Budapest Demands Pipeline Repairs Before Sanctions Move Forward Hungary has announced it will block the EU’s 20th sanctions package against Russia until Ukrainian oil shipments to the country resume. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated that the EU would also withhold the €90 billion war loan already approved for Ukraine. Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said Hungary will not back the sanctions package, which is scheduled for discussion at a meeting of EU foreign ministers on Monday, until the Druzhba pipeline, damaged by a Russian strike, is repaired and oil deliveries to Hungary restart. The Energy Security Council also raised concerns over…
Author: Rachel Maddow
Rachel Maddow
Rachel Maddow is a freelance journalist based in the USA, with over 20 years of experience covering Politics, World Affairs, Business, Health, Technology, Finance, Lifestyle, and Culture. She earned her degree in Political Science and Journalism from Stanford University. Throughout her career, she has contributed to outlets such as MSNBC, The New York Times, and The Washington Post. Known for her thorough reporting and compelling storytelling, Rachel delivers accurate and timely news that keeps readers informed on both national and global developments.
Justices Limit Presidential Power The US Supreme Court on Friday ruled that Donald Trump exceeded his authority by imposing broad global tariffs under emergency powers. In a 6–3 decision, the court stressed that the Constitution gives Congress—not the president—the power to levy taxes, including import duties. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote, “The Framers did not vest any part of the taxing power in the Executive Branch.” Justices Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas, and Brett Kavanaugh dissented, arguing that while the policy might be debatable, the tariffs were legally permissible. Emergency Powers and Legal Battles The decision centers on the International Emergency…
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was taken into custody on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office connected to his time as the United Kingdom’s trade envoy, according to a police statement. Authorities did not publicly identify him in their initial announcement but confirmed that officers carried out searches at properties in Berkshire and Norfolk. A man in his sixties remains in custody. Andrew turned 66 on Thursday. Police said they are working with partners to examine the alleged offence and emphasized the importance of protecting the integrity of the investigation. They also acknowledged the intense public interest and said further updates…
Preparing for ETS2 and Carbon Costs EU countries have agreed to update a key tool to prevent sudden jumps in carbon prices, ahead of the new carbon tax on cars, vans, and buildings set to start in 2028. This revision will extend the bloc’s market stabilization mechanism beyond 2030, helping ensure households and businesses do not face sharp increases in energy costs as the updated emissions trading system (ETS2) comes into full effect. The move comes amid a debate over the law’s social impact. Slovakia and the Czech Republic have pushed to delay the carbon tax until 2030, while Sweden,…
Brussels Ready to Move Without G7 Consensus The European Union has indicated it may implement a full ban on maritime services for Russian oil tankers even if G7 allies fail to reach a joint agreement. Valdis Dombrovskis said Brussels prefers coordinated action but will not hesitate to move independently if necessary. The 20th package of sanctions is targeted for approval by 24 February, marking the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. If enacted, the measure would override the G7’s oil price cap within EU jurisdiction, barring European companies from servicing Russian tankers regardless of the price of Urals…
Trump Backing Highlighted in Budapest U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Budapest to convey a message of support from former President Donald Trump to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, whose ruling Fidesz party faces a strong challenge from the opposition ahead of April’s elections. Rubio praised the personal relationship Orbán built with Trump, saying it has “made all the difference in the world” in strengthening U.S.–Hungary ties. Rubio also highlighted Hungary’s recent one-year exemption from U.S. sanctions on Russian oil imports as an example of the benefits of that connection. “It was because of that personal relationship… we want…
Competing Visions of Europe and the West This year’s Munich Security Conference showcased sharply different views on the future of the West. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged European nations to join the U.S. in preserving Western civilization, warning that poor policies on climate and migration risked a managed decline. He emphasized that America’s destiny is deeply tied to Europe’s, framing transatlantic cooperation as essential. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she felt reassured by Rubio’s commitment to partnership. In contrast, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas rejected the idea that Europe needs rescuing, dismissing claims that the…
Europe Must Be at the Negotiation Table Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the lack of European involvement in U.S.-led talks aimed at ending the war with Russia. He called it a “big mistake” and stressed that lasting peace must address the security concerns of the entire continent, not just Ukraine and the United States. Zelenskyy highlighted upcoming trilateral talks with the U.S. and Russia but noted that progress toward a ceasefire has been limited. He expressed frustration that discussions often seem disjointed and criticized the focus on Ukraine making concessions while Russia faces little…
The United Nations has formed a 40-member international scientific panel to examine the risks and impacts of artificial intelligence (AI). UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the move as a “foundational step toward global scientific understanding of AI,” aimed at giving all member states access to independent, science-based guidance on rapidly advancing technology. Global Support and Controversy The UN General Assembly approved the panel with a vote of 117-2, with the United States and Paraguay opposing, and Tunisia and Ukraine abstaining. Nations such as Russia, China, and European allies voted in favor. The panel, selected from more than 2,600 applicants after…
US and European defence ministers signaled in Brussels on Thursday that NATO must adapt to remain effective, with Europe taking a larger role in its own defence. While both sides agree on the need for change, their reasons differ: the US is looking to shift focus to other global regions, while Europeans are cautious about relying too heavily on an unpredictable American administration. US Under Secretary of War Eldridge Colby described the vision as “NATO 3.0,” calling for European allies to assume primary responsibility for conventional defence on the continent. “Europe should field the preponderance of the forces required to…
