International Relations

CNN:

Orbán says the EU – not Russia – is Hungary’s real threat ahead of April vote

The real threat facing Hungary is not Russia but the European Union, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said in a speech to supporters on Saturday, as his nationalist party ramps up an anti-EU campaign ahead of national elections.

With only eight weeks until the April 12 vote, Orbán and his Fidesz party are facing their most serious challenge since the right-wing populist leader retook power in 2010.

Most independent polls show Fidesz trailing the center-right Tisza party and its leader, Péter Magyar, even as Orbán has campaigned on the unsubstantiated premise that the EU would send Hungarians to their deaths in neighboring Ukraine if his party loses.

EURACTIV:

Commission should 'annul' €10.2bn payment to Hungary, European top court opinion says

The advocate general of the EU’s top court proposed on Thursday to “annul” the Commission’s 2023 decision to unfreeze €10.2 billion of EU funds to Hungary, arguing that Budapest had not fully met the rule of law conditions attached to the money.

Under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Hungary has long been seen as a disruptive force within the 27-country bloc, repeatedly clashing with Brussels over rule-of-law standards, accession negotiations, or military assistance for Ukraine.

The European Parliament brought the case to the Court of Justice (ECJ) against the Commission in 2024, arguing that Hungary had not met the criteria for the funds release.

I have to say when I first read they'd give the 10.2B  EUR, it sounded really dodgy.  The timing might be coincidental what with the election just 2 months away.  Orban has to be a bit dumb - don't annoy your benefactor in the form of the EU if you want money from the club.   

Blaming the EU for everything is just nonsense.  If Orban doesn't like the EU and wants out, then hold a referendum on membership and determine if HUexit is the choice of the people.   Then Hungary will find out what happens Brexit style. It's generally thought Brexit was a huge mistake and economic failure.

Ramadan:

I just noticed it's Ramadan from 17 February 2026 (today) until 18 March 2026 approximately.

Doesn't affect me directly as such but I plan to fly via a Middle East airline during that period.

I might get food on the plane. 

Usually travellers can eat during Ramadan but who knows if the airline will observe the non-observant infidels.

Chagos Islands:

Four Chagossians return to islands in attempt to stop British transfer to Mauritius

Four Chagos Islanders have landed on one of the archipelago’s atolls to establish what they say will be a permanent settlement, in an attempt to complicate a British plan to transfer the territory to Mauritius.

The Mauritius attorney general said the move was a publicity stunt designed to create conflict over a 2025 agreement with Britain on handing over sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory, which is opposed by some Chagossians who accuse Mauritius of decades of neglect. Mauritius has denied the accusations.

Under the deal, Britain would cede control over the islands to Mauritius but lease the largest, Diego Garcia, for 99 years to continue operating a joint US-UK military base there.

Personally, I support their return to their homeland.  They pose no threat.  And the UK government should be supporting repopulation of the islands.  It could be resort islands.   And they should keep it British too.  The deal with Mauritius is ludicrous.

Euronews:

Hungary and Slovakia halt diesel exports to Ukraine amid oil transit dispute

Hungary and Slovakia said they have suspended diesel exports to Ukraine after Russian oil flows via the Druzhba pipeline were disrupted. Both governments accuse Kyiv of failing to restore the pipeline, but the European Commission said their energy security is not at risk.

Not sure if this is fully connected to the forthcoming national election in HU.  Or what the other play is.

As far as I can ascertain, there's plenty of fuel coming into HU from other directions.  No reason to stop diesel exports to Ukraine.  Besides, it could go via other countries potentially, like Poland or Romania.

BBC:

Do not give away Diego Garcia, Trump tells UK in fresh attack on Chagos deal

"Do not give away Diego Garcia," US President Donald Trump has said as he criticised the UK's plan to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius and lease back an important military base.

Trump said "this land should not be taken away from the UK" and if it did it would be "a blight on our Great Ally", in a post on social media.

