With two weeks to go before the general election in Hungary, the Foundation has published Péter Magyar's article, which originally appeared in the "Schuman Report 2025". As Viktor Orbán's main opponent, Péter Magyar outlines the core principles of his party, Tisza, which currently leads in the polls and advocates a break with the existing system. The emergence of illiberal democracy in Hungary marks a profound break with European standards, replacing pluralism with a centralisation of power. It creates a polarisation that calls for a civic renewal based, in particular, on digital tools. The country's recovery now rests on pragmatic governance aimed at addressing the stagnation and inequalities resulting from structural mismanagement. This approach prioritises stability and job creation for all rather than the preservation of privileges for a select elite.

European military operations go beyond mere defence to become a powerful diplomatic tool, asserting the Union's political presence on the international stage. Despite operational successes and unprecedented multinational experience, they face budgetary complexities and reluctance to engage in high-intensity risk. This defence dynamic is currently the scene of a major institutional rivalry between the Council and the Commission over control of strategic resources.

The European Union has shifted its military focus from territorial crisis management to comprehensive strategic and material support. Since 2021, the European Peace Facility has marked a major turning point by directly funding lethal equipment and partner training. This shift now prioritises technological and budgetary assistance, particularly in Ukraine. The study lists all military operations conducted by Europe since 2003.

Moldova hopes to join the European Union by 2030, backed by a pro-Western government. However, the separatist region of Transnistria, where Russian troops are stationed, remains a major strategic obstacle to this integration, even though the region has lost much of its capacity to cause trouble due to Russia's aggression in Ukraine. Between hybrid pressure from the Kremlin and energy dependence, the country's future is linked to the outcome of the conflict in Ukraine. A peaceful resolution requires the economic suffocation of the Tiraspol regime and increased European support to guarantee Moldovan sovereignty.

In 2026, the European Union asserted itself as a unique power in the field of women's rights, transforming the ideal of gender equality into binding legal obligations in the face of global democratic setbacks. Through directives on wage transparency, gender parity in decision-making and the fight against violence, it establishes a protective model that now influences international standards. This shift from values to sanctions embodies a political ambition to guarantee the autonomy and security of women in Europe and make it a model for the world.

Agenda

Hungary as a Trailblazer: the Rise of Illiberal Democracy and its Discontents

European Union military operations – Part 2

European Union military operations – Part 1

Transnistria: the Achilles heel of Moldova's European future?

From a set of values to a normative framework: the European Union, world champion of women's rights