While Hungary’s Victor Orban - who currently holds the rotating presidency of the EU - is bidding to become the dominant hard-right force in the EU, he’s also raising eyebrows on the international level. His latest meeting with Russia’s President Putin and his decision to attend a meeting of the Organisation of Turkic States in Azerbaijan - which included the pseudo-state in the occupied north of Cyprus - has sparked reactions across Europe and within NATO. Vassilis Nedos, Kathimerini’s diplomatic and defense editor, joins Thanos Davelis to look into Orban’s latest travels, his ties to Putin and Erdogan, and whether this is cause for concern in Athens, Nicosia, Brussels, and Washington.
You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:
Viktor Orbán’s rightwing group hits quota for recognition by EU parliament
Why the EU is outraged over Orbán’s trip to see Putin
EU foreign policy chief issues fresh rebuke to Hungary's Orban
French election aftermath and NATO summit dominate the agenda
Homegrown anti-drone system on Psara frigate proves its worth on Red Sea
UN envoy stresses need for Cypriot leadership in reconciliation efforts