This comes despite Washington on Tuesday giving its official backing to London's plan to cede sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory to Mauritius.

Trump is directly contradicting his own administration.  Click here -  US says it supports UK Chagos Islands deal.  Hard to say what is going on there (in his head).

BBC:

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested and in custody on suspicion of misconduct in public office

"As part of the investigation, we have today (19/2) arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.

"The man remains in police custody at this time.

"We will not be naming the arrested man, as per national guidance. Please also remember that this case is now active so care should be taken with any publication to avoid being in contempt of court.

"Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: "Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.

"'It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence.

"'We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.'"

This is a seismic development.

Caption Competition:

Trump:  I'm with this gormless idiot cum sucker

Orban:  Yup, I'm proud to be his useful idiot

Ex Price Andrew in lock up.

Wow, bet he did not see that coming!

He could be a cell mate with my bro, go to a level 4 yard and deal with gang bangers!

Or choke on a roll!

Wonder if he is in a posh cell?

Ex Price Andrew in lock up.
Wow, bet he did not see that coming!
He could be a cell mate with my bro, go to a level 4 yard and deal with gang bangers!
Or choke on a roll!
Wonder if he is in a posh cell? - @Marilyn Tassy

He's been released under investigation.  This is how the justice system works in the UK.   They arrested him because they thought they had enough evidence but needed to fill in gaps, they then grilled him with his solicitor (lawyer), then they let him go while they build a case if they can.  It's not like he could run away. Although he could actually make a dash for the door.  There's no court order for his passport to be surrendered as far as we know.  One wonders if he'll disappear and turn up in a country without an extradition treaty.   Pure speculation.

Andrew's really caused a massive problem for the Royals.   Queen Liz will be turning in her grave.  It's truly amazing how far Epstein's tentacles went.

Of course heads have rolled in the UK but many perps in the USA have not been brought to justice.   They say there are 6 key perps in the Epstein files, all redacted, and all Trump's friends. 

Epstein and Andrew might have actually precipitated the end of the Royal Family in the UK.  Maybe it never gets past King William (succeeding King Charles).   William could be the last King of England.

USA:

Trump ends some tariffs, imposes new 10% global one

After the US Supreme Court on Friday struck down sweeping tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, the White House announced the end of certain duties enacted under a law used to address national emergencies.

The White House said those tariffs "shall ​no longer be in ​effect and, as ‌soon as practicable, shall ​no ⁠longer be collected."

Undeterred by the Supreme Court ruling, Trump said later on Friday in a post on his Truth Social platform that he had the "Great Honor" to sign an order imposing temporary 10% tariffs on global imports to be "effective almost immediately."

Massive schadenfreude nudge on the meter concerning this one.   I listened to his press conference and it was rambling load of nonsense saying SCOTUS were a bunch of incompetents etc.  I wouldn't disagree but on this one, it looks like they did their job.   He even appointed some of them.  Reaps what he sows. 

Next step, for Europe anyway, is to decide what happens in the trade agreement as all bets are off.

Mar-a-Lago shooting latest: Man shot dead 'after trying to unlawfully enter Trump's Florida estate'

A man has been shot dead trying to "unlawfully enter" Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. The Secret Service says he was armed with a shotgun when he was killed - and that the president was not in the state.

"At 1.30 this morning, the security detail detected that a individual had made his way into the inner perimeter of Mar-a-Lago," he says.

"A deputy and two Secret Service agents on the detail went to that area to investigate.

"They confronted a white male that was carrying a gas can and a shotgun.

"He was ordered to drop those two pieces of equipment that he had with them at which time he put down the gas can, raised the shotgun to a shooting position.

"At that point in time, the deputy and the two Secret Service agents fired their weapons and neutralised the threat. He is deceased at the scene."

DW:

Trump says sending 'great hospital boat' to Greenland

The US president said a vessel was "on the way" to Greenland, with the move coming amid a rift between the US and Europe over control of the island. Denmark hit back, saying no medical help is needed.

