Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban continued his “peace mission” this week with visits to both the Vatican and Rome, where he met with Pope Francis and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. In Rome, Orban discussed promoting peace in Ukraine with the Pope, who praised Hungary’s efforts to strengthen bilateral relations with the Catholic Church. Orban’s meetings with Meloni also focused on issues of migration, where they agreed on enhancing cooperation with countries of origin and updating EU frameworks for faster deportations. Though Orban and Meloni disagree on Ukraine’s war, they share similar views on immigration. Orban’s visit follows Hungary’s successful presidency of the EU Council, which saw significant achievements, including the Budapest declaration on competitiveness and the expansion of Romania and Bulgaria into the Schengen Area. Meloni, seen as a key figure in European politics, could also play a role in mitigating economic concerns between Hungary and the U.S. under a new administration.
In Hungary, unrest brews within the judiciary as the government offers a substantial pay raise to judges in exchange for support on sweeping reforms that critics say threaten judicial independence. While the salary increase could significantly boost earnings for senior judges, it comes with strings attached, including the potential for forced relocations and a retirement age increase to 70 for those deemed essential. The offer has sparked criticism, with some judges questioning the implications for judicial autonomy.
Meanwhile, Slovakia’s coalition government managed to pass the 2025 state budget despite infighting and allegations of alcohol-fueled outbursts from Prime Minister Robert Fico. The budget, which includes a significant public finance deficit, was supported by the majority of coalition MPs, but opposition leaders and media have criticized Fico for his inflammatory comments and alleged misconduct during the parliamentary session. The ongoing political turmoil has overshadowed the passage of the budget, with accusations of misconduct and calls for media accountability continuing to make headlines.
In Poland, farmers took to the streets once again, protesting a proposed free trade agreement between the EU and Mercosur countries. The protests, held across the country, focused on concerns about unfair competition from chemically-treated foreign food imports. The protests come as Poland seeks to join other EU nations in opposing the deal, which some fear could harm local agriculture. At the same time, Poland is bolstering its defense capabilities, with Germany and Norway announcing further contributions to air defense systems to protect key logistical hubs crucial for supporting Ukraine’s war effort.
Czech politics is also in the spotlight as the lower house approved the 2025 state budget after months of tense negotiations. Despite efforts to consolidate public finances, opposition parties have criticized the budget as irresponsible, particularly due to tax increases and concerns over growing national debt. Meanwhile, a hoax involving alleged gunshots at the University of West Bohemia led to an extensive police response, though no evidence of an attack was found. The incident, which caused widespread panic and the evacuation of over 1,000 people, comes at a time of heightened security concerns following the tragic shooting at Prague’s Charles University nearly a year ago.
The political landscape across Central Europe remains volatile, as governments grapple with internal dissent, protests, and shifting alliances that could reshape the region’s future.
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