Viktor Orbán

Sergey Lavrov makes overture to Viktor Orbán’s government in Budapest.

The 2 Eastern European nations are being considered together as prospective members — for now.

Europe baked, the Atomium shut early — and Brussels finally unveiled its long-delayed climate target. Host Sarah Wheaton speaks with POLITICO Climate Reporter Louise Guillot, Chief Foreign …

The European Commission must be “much stronger” in confronting the Hungarian leader, say Spanish officials.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán warned of “legal consequences” for those who defy the government’s ban on Pride parades.

Dozens of prominent European politicians are heading to Hungary for Pride, but the country’s conservative government insists the parade is illegal.

Socialists and liberals are rebelling against the Commission president, but she has no easy fix in working with parties further to the right.

Still, diplomats privately express optimism that a deal can be reached.

The Hungarian government has moved to try to ban Pride under the pretext of protecting children.

Hungary and Slovakia oppose new sanctions on fuel from Moscow, but Brussels suspects they are cooking their books to support their position.

Brussels wants to cut the flow of cash to Moscow — but Hungary and Slovakia are poised to hold up the proposals.

Europe’s nationalist leaders offer Le Pen kind words and a ceremonial title as she fights to stay center stage.

Maybe Karol Nawrocki’s victory can even help relations with the U.S. and Hungary, Polish foreign minister tells POLITICO.

Legal opinion bolsters EU’s challenge against Viktor Orbán’s conservative culture war.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen calls on nationalist Polish election winner to “work to ensure the security and prosperity of our common home.“

Slaps were exchanged — some literal, some political — and suddenly Brussels isn’t just watching from the sidelines. This week on EU Confidential, we dive into a …

The move comes as EU diplomats warn the bloc is inching closer to deploying its “nuclear option” against Hungary.

The presidential front-runner’s hostility to Ukraine is creating a rift with fellow European conservatives.

Brussels is looking into ways to link budget payouts more tightly with rule of law, according to Commissioner Michael McGrath.

The new bill fits into a pattern of democratic backsliding for the Central European country.

Slovak PM is the only EU leader to attend Red Square festivities.

Brussels will soon tell Hungary and Slovakia to stop dealing with Moscow — whether they like it or not. But the EU’s enforcement plan is fuzzier.

The EU will make its pitch Tuesday, searching for momentum as sanctions stall, the U.S. equivocates and some eye a Russian fuel return.