No-one seems to know why Donny has sent this ship to Greenland.  Seems to be pointless.  Or just another distraction?

DW:
Trump says sending 'great hospital boat' to Greenland

The US president said a vessel was "on the way" to Greenland, with the move coming amid a rift between the US and Europe over control of the island. Denmark hit back, saying no medical help is needed.

No-one seems to know why Donny has sent this ship to Greenland. Seems to be pointless. Or just another distraction? - @fluffy2560

He is just barmy mad. He must dream up things when he sleeps. If Greenland needed help, Denmark would step in.

Greenland has a population of approximately 56,500 to 56,900.

Greenland has 5 regional hospitals (in Aasiaat, Ilulissat, Sisimiut, Qaqortoq, and Tasiilaq) and one national hospital, Queen Ingrid’s Hospital in Nuuk, serving a population of approximately 57,000. These are supported by 16 health centres and smaller clinics for primary care and emergency services. That's way better than some towns have in the UK.

They coped during COVID just fine.

DW:Trump says sending 'great hospital boat' to GreenlandThe US president said a vessel was "on the way" to Greenland, with the move coming amid a rift between the US and Europe over control of the island. Denmark hit back, saying no medical help is needed.No-one seems to know why Donny has sent this ship to Greenland. Seems to be pointless. Or just another distraction? - @fluffy2560He is just barmy mad. He must dream up things when he sleeps. If Greenland needed help, Denmark would step in.Greenland has a population of approximately 56,500 to 56,900.Greenland has 5 regional hospitals (in Aasiaat, Ilulissat, Sisimiut, Qaqortoq, and Tasiilaq) and one national hospital, Queen Ingrid’s Hospital in Nuuk, serving a population of approximately 57,000. These are supported by 16 health centres and smaller clinics for primary care and emergency services. That's way better than some towns have in the UK.They coped during COVID just fine. - @SimCityAT

I thought the Danish PM summed it up by saying, "call me, don't post random messages on social media".

This is a big problem with Mango Man.  He conducts diplomacy in public forums.  It's not the way things are done.

The other one in the past 24h is "Donald Trump is curious why the Iranians haven't capitulated".   That's as elaborated by his real estate buddy Steve Witless.  Curious?  FFS!

It's fairly obvious why they haven't given in.   They are 90M people, armed to the teeth and think their cause is righteous.   And they're prepared to die for it and take anyone opposed with them.  Are any of the US GOP politicians in his cabinet or Trump himself currently opinionating prepared to do the same?   The quicker Donny realises it's not Venezuela the better.

I deal with US people all the time.   Most of them haven't got a clue about world affairs.  They hardly know what is going on in their state.   We - in Europe - are a lot closer to the action.

UK:

Ex-prince Andrew banned from horse riding hobby as he's shunned over 'bad look'

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been banned from horse riding, according to reports.

The Sun has revealed that royal advisers are concerned the former prince being photographed looking cheerful on horseback whilst subject to a police investigation presents a "bad look", reports the Mirror.

Now I am getting to the point of feeling sorry for him.  Sure, he's a plonker, but he's not been found guilty of anything and now he cannot even be friends with a horse.   That's absurd.

Gosh, I wonder if they will allow Andrew to ride a merry-go-round?

That does seem very vindictive to ban him from horse riding.

I may try to watch some of Trumps one hour and 48 min. speech tonight. Doubt I can get through it though.

Gosh, I wonder if they will allow Andrew to ride a merry-go-round?That does seem very vindictive to ban him from horse riding.I may try to watch some of Trumps one hour and 48 min. speech tonight. Doubt I can get through it though. - @Marilyn Tassy

Apparently if he's seen enjoying it, that's too much.   He's just had a birthday so I guess he had a small cake for that but was banned from smiling or laughing.  I can imagine him sitting there alone in his slippers and cardigan with a cake, one candle and a glass of whisky.

