On April 12, the resounding victory of the Tisza Party, led by Péter Magyar, signaled a rejection of Viktor Orbán's illiberal model and his Euroscepticism. Among the lessons to be drawn from these Hungarian elections, several points stand out: this defeat reflects, beyond external influences, a renewed aspiration among citizens for the rule of law and European integration, confirming that the European Union remains a protective framework against authoritarian excesses. European citizens do not want autocracies and find in the European Union a legal, political, and solidarity-based framework. Finally, these elections serve as a reminder that any authoritarian endeavour, from Trumpism to Russian revisionism, inevitably comes up against the enduring will of the people and the universal demand for the rule of law and democracy.

Peter Magyar's Tisza Party won 53.07% of the vote and 138 seats, securing a two-thirds majority to dismantle Viktor Orbán's illiberal system, which was rejected with 38.43% of the vote and 55 seats. This election, marked by high voter turnout (77.80%), particularly among young people, signals a genuine appetite for change to restore the rule of law and media pluralism in order to unlock €18 billion in European funds. The challenge is to bring Hungary out of its diplomatic isolation and difficult economic situation while stabilizing relations with the European Union and Ukraine. Our Homeland (5.83%, 6 seats) completes the future Parliament, in which only three parties will be represented.

On April 7 and 8, the European Commission approved Finland's fourth payment request, amounting to €267.1 million, and Ireland's, amounting to €249 million, under the NextGenerationEU instrument. Finland has met all ten milestones and targets set, covering flagship measures such as waste management reform and the strengthening of career and employment support services. Ireland, which has met five milestones and three targets, is using these funds to develop offshore wind power, digitize healthcare financing, and support its green and digital transitions. The Foundation provides regular monitoring of the implementation of the recovery plan.

On April 8, the European Commission opened applications for a new cycle of the DiscoverEU program, offering 40,000 travel passes to 18-year-olds so they can explore Europe by train. Applicants born between July 1, 2007, and June 30, 2008, can submit their applications on the European Youth Portal until April 22. Launched in 2018, the DiscoverEU program has already enabled 1.9 million young people to travel, gain a better understanding of other cultures and European history, and improve their foreign language skills.

On April 10, the Entry/Exit System (EES) became fully operational in all Schengen countries at all external border crossing points of the European Union. This technological system digitally records the personal and biometric data of third-country nationals traveling to the 29 countries of the Schengen Area for short stays. Its phased rollout began on October 12, 2025, replacing the former passport stamping system.

Green Light for SAFE Assistance to the Czech Republic and France On April 10, the Council adopted two decisions to make financial assistance available to two EU Member States, the Czech Republic and France, under the SAFE program. For the Czech Republic, the Commission allocated a maximum loan amount of €2.06 billion, while France is expected to receive a maximum loan amount of approximately €15.09 billion.

On April 7, the "One Health" Summit in Lyon—held as part of World Health Day and the French G7 presidency—brought together leaders, international organizations, scientists, and public and private sector stakeholders. It aims to strengthen cooperation in the face of health, food, environmental, and climate risks, and resulted in a joint declaration on reforming the global health architecture. On this occasion, the European Commission committed to a global health resilience initiative, providing nearly €700 million to the Global Fund and increased support for research on antimicrobial resistance and neglected diseases.

On 8 April, the leaders of France, Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, Spain and Japan, together with the President of the European Commission and the President of the European Council, issued a joint statement on the conflict in the Middle East. They welcome the two-week ceasefire agreed today between the United States and Iran, and thank Pakistan and all partners involved for facilitating the agreement. The signatories call for a swift and lasting resolution to the conflict to protect civilian populations, ensure regional security and prevent a global energy crisis. They also urge all parties to respect the ceasefire, including in Lebanon.

On April 8, the European Commission and Morocco launched the Digital Dialogue, an initiative aimed at strengthening their cooperation. This partnership will promote cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), support for digital startups, and the development of secure and reliable digital infrastructure. As part of this dialogue, an agreement on AI ecosystems for innovation was signed, marking a major milestone in strengthening digital relations between the European Union and Morocco.

On 8 April, the European Public Prosecutor's Office announced the dismantling of an organised crime group involving civil servants suspected of irregularities in procedures for awarding grants intended for the reconstruction of research facilities. On 10 April, the Office conducted an investigation into suspicions of large-scale customs fraud and tax evasion linked to the importation of textiles, footwear and e-commerce goods from China into the European Union.

