasnodar Region to control the extinguishing of a fire at the oil refinery

Neanderthals inhabited the territories that are now Europe and Asia, and coexisted for thousands of years with Homo sapiens. They were robust, adapted to the cold, and crafted sophisticated tools. Their disappearance approximately 40,000 years ago remains one of the greatest mysteries in human history. Classical theories suggested that Neanderthals had fewer cognitive abilities than modern humans due to differences in their brains. This idea fueled the hypothesis that Homo sapiens possessed a decisive evolutionary advantage in language, memory, and symbolic thought. However, scientists from the United States and China propose that the anatomical differences in the brain between Neanderthals and modern humans did not necessarily imply a significant cognitive disadvantage. They published their findings in the journal *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences* (PNAS). The team included Thomas Schoenemann, Ralph Holloway, Jia-Hong Gao, and Guoyuan Yang. They are affiliated with the University of Indiana, Columbia University, Peking University, and the Beijing Institute of Technology. They emphasized that the differences they detected between Neanderthals and humans were as small as those that exist today between different human populations. The Myth of the Neanderthal Mind For decades, researchers in paleoanthropology have wondered whether the brain structure of Neanderthals limited their behavior or ability to adapt…

A Ukrainian drone attack caused a new and significant fire at the Tuapse refinery, a Russian port city on the Black Sea, as part of a series of bombings that have already caused a fuel spill of over 10,000 square meters and threaten to trigger an ecological disaster. The governor of the Krasnodar region, Veniamin Kondratiev, confirmed on Telegram that "a large-scale fire broke out at the refinery following a drone attack." Local authorities reported that 122 firefighters and 39 vehicles were working to extinguish the flames, and a temporary evacuation center was set up in the city. No casualties were reported. The Ukrainian General Staff confirmed the attack. "Impacts from attack drones were recorded on the perimeter of the target," a statement said, adding that the fire was a direct consequence of the bombing and that "the extent of the damage is being assessed." Kyiv emphasized that the refinery plays a key role in supplying fuel to Russian troops fighting in Ukraine. According to the independent Russian Telegram channel Ostorozhno Novosti, the explosions began around 02:00 local time (23:00 GMT on Monday) and the attack lasted for several hours. The Astra channel published images from security cameras showing a massive column of black smoke over the city. Hours after the Ukrainian attack on Tuapse, f...

Almost a decade ago, Amy Gong joined the SERES Group's headquarters in Silicon Valley. This Chinese group took a different approach than its competitors of similar origin, choosing to establish a subsidiary in the United States and control its international expansion from there. The SERES Group has experienced a significant surge in sales and brand recognition in recent years. Founded in 1986 and headquartered in Chongqing (China), SERES Group has evolved from a manufacturer of automotive components to a global player in the electric vehicle, motorcycle, commercial vehicle, and automotive parts sectors. Its most well-known brand in Chile is DFSK, a company that has also undergone a significant transformation in its product offerings. However, much of its success is attributed to the strategic alliance with Huawei for the development of the AITO brand, which has strengthened the perception of technological innovation and boosted sales. During her recent visit to Chile for the launch of the DFSK E5 Plus, Amy Gong, one of the key executives responsible for sales outside of China, explained the group's development, the importance of the DFSK brand in the region, and its commitment to models with new energy technologies. What is the current strategy of the SERES Group at a global and regional level? Our strategy has always been focused on new energy technologies. That is the strategy we began with 10 years ago, when we started our operations...

Police in Greece’s capital were searching for a gunman, reportedly aged 89, who opened fire on Tuesday in a social security office and a courthouse in central Athens, wounding at least four people. Armed with a shotgun, the gunman initially opened fire at the social security office, wounding an employee, police said. Police officers who arrived at the scene treated the man, but the gunman fled the scene. Local media aired security camera footage that it said was from a local store near the...

Ukraine’s drone strikes switch back to refineries, allowing Moscow to boost seaborne flows

A Ukrainian drone attack has caused a “large-scale fire” at ‌Russia’s Tuapse oil refinery on the Black Sea, forcing the evacuation of nearby buildings, local officials said on Tuesday. The Rosneft-owned refinery delivers oil products mainly for exports but operations have been halted since April 16 following an earlier drone attack, industry sources said. Ukraine did not immediately comment ⁠on the reports. Kyiv has stepped up strikes on Russia since March, with ‌US-brokered talks on the war in...

Greek police are looking for a gunman, reportedly aged 89, who opened fire on a social security office and a courthouse in central Athens, wounding several, local media reports say.

Oleg Ozerov noted that traditional CIS markets remain crucial for certain categories of goods, primarily agricultural products

A man accused of pledging allegiance to Islamic State group and plotting to attack one of superstar singer Taylor Swift’s concerts in Vienna nearly two years ago pleaded guilty as his trial began on Tuesday, Austrian media reported. The plot was thwarted, but Austrian authorities still cancelled Swift’s three performances in August 2024. The singer’s fans, known as Swifties, who had flown to Austria from across the globe to attend a performance of her record-setting Eras Tour were devastated,...

Viktor Orbán's regime transformed the Mathias Corvinus Collegium (MCC), a private Hungarian educational institution, into a talent incubator for Fidesz. By establishing an office in Brussels and organizing numerous events, MCC brought together right-wing politicians, journalists, academics, and other figures from around the world. These activities were enabled by the unusual financial arrangements provided to MCC by the Fidesz government.

"Tax rules are part of EU law. Countries under review must respect the recommendations."