Thousands protested Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s pro-Russia stance and his obstruction of EU actions concerning Ukraine in Budapest. Simultaneously, Orbán presented twelve demands to the EU, including a “Union without Ukraine,” increased national veto power, and a crackdown on foreign-funded organizations. In response, the opposition launched a referendum, “Voice of the Nation,” encompassing questions on EU and NATO membership and term limits for the Prime Minister. Orbán’s actions, timed to coincide with a national holiday, included threats against media and NGOs he deemed “foreign agents.”
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Eutelsat Communications is in advanced negotiations with the EU to potentially replace Starlink’s service in Ukraine, driven by concerns over potential Starlink service restrictions. The company, already operating in Ukraine, aims to provide 40,000 terminals within months, combining its geostationary and OneWeb’s low Earth orbit satellites for comprehensive coverage. This dual-constellation approach would ensure continued crucial connectivity for Ukraine’s military and civilian operations. Securing this alternative requires collaboration with European governments and approval of procurement plans.
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Switzerland’s Social Democratic Party vehemently opposes a free trade agreement with the U.S., citing the current geopolitical climate, including U.S. threats of tariffs on EU goods and support for far-right parties. Party leaders Mattea Meyer and Cédric Wermuth argue that prioritizing such a deal would undermine Switzerland’s commitment to European values and democratic principles. Conversely, the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs advocates for negotiations, highlighting potential negative impacts on the Swiss pharmaceutical industry from U.S. tariffs. This disagreement highlights a significant political divide within Switzerland regarding its economic relationship with the United States.
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Despite Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s refusal of two draft agreements demanding $500 billion in compensation—including mineral, oil, and gas revenues—for US support against Russia, former President Trump claims a final deal is imminent. This deal would reportedly grant the US access to Ukraine’s substantial mineral reserves, including rare earths. Zelenskyy firmly rejected the initial proposals, citing the exorbitant and intergenerational cost. Trump, however, maintains the agreement will be mutually beneficial.
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Driven by concerns over waning U.S. support and escalating tensions, the EU is exploring using frozen Russian central bank assets—approximately $280 billion—to aid Ukraine. Proposals include using these assets as collateral for an International Claims Commission to assess damages, potentially leading to confiscation if Russia refuses payment, or directly allocating them to Ukrainian energy infrastructure reconstruction. While some EU members express legal and economic reservations, the European Commission is initiating negotiations for the Claims Commission on March 24th. This initiative supplements the G7’s pledge to use profits from frozen assets for a Ukrainian loan.
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Following previous threats, Trump confirmed plans to impose substantial tariffs on the European Union, though specifics remain undisclosed. This action mirrors his previous imposition of tariffs on steel and aluminum, which triggered retaliatory measures from the EU. The EU, America’s second-largest trading partner, has indicated it will again retaliate against any new tariffs. Simultaneously, Trump announced additional tariffs on Canadian, Mexican, and Chinese goods, effective immediately.
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Amidst concerns regarding potential shifts in U.S. support for Ukraine, EU chief diplomat Kaja Kallas affirmed the EU’s readiness to assume a leading role in aiding the country. This commitment follows expressed skepticism from President-elect Trump’s team about continued substantial U.S. financial aid. A potential Trump administration proposal to delay Ukraine’s NATO membership for two decades in exchange for Western arms and European peacekeepers has been reported. Kallas emphasized a shared U.S. and EU interest in preventing Russia from becoming the world’s dominant power.
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Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement responding to Hungary’s accusations regarding Ukraine’s decision to not renew a Russian gas transit agreement. The statement, delivered via X, sarcastically offered to replace Hungary in the EU and NATO should Budapest choose to join Russian-led blocs like the CIS or CSTO. Kyiv dismissed Hungary’s claims of increased gas prices as a politically motivated campaign, highlighting Hungary’s continued support for Moscow’s narratives and obstruction of Western aid to Ukraine. Ukraine urged Hungary to prioritize ending the war by fostering EU unity and strengthening its own energy independence.
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Following President Trump’s refusal to rule out using force to acquire Greenland, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot asserted that the EU will not tolerate attacks on its sovereign borders. While Barrot indicated he doesn’t believe the US will invade, he stressed the EU’s resolve against intimidation. Trump cited Greenland’s strategic importance for national and economic security, particularly in tracking Chinese and Russian ships. Both Denmark and Greenland’s prime minister have firmly rejected any sale of the territory.
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The EU’s support for Ukraine and its global role dominated the leaders’ meeting, with a unified approach deemed crucial for maintaining international influence. Kallas highlighted the contrast between a “might makes right” world order and the EU’s commitment to rules-based international relations. The collapse of the Syrian regime was viewed positively, exposing the weakness of Russia and Iran. Consequently, the EU plans to explore collaboration with Syria’s new leadership to shut down Russian military bases.
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John Q. Hosedrinker