BTW, I'm beginning to feel sorry for the horse.  It needs exercise and relations with animals really help depressed people. He's got 7 dogs as well. I feel sorry for them.  But more than 2 dogs will make me depressed.

I wonder if he's really guilty.  He's lost everything.  If he IS guilty, he deserves it.  If he is NOT guilty,   the way the press is behaving, they are driving him into the ground.  Must be relentless.  Best he goes out in disguise.  But he'd be easy to spot - he'd be the guy with the bag or balaclava on his head.  And the Donald Trump or Epstein mask is going to fool no-one.

I started listening to Trump and then gave up.  It's just a really stupid opportunity for him to big himself up and bathe in sycophantic glow.  Just utter rubbish and a total waste of time for everyone.

UK:

Green Party takes Gorton and Denton from Labour in first ever Westminster by-election win

Interesting result: Positions were 1st Green, 2nd Reform and Labour 3rd. 

Conservatives were nowhere.

Farage has gone daft and accused Greens of cheating.  Shades of Trump.  STFU Nigel.

The historically violent regimes of the US and Israel have reportedly attacked an Iranian girls' primary school killing a few dozen little kids amongst others.

The latest act of aggression from the two rogue states looks like it might cause a regional conflict.

Trump has yet to seek permission from anyone to start his latest war, but US and Israeli forces are murdering civilians anyway.

France, Germany and the United Kingdom have consistently urged the Iranian regime to end Iran’s nuclear program, curb its ballistic missile program, refrain from its destabilising activity in the region and our homelands, and to cease the appalling violence and repression against its own people.

We did not participate in these strikes, but are in close contact with our international partners, including the United States, Israel and partners in the region.

We reiterate our commitment to regional stability and to the protection of civilian life.

We condemn Iranian attacks on countries in the region in the strongest terms. Iran must refrain from indiscriminate military strikes.

We urge the Iranian leadership to seek a negotiated solution.

Ultimately, the Iranian people must be allowed to determine their future.

The historically violent regimes of the US and Israel have reportedly attacked an Iranian girls' primary school killing a few dozen little kids amongst others.
The latest act of aggression from the two rogue states looks like it might cause a regional conflict.
Trump has yet to seek permission from anyone to start his latest war, but US and Israeli forces are murdering civilians anyway. - @Fred

Number killed in Israeli strike on girls school rises to 60, says Iran

We're hearing more now from the Iranian health ministry on the number of students killed at Minab Girls' Primary School.

Hossein Kermanpour, health ministry spokesperson, says on X that 60 children had been killed after Israeli strikes hit this morning.

He added that another 80 were injured, and there were an unknown number of children under the rubble.

Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi adds on X that "these crimes against the Iranian people will not go unanswered".

France, Germany and the United Kingdom have consistently urged the Iranian regime to end Iran’s nuclear program, curb its ballistic missile program, refrain from its destabilising activity in the region and our homelands, and to cease the appalling violence and repression against its own people.
- @SimCityAT

Are those countries talking about Iran or the US/Israel?

Whilst Iran's hands are far from clean, both of the attackers are much worse. That does excuse Iran, but it seriously questions the other countries' moral positions.

Trump: Khamenei is dead

Big oil wins.

Armaments manufacturers win.

Primary school girls are murdered while they study.

Nobel blown to pieces prize to Trump.

Khameneii being dead is good news.   

The girls school deaths is not a good look.  The school was part of an Iranian naval base.  They should have had better intel.

On the other hand, this could drag out for weeks, if not months.

And we've not heard from Putin.  Maybe it'll force him to the negotiating table and a more serious engagement.

Oil is up 7% apparently due to the straits of Hormuz being closed.

Iran has no chance of beating the Americans and Israelis.   

Overnight Dubai Airport (DXB) was hit but I have not seen any details overnight.  This is a major issue for me as I need to get back to Hungary.  Many flights are supposedly suspended until Saturday.   Probably mine included.   Airline could re-route me. 

