NSNO EFC 🇮🇪 💙💛

A bold and right move from the European Commission: ‼️The European Commission will suspend a €2 million grant awarded to ​Venice's Biennale art exhibition if Russia participates in this year's edition, the EC spokesperson Thomas Regnier said. "The Commission condemns the decision by the Foundation Biennale to allow ​Russia to participate in the ​2026 Biennale art exhibition. Why? Because culture in ‌Europe ⁠should promote and safeguard democratic values. It should foster open dialogue, diversity, and freedom of expression. These ​values are ​currently, ⁠in today's Russia, not honoured," he said.

President Trump: the US Navy will start the full blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Viktor Orbán acknowledged his defeat in the elections: The election result is not yet complete, but it is understandable and clear. I congratulated the winning party!

Viktor Orbán acknowledged his defeat in the elections: The election result is not yet complete, but it is understandable and clear. I congratulated the winning party!

President Trump: the US Navy will start the full blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

"Russians, go home": Orbán has lost. First and foremost, this is a defeat for Russia. And this is already its third defeat, following Romania and Moldova (unfortunately, Georgia has not yet managed to break free from Russia's grip). Undoubtedly, with a democratic Hungary, the EU will become stronger. Russia has lost the ability to block NATO and EU decisions through Hungary. Orbán's defeat will weaken other pro-Russian politicians in Europe. It is also worth highlighting the outstanding work and role of independent media outlets, journalists, and bloggers who stood up to the direct interference of Russian political strategists and special services in Hungary's electoral process. Journalists demonstrated the effectiveness of fact-checking and quickly debunked AI-generated fakes (for example, about "Ukrainian cash-in-transit workers"). How will Russia act given Orbán's defeat? It will continue hybrid warfare within the EU, especially in countries where support for Putin remains high. Russia is counting on a prolonged war in Iran, and that it will trigger an economic crisis in Europe. Moscow will continue to restrict internet freedom in Russia. It will likely limit Russians' ability to leave the country and travel abroad. It will further mobilize the population. Putin will strengthen law enforcers and replace leaders so that no one can claim power. What conclusions regarding Hungary are important? A democratic society can prevail. I wish prosperity to the people of Hungary.

"Russians, go home": Orbán has lost. First and foremost, this is a defeat for Russia. And this is already its third defeat, following Romania and Moldova (unfortunately, Georgia has not yet managed to break free from Russia's grip). Undoubtedly, with a democratic Hungary, the EU will become stronger. Russia has lost the ability to block NATO and EU decisions through Hungary. Orbán's defeat will weaken other pro-Russian politicians in Europe. It is also worth highlighting the outstanding work and role of independent media outlets, journalists, and bloggers who stood up to the direct interference of Russian political strategists and special services in Hungary's electoral process. Journalists demonstrated the effectiveness of fact-checking and quickly debunked AI-generated fakes (for example, about "Ukrainian cash-in-transit workers"). How will Russia act given Orbán's defeat? It will continue hybrid warfare within the EU, especially in countries where support for Putin remains high. Russia is counting on a prolonged war in Iran, and that it will trigger an economic crisis in Europe. Moscow will continue to restrict internet freedom in Russia. It will likely limit Russians' ability to leave the country and travel abroad. It will further mobilize the population. Putin will strengthen law enforcers and replace leaders so that no one can claim power. What conclusions regarding Hungary are important? A democratic society can prevail. I wish prosperity to the people of Hungary.

Peskov congratulated Péter Magyar on his election victory in Hungary. Putin's spokesman said the Kremlin wishes to continue "pragmatic engagement" with Hungary's new leadership. Peskov noted that Russia is interested in "building good relations with Hungary, as well as with all European countries." Also, according to him, the results of the Hungarian elections will not affect the course of the war in Ukraine, as the Kremlin sees no direct link between these processes. Peskov apparently hasn't heard about Orbán blocking financial support for Ukraine.

On Sunday, April 12, Hungary will hold elections that are important for the future of the European Union. This is a point where two models of Europe collide: a liberal-democratic, institutional one - and an alternative model built on personalized power and anti-European narratives. Over more than a decade in power, Viktor Orbán has transformed Hungary into a system of competitive authoritarianism: elections formally remain, but real competition is constrained by control over the media, politicized institutions, and the administrative advantages of those in power. For the first time in 16 years, Hungarians have a chance to defend democracy. According to a number of 2026 polls, the opposition (Péter Magyar and the TISZA party) is consistently ahead of Fidesz (approximately 50-58% versus 35-40%). For Orbán’s system, this is a real challenge - which is why he is trying to hold on to power by tightening control. Orbán’s campaign is built as a frontal confrontation with the European Union. He is not merely criticizing Brussels - he is systematically working to undermine its legitimacy: blocking decisions, using veto threats, and promoting narratives about an "EU dictatorship" and the "defense of national sovereignty." Against this backdrop, a broader configuration is becoming increasingly visible - an informal anti-European coalition. Russia supports Orbán through propaganda, consultations, and political backing. Under Orbán, Hungary is turning into a Trojan horse within the EU. Orbán is also receiving significant backing from parts of the current U.S. political establishment. The recent visit of JD Vance to Budapest and his public rhetoric served as a signal: Orbán is being presented not as a deviation, but as a model. The key message is that Europe has allegedly lost its sovereignty, and that "illiberal democracies" are an alternative rather than a problem. This is how a political coalition is taking shape: Moscow undermines the EU from the outside, Budapest - from within, and parts of the U.S. political elite normalize this model at the level of ideas. The elections in Hungary are a point at which this authoritarian, anti-European coalition will either consolidate or collapse. If Orbán remains in power, the EU will face a stable internal opponent capable of blocking key decisions and undermining the Union from within. If he loses, a window opens for restoring and strengthening European institutions.

Péter Magyar on Russia: Is Russia a security risk? I think yes. I'm not talking about the Russian people, the Russian culture, the Russian people, they are fantastic people. But the Russian bear in Hungarian history, we felt it in 1849, in 1944, 1945, but in the 1920s, in 1956, and then they were here with us for a long time, so we know exactly what this is about.