Visegrad Group

Hungary's economy receives a boost as the EU releases €16bn in frozen funds under the new Magyar government, but a fatal explosion at MOL's petrochemical plant and a review of the Paks-2 nuclear deal signal industrial risks. Poland pulls ahead as East Germany's catch-up falters, while Ryanair expands in Bratislava and Wizz Air plans a phased return to Tel Aviv.

• 9EU to release €16bn to Hungary previously frozen under Orbán
• 4Hungary reinstates ban on Ukrainian agricultural imports
• 3Hungary returns confiscated Oschadbank cash to Ukraine
• 2Economy: Poland pulls ahead as East Germany’s catch-up falters
• 2Ryanair is adding another plane to Bratislava — and a new route to Italy - The Slovak Spectator

Péter Magyar takes over as Hungary's leader after Orbán's departure, with his brother-in-law withdrawing as justice minister and Parliament affirming ICC membership. Robert Fico discusses Ukraine with Putin, conveys a message from Zelensky, and backs Ukraine's EU membership, while Poland's ex-minister Ziobro flees to the US.

• 26Orban leaves, Magyar takes over as Hungary shifts system
• 19Fico discusses Ukraine with Putin, conveys message from Zelensky
• 13Fico says EU sanctions boost Russia's self-sufficiency
• 9Poland's wanted ex-minister confirms he fled to US from Hungary
• 6Hungary Parliament approves law to maintain membership in International Criminal Court

The US Pentagon cancels deployment of an armored brigade to Poland, while the UK and Poland sign a defence treaty. Slovakia closes all border crossings with Ukraine over security concerns but pledges increased ammunition supplies, and a Russian drone accidentally lands in Romania, prompting NATO alert.

• 4Pentagon calls off deployment of armored brigade to Poland: report - Anadolu Ajansı
• 4Slovakia closes all border crossings with Ukraine over security concerns - Anadolu Ajansı
• 3Czech Republic likely to miss NATO defence-spending target, PM tells FT
• 3UK, Poland set to sign defence treaty to tackle hostile threats across Europe
• 3US Army abruptly cancels deployment of 4,000 soldiers to Poland

Hungarian police allow the Budapest Pride march, signaling a shift in societal governance under Magyar, while a Slovak lesson highlights how Fico weakened media independence. Poland cuts benefits for Ukrainian refugees, prompting Germany to brace for a new influx, and an antisemitism warning from a Hungarian director underscores rising societal tensions.

• 2Hungary police see no reason to ban Budapest Pride march
• 1Slovak lesson: How Fico weakened TV and radio independence
• 1Germany braces for new Ukrainian refugee influx after Poland cuts benefits
• 1Warsaw curbs night-time alcohol sales, residents react
• 1BBC World Service to launch news services in Romanian, Hungarian