On April 6, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis urged European judicial authorities to act without delay to determine responsibility in the case of fraud involving European Union agricultural subsidies, which is undermining the country's political stability. A few days earlier, the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) had asked the Greek Parliament to lift the immunity of 11 sitting MPs, while five former MPs are also under investigation. The case involves embezzlement estimated at at least €23 million, based on a system of false declarations of agricultural land, which allowed for the improper receipt of European funds. This stance underscores the government's commitment to strengthening transparency and restoring the credibility of Greek institutions in the management of European funds.

On 8 April, the European Public Prosecutor's Office announced the dismantling of an organised crime group involving civil servants suspected of irregularities in procedures for awarding grants intended for the reconstruction of research facilities. On 10 April, the Office conducted an investigation into suspicions of large-scale customs fraud and tax evasion linked to the importation of textiles, footwear and e-commerce goods from China into the European Union.

On 8 April, the international conference on climate action in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East, organised as part of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union, facilitated a dialogue between policymakers and scientists. It aims to coordinate responses to climate challenges in a region that is particularly vulnerable and marked by geopolitical tensions.

On April 7, in Madrid, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez met with the leader of the Belarusian democratic opposition, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, to reiterate Spain's support for civil society and democratic forces in Belarus. During the meeting, he condemned the repression by Alexander Lukashenko's regime and called for continued international pressure in support of fundamental rights, the release of political prisoners, and a democratic transition.

On 8 April, to mark its 80th anniversary, EDF announced a €240 million plan designed to accelerate the electrification of energy use in France, with direct financial support for households, transport operators and industry. The company plans to allocate €80 million to support the installation of heat pumps in low-income households, with a €1,000 grant paid to 80,000 households. For heavy goods transport, it plans to provide an average grant of €15,000 towards the purchase of electric lorries, with a budget of €30 million. At the same time, EDF will invest in the roll-out of 180 new roaming charging stations, which will be added to the existing 160 or so points. Finally, €80 million will be dedicated to supporting the establishment of industrial or digital sites in France.

On April 10, President Emmanuel Macron was greeted for the first time by Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. Reference was made to the good relations between the Holy See and France, and the focus then shifted to important international issues, with an exchange of views on conflict situations around the world, particularly in the Middle East, in the hope of restoring peaceful coexistence through dialogue and negotiation.

On April 4, Kosovo's outgoing president, Vjosa Osmani, handed over her duties to Assembly President Albulena Haxhiu, as her term had come to an end. The term of the new interim president is limited to a maximum of six months. The Assembly has until April 28 to elect a new president, in accordance with a decision by the Constitutional Court of Kosovo, which overturned the presidential decree dissolving Parliament. If this effort fails, new early parliamentary elections must be held within forty-five days.

On April 10, the Council of Europe's Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) published an evaluation report on the prevention of corruption and the promotion of integrity at the local level in Estonia. It commends Estonia for its well-developed anti-corruption and pro-integrity framework and highlights several best practices worthy of sharing with other member states. In addition, GRECO made twelve recommendations regarding additional measures in the areas of anti-corruption policy, ethics, transparency, and accountability. Estonia is invited to submit a report on the measures taken to implement these recommendations by September 30th 2027.

On 8 April, the heads of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank Group and the World Food Programme sounded the alarm over the impact of the war in the Middle East on global food security. According to their declaration, rising energy prices, combined with disrupted supply chains, will lead to a sharp increase in food prices and reduce governments' ability to protect the most vulnerable households.

On April 8, Norwegian Energy Minister Terje Aasland released the report from the National Nuclear Commission, marking a turning point in the country's deliberations on the potential introduction of this energy source. According to the report, nuclear power could supply between 10% and 15% of Norway's electricity by 2050. Small modular reactors (SMRs) are identified as the most suitable solution, with deployment possible as early as 2030, provided there is a robust regulatory framework and sufficient investment. Commissioned in 2024 and designed as a strategic foundation, this report paves the way for a historic diversification of the energy mix in a country that has historically been non-nuclear.

On 8 April, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) issued a call to uphold the rights of Roma on the occasion of International Roma Day. It warns of persistent structural discrimination across the OSCE area, particularly in access to education, employment and housing. The Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, emphasises that Roma communities continue to face discrimination that has no place on a continent built on equality and the rule of law. He calls for them to be granted genuine access to education and participation.

