Latest Viktor Orban News

EU is taking Hungary to court. It says a law targeting foreign influence really targets basic rights

Oct. 03, 2024 08:57 AM EDT

BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union announced on Thursday that it is taking Hungary’s right-wing government to court over laws that could allow the authorities to investigate and prosecute people accused of undermining the country’s sovereignty. The “ sovereignty protection...

European far right celebrates Austrian election win. But Austria's political future is uncertain

Sep. 30, 2024 12:15 PM EDT

VIENNA (AP) — European far-right and nationalist parties are celebrating the hard-right Freedom Party’s win in Austria’s election. Even though it’s uncertain whether hard-line leader Herbert Kickl will be able to take his vision of a “Fortress Austria” into government, the party's...

Hungary's Orbán says EU hits North Macedonia's 'national pride' by delaying accession bid

Sep. 27, 2024 09:59 AM EDT

SKOPJE, North Macedonia (AP) — Hungary's right-wing prime minister on Friday accused European Union officials of denting North Macedonia's “national pride” by further delaying the country's troubled bid to join the bloc. During a visit to North Macedonia, Viktor Orbán also...

Orbán pushes back on aide's comment that Hungary wouldn't have fought a Russian invasion

Sep. 27, 2024 06:45 AM EDT

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — Hungary always has and always will defend itself against foreign attacks, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said on Friday after one of his closest aides provoked controversy by suggesting that Hungary wouldn't have fought against a Russian invasion as Ukraine has done. ...

Orbán aide faces backlash for saying Hungary wouldn’t have fought a Russian invasion

Sep. 26, 2024 10:40 AM EDT

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — Hungary's most popular opposition figure called for the resignation of one of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's closest aides on Thursday over statements he made suggesting that Hungary wouldn't have defended itself against a Russian invasion, unlike Ukraine. ...

Hungary refuses to pay fines for breaking EU asylum rules. Brussels is taking the money anyway.

Sep. 18, 2024 07:46 AM EDT

BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union on Wednesday began the process of clawing back hundreds of millions of euros in funds meant to go Hungary after its ant-migrant government refused to pay a huge fine for breaking the bloc’s asylum rules. In June, the EU’s top court ordered...

Hungary prepared to sue EU executive for border protection costs, minister says

Sep. 12, 2024 05:44 AM EDT

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — Hungary is exploring legal avenues for forcing the European Union’s executive commission to reimburse it for funds it has spent on border protection, a minister said on Thursday, potentially deepening a conflict with the EU over Hungary's restrictive immigration and...

The Hungarian leader Trump cites as a supporter champions 'illiberal democracy'

Sep. 11, 2024 12:58 PM EDT

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — Former President Donald Trump made room during his debate with Vice President Kamala Harris to express the mutual admiration he shares with Viktor Orbán, the autocratic leader of Hungary who has cozied up with Russia and China and became a thorn in the side of his...

The EU wants answers from Hungary about work visas for Russia and Belarus

Sep. 04, 2024 10:32 AM EDT

BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union’s top migration official expressed concern on Wednesday about a Hungarian work visa program open to citizens from Russia and Belarus, just as sabotage attacks and spying allegations raise alarm across Europe. Hungary extended its National Card...

EU ministers take a very public swipe at Hungary over a lack of respect for the bloc's values

Sep. 03, 2024 10:49 AM EDT

BRUSSELS (AP) — Senior government ministers from Ireland, Luxembourg and Belgium took a very public swipe at Hungary on Tuesday, raising questions about whether Prime Minister Vitkor Orbán’s stridently nationalist cabinet respects European Union values and standards. Hungary...