I was musing this morning on Trump's MO on this. Seems to have been engage in negotiation theatre while plotting an attack.  So everyone lulled into a false sense of security cum progress.  Apparently they had been planning this for months and months.  In other words, they were always going to do it.

I also wonder about what comes next.   Iran could collapse into chaos like Iraq did.  But Trump will lose interest quickly enough like he always does.  I even heard people speculating that he does not have much time (for what?) and is trying to make a final mark on the US.  He's way down in the polls and becoming extremely unpopular especially as he said "no more wars".   He's just started a massive one that could go on for years.

As far as the UK goes, looks like we're keeping out of it for now.  But it has boosted discussion on giving Chagos to Mauritius.  That deal looks dead in the water.  It's now more important than ever to just keep the base under British rule.   They could always allow limited settlement on the islands further away.

Dubai:

Just read T3 at Dubai International (DXB) has been hit by a missile from Iran but damage is minor.  4 people lightly injured.

I heard a radio report  over 90,000 people pass through DXB daily and that the airport authorities/UAE are committed to looking after them.

I am booked to pass through there on Wednesday 4th but that seems to be an insane idea.  There's no way my plane will go to DXB.  I need to go another way, possibly via Istanbul (IST).

So far, I am reading DXB airport is closed until 2pm UAE time Monday 2nd March.

More specifically,  now they've cut the head of the Iranian snake, what do they expect to replace it?  It will be weeks of chaos and the IRGC will keep firing as they will be a law unto themselves.

And news more locally is that rioters are attacking the US Embassy in Pakistan.   

Dubai is assisting the attacks on Iran. It's not much of an issue to me, but I would prefer only government and military targets be subjected to bombings.

Dubai is assisting the attacks on Iran. It's not much of an issue to me, but I would prefer only government and military targets be subjected to bombings. - @Fred

Well, maybe they assist, I do not know for certain.   They've never been targeted before to my knowledge.

It's a massive issue for me right now. Be better if I could get back to my house.

I was wondering if KSA would get involved. I am still seeing flights leaving Damman in KSA.

Not seeing any action around the straits.  Probably the Iranian Navy is already destroyed.

Violation of freedom of expression: The European Court of Justice (EuGH) has sentenced Hungary. The country has violated freedom of expression - and therefore against the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. The reason: Hungary had revoked the license of the radio station "Klubradio" in 2021. Since then, it can only be heard online. It is considered to be the most important independent station in the country.

The EU Commission had complained. There are several legal proceedings between Hungary and the EU. Hungary's right-wing nationalist prime minister Viktor Orbán is accused of systematically suppressing critical voices in justice, media and civil society.

Violation of freedom of expression: The European Court of Justice (EuGH) has sentenced Hungary. The country has violated freedom of expression - and therefore against the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. The reason: Hungary had revoked the license of the radio station "Klubradio" in 2021. - @SimCityAT

Media Freedom Support: The European Commission has co-funded the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR), a mechanism that tracks and supports independent media outlets like Klubrádió in Hungary.

The EU was deliberately interfering in a sovereign state's democracy,  then complained when their propaganda is got rid of.

Do EU rules have anything to say about trying to remove an EU member's government?

The EU was deliberately interfering in a sovereign state's democracy, then complained when their propaganda is got rid of.
Do EU rules have anything to say about trying to remove an EU member's government? - @Fred

Once again, Fred, you stick your oar in without any basis for your argument in the Hungarian or EU context. Those of us who live in Hungary know what is going on - in detail.

Election monitors in the previous election in 2022 said it was a "not fair".  You can find those discussions easily online including detailed reports from the OSCE.   

The majority of voters would agree with the EU and the ECJ ruling.  This is reflected in Fidesz currently being down in the polls and it seems that we will see a change of government.  We will all be very relieved and look forward to the OV BS going away.

