After Viktor Orban lost the elections in Budapest, a number of leaders in Europe took a breather. For years, the Hungarian prime minister blocked common decisions, destroyed European values - such as justice and equality - at home, traded his veto in the European Council and reached out to dictators.
The European Union is currently at a delicate moment - the economy in a number of countries is stagnating, geopolitical conflicts on the borders of the Community are increasingly affecting its security, and relations with the United States are facing unprecedented challenges. Against this background, unity is key to getting out of the crisis, guaranteeing a pan-European position and continuing support for Ukraine. Will there be one after Orban's downfall?
It is not certain, because there are still several allies of Orban in the European Council, and others may soon join them - such as Rumen Radev, writes „Politico".
Fico, Babis, Meloni, Jansa
Robert Fico is considered Putin's last friend at the head of an EU state. He threatened that he could block 90 billion for Kiev if Fidesz loses the elections in Hungary. However, so far he has supported common positions in support of Ukraine, and in addition, his chair in Slovakia is shaking and it is not at all clear whether he would risk sharp maneuvers against the consensus in Brussels.
Babiš announced that he wants to limit aid to Ukraine, but retained the Czech initiative for the supply of ammunition. He and especially his coalition partners are expected to be a thorn in the side on other issues, such as climate initiatives and policies.
Giorgia Meloni surprised many by choosing the path of pragmatism, in which she balances her far-right domestic political rhetoric with a pro-European foreign policy. However, she has stood by Orbán more than once during meetings of European leaders.
Former Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša is a well-known populist and supporter of Donald Trump. He came in second place in the country's last elections last month and is likely to form the government. However, his position on Ukraine is categorical - Janša supports Kiev's membership in the EU.
Radev - a sharp critic of aid to Ukraine
Rumen Radev is on track to win the elections in Bulgaria, writes "Politico", and this could prove to be a problem for Ukraine and its European allies. In 2025, Radev declared that Ukraine was doomed, the publication recalls, and that additional military aid was not the answer. He also criticized European leaders' support for the Ukrainian counteroffensive, which cost "hundreds of thousands of victims".
Radev's sympathies for the Kremlin earned him sharp criticism from Zelensky during the 2023 clash between the two leaders at the presidential palace in Sofia. "Are you going to say: "Putin, take Bulgarian territories?", Zelensky asked. An anxious Radev struggled to answer, "Politico" summarizes.