On April 9, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) released its report titled "The Foundations of Growth and Competitiveness," providing countries with a tool to implement reforms that foster productivity gains. Noting a weakening of economic growth prospects, it identifies three priorities: catalysts, market incentives, and allocative efficiency, as well as targeted and sector-specific measures.

On 10 April, the OECD published an analysis reporting a historic drop in official development assistance (ODA) in 2025, down 23.1% compared to 2024 – the sharpest decline ever recorded. According to the organisation, international funding for developing countries has fallen significantly, particularly among the world's leading donors; the five main providers—Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan and France—have all reduced their ODA. Despite this overall decline – mirrored by that of the United States, which alone recorded a fall of 56.9% – four countries still exceed the UN's target of 0.7% of Gross National Income: Denmark, Luxembourg, Norway and Sweden.

Through August 23, the Kunstmuseum Basel is presenting a retrospective devoted to Helen Frankenthaler, an iconic figure in abstract art. With over fifty works spanning six decades, the exhibition offers a comprehensive overview of her artistic career, making it the most significant exhibition of her work ever presented in Europe. Visitors are invited to explore her revolutionary soak stain technique, which profoundly transformed abstract art beginning in the 1950s, while observing her ongoing dialogue with art history.

From 14 to 19 April, the Printemps de Bourges celebrates its 50th anniversary and reaffirms its status as a key event on the French and international music scene. Over 130 artists will take to the city's iconic venues, bringing together established figures and emerging talents, true to the festival's DNA: discovery, creativity and boldness. A showcase for musical diversity and the official kick-off to the festival season, this anniversary edition promises a unique experience, celebrating half a century of music and innovation.

From April 17 to 19, the Paris Book Fair takes over the Grand Palais to celebrate books through exhibitions, author talks, and book signings. More than 1,200 authors, 450 publishing houses, and 14 countries are coming together for this year's edition. On 17th April, the Culinary Night invites visitors to combine literature, gastronomy, and the culinary arts. Comics are the guest of honor at this 2026 edition.

Until 30 August, the PinchukArtCentre in Kyiv is presenting the large-scale collective project *Joy*, in which Ukrainian and international artists explore joy, one of the fundamental emotions that enables us to carry on even in the most difficult times. The project takes as its starting point a series of testimonies collected by Hlib Stryzhko, a Ukrainian veteran, from soldiers and other veterans, to discover what brings them joy. More broadly, the exhibition invites visitors to reflect on the different forms of joy in times of war and the resilience it can generate.

Until June 21, the Royal Academy of Arts in London is hosting the first British exhibition devoted to the artist Michaelina Wautier. Active in Brussels in the mid-17th century, she pushed the boundaries imposed on female artists of the time by exploring a wide variety of subjects: from flowers to portraits, including large-scale history paintings—a format usually reserved for her male counterparts.

Through June 30, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center in Athens is hosting an exhibition featuring works by twelve contemporary photographers from the permanent collection of MOMUS (Museum of Photography of Thessaloniki). It highlights various aspects of the female experience: identity, memory, the body, social roles, migration, visibility, and a sense of belonging.

Through July 11, the National and University Library of Strasbourg is hosting an exhibition titled "René Cassin, a Champion of Peace," marking the 50th anniversary of the passing of the law professor, legal scholar, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and human rights advocate. In cooperation with the René Cassin Foundation, the library traces René Cassin's career, from his work with General de Gaulle for Free France in London to his decisive role in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

From 17 to 19 April, Milan will host the 30th edition of Miart, the international fair for modern and contemporary art. Conceived as a radical overhaul of the event, this edition marks a turning point in the fair's identity. It highlights Miart's growing importance on the European art scene, bringing together nearly 160 galleries from 24 countries and fostering a dialogue between historic 20th-century works and contemporary creations. Under the theme "New Directions", the programme places particular emphasis on experimentation and the interplay of artistic languages.

Until 6 September, the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna is hosting an exhibition dedicated to the 18th-century Venetian painters Giovanni Antonio Canal, known as Canaletto, and his nephew Bernardo Bellotto. Bringing together major works from international collections, the exhibition offers an in-depth exploration of their views of Venice, London, Dresden and Vienna. The exhibition highlights their unique approach to urban representation during the Age of Enlightenment, combining scientific precision — notably through the use of the camera obscura — with spectacular staging of urban landscapes.