Tag "Hungary"
Hungary: Coronavirus and Orban’s Power Play
For Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orban, the coronavirus pandemic is another opportunity to pursue his approach of power politics in a democracy, that is increasingly at odds with the EU’s values.
Viktor Orbán and risks of suspension from European Parliament
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party was suspended with immediate effect in March from the EPP centre-right bloc in the European Parliament. Brussels is taking a stand, but what are the risks to relations between the EU and newer member states like Hungary?
Press freedom and political risk in Central and Eastern Europe
The continuing erosion of press freedom in Central and Eastern Europe should raise alarms among business leaders that operate in the region. Growing media consolidation, autocratic critiques of journalism and prosecutions against reporters are all undermining the ability of observers to get solid business intelligence. In the absence of a free press, political risk is rising in these European markets.
Macedonia’s missing Prime Minister
On 13 November Nikola Gruevski, the ex-Prime Minister of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), sought asylum in Hungary after his appeal against a prison sentence for corruption failed. His escape and asylum bid will have significant consequences for both FYROM and Europe.
Ukraine-Hungary: Beyond passports and languages
Relations between Hungary and Ukraine are at a low point. Diplomats have been expelled from both countries following arguments of Ukraine’s language law and Hungary’s issuance of passports in Ukraine. The dispute has implications that go far beyond the two countries’ bilateral relations.
The dragon over Visegrad: China in central Europe
China’s modern successor to the Silk Road – the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) – has received heavy criticism from the West as a tool that could be used to divide Europe through economic influence. Just how well-established is China’s influence in Central Europe – and does Chinese investment represent a threat?
Elections in Hungary point to growing rift between East and West
With the re-election of Fidesz party leader, Viktor Orbán for a third term, Hungary joins Poland and Italy in the rising tide of right-wing governments.
After Brexit, Eastern Europe remains loyal, for now
After Brexit highlighted fears over immigration, the EU needs to listen better to its citizens. While Western members face uncertainty, Eastern Europe remains loyal to the EU, for now.
What exactly is “illiberal democracy”?
How can illiberal democracy exist in the EU? Is democracy still relevant in Europe, or is Central European pioneering a new model?
Poland challenges EU values, but don’t expect sanctions
The European Union is initiating action against Warsaw’s recent breach of the rule of law. Brussels is unlikely to sanction the Polish government, but this clash reflects growing disparities between
