Recent disclosures suggest that Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó approached Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to request assistance for Slovakia ahead of its parliamentary elections. A leaked transcript reveals that during a phone conversation in February, Szijjártó emphasized the importance of maintaining the coalition led by Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini, highlighting Slovakia's elections scheduled for 29 February as a pivotal moment for Hungary's interests in the region. The context of this diplomatic maneuver traces back to the longstanding relationship between Hungary and Russia, as well as regional political dynamics in Central and Eastern Europe. According to investigative journalist Szabolcs Panyi,... [Continue Reading]
In recent developments, Spain has announced it will reduce the value-added tax (VAT) on fuel products from 21% to 10%. This decision aims to alleviate the economic impact stemming from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, specifically related to heightened tensions involving Iran and Israel. According to a report by SER radio station, this pivotal change is part of broader measures to address anticipated economic challenges, including rising inflation rates across Europe. The Spanish government's proactive measures also include suspending excise duties on hydrocarbons, which is expected to lead to a price reduction of between €0.30 and €0.40 per... [Continue Reading]