A conservative columnist contends that the proposed US-EU free trade agreement is likely to serve US geopolitical interests and may not be in line with the wishes of Europeans. A moderate commentator believes that the US is bent on increasing its formal and informal influence in Eastern Europe in order to weaken illiberal regimes which challenge its hegemony. READ MORE
Index runs a lengthy fact-finding story to underpin the suspicion that Jobbik’s leading foreign affairs expert is a Russian secret service operative. He denies the charges and has threatened to sue the author and the news site. READ MORE
Two pro-government pundits agree that it would be foolish of Hungary to hesitate between East and West. They warn against the temptation to overemphasise disagreements with Hungary’s western allies. READ MORE
Following NATO’s decision to set up rapid response force bases in Eastern Europe, left-wing commentators believe that the Orbán government will have to join the West and stand up to Russia.
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A Marxist philosopher believes that President Putin’s suggestion to federalize Ukraine could help solve the crisis, but it is unlikely that it will be accepted by Western powers. A right-wing columnist accuses the US of trying to plunder Russia. A conservative commentator calls for increased military spending. READ MORE
Analysts from both right and left agree that European leaders wanted to send strong symbolic messages through the appointment of Donald Tusk and Federica Mogherini to top EU jobs. A conservative columnist believes Polish PM Tusk’s appointment is good news for Hungary. His left-wing counterpart cautions the Left against harsh anti-Russian rhetoric. READ MORE
A left-wing commentator believes that a new cold war is breaking out between Russia and the West, and Hungary cannot continue a foreign policy which involves sleeping in both camps. A conservative analyst warns that a compromise between the great powers is becoming ever more unlikely as time passes. Another pro-government commentator calls for the lifting of EU sanctions against Russia. READ MORE
As Moscow accuses Hungary of arming Ukraine, a pro-government columnist calls for caution in foreign affairs. According to a conservative commentator and a moderate online news site, on the other hand, the false accusations show that Hungary’s attempt at maintaining a balanced approach in foreign affairs has been a failure.
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Left-wing commentators accuse PM Orbán of siding with Putin in the controversy over Ukraine. A right-wing analyst suggests that Hungary has to walk a tightrope in that conflict. READ MORE
A conservative columnist writes that the embargo imposed on food produce by Russia as a retaliation for Western sanctions will harm Hungary. She suspects that the US is insisting on such harsh sanctions against Moscow in order to strengthen its economic position in Europe. READ MORE