More importantly, OV is now riffing as though Hungary is going to be bombed by Iran.   He's bigging up the threat and deploying military to guard fuel sites due to the pipeline damage in Ukraine despite Croatia being a perfectly acceptable alternative.  It's all predictable political pantomime cum theatre by OV.

@fluffy2560

I just knew Fred would post some shit  like that. You know he only likes and thinks there should be ONLY state own and run media because everythingthing else is just propaganda runnish trying to brianwash the public.

Brent Crude: The international benchmark rocketed more than 12% to about $82 a barrel.

WTI Crude: US crude rose by roughly $8 a barrel, or 12%, to around $75–$77 per barrel.

This jump represents the largest single-day rise in over two years, following US and Israeli strikes on Iran.

The primary driver is fear of supply disruptions, specifically regarding the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for 20% of the world's oil.

Analysts warn that if the conflict escalates further, oil prices could spike toward $100–$130 a barrel!

Who will Trump blame? He can't blame Biden, but probably will!

A UK military base in Cyprus has been hit by a suspected drone strike this evening.

No casualties were reported from the incident, it is understood.

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said:

"Our Armed Forces are responding to a suspected drone strike at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus at midnight local time.

"Our force protection in the region is at the highest level and the base has responded to defend our people.

"This is a live situation and further information will be provided in due course."

A few hours ago, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the UK had accepted a US request to use its military bases, but that "will not join the offensive action [in the Middle East] now".

Reports by the network NBC News suggest the UK had agreed to allow the US to use its base in Cyprus.

The government has not yet said where the drone originated from.

The EU was deliberately interfering in a sovereign state's democracy, then complained when their propaganda is got rid of.
Do EU rules have anything to say about trying to remove an EU member's government? - @Fred
Once again, Fred, you stick your oar in without any basis for your argument in the Hungarian or EU context. Those of us who live in Hungary know what is going on - in detail. - @fluffy2560

It's a matter od fact, even if your opinion takes priority in your own mind.

The EU is funding anti-government press in the hope of gettng rid of them. The government may be goood or bad - I don't wish to comment either way - but the EU is still guilty of interfering in a sovereign state for is own reasons.

Still, if you want to believe the EU isn't, that's up to you, as is believing in Santa and the tooth fairy.

It's a matter od fact, even if your opinion takes priority in your own mind.The EU is funding anti-government press in the hope of gettng rid of them. The government may be goood or bad - I don't wish to comment either way - but the EU is still guilty of interfering in a sovereign state for is own reasons.Still, if you want to believe the EU isn't, that's up to you, as is believing in Santa and the tooth fairy. - @Fred

Yeah, right.

EU doesn't have to do anything.  It's not a conspiracy.

The population is voting on the 12 April.  In a free and fair vote, then we'll know their opinion.

Fact is Hungary signed up to the EU and is therefore bound to the entire treaty, including the ECJ.

If they (the HU govt) want to change things in the club then work within or hold a referendum and see if the population want to leave the bloc.

OV will never hold a referendum on the EU, because he knows it's an unpopular position.  And HUexit will be even more painful than Brexit.  Shooting yourself in the head is not likely to bring prosperity and economic growth.   The UK knows.  And Hungary is in a worse position economically like for like compared to the UK.

Yeah, right.

EU doesn't have to do anything. It's not a conspiracy.
- @fluffy2560

Not a conspiracy,  just published fact.

The EU are funding anti-government propaganda in the hope of getting a lapdog government in place.

The station was a foreign funded propaganda platform, thus they deserved to be closed down.

I seem to recall uproar when a right wing British politician took money to push propaganda,  but it appears that's not a big deal when your side does it.

. Election monitors in the previous election in 2022 said it was a "not fair". You can find those discussions easily online including detailed reports from the OSCE. - @fluffy2560

I did, and it turns out that most of the observation was buy European monitors- That's the same people who are funding the anti-government propaganda.

The report also said everything was legal, their moan being about an unfair advantage,  not vote rigging.