MOL–NIS Dealmaking: MOL and Serbia signed a shareholders’ agreement to set up future governance of NIS, with MOL seeking to buy Gazprom Neft’s 56% stake; the plan hinges on a final purchase deal and US OFAC approval, while Serbia boosts its influence via a 5-point stake increase. Energy Prices: Hungary’s protected fuel-price cap may be breached soon as global oil prices fall and the forint strengthens, with average market prices now above the cap for both 95-octane petrol and diesel. EU Chemicals Simplification: EU Council and Parliament negotiators reached a provisional deal under Omnibus VI to simplify rules for classifying, packaging and labelling chemicals, cosmetics and fertilising products, cutting admin burdens while keeping health and environmental safeguards. Rule-of-Law Update: EU Justice Commissioner Michael McGrath said Hungary has made progress since the new government took office, noting the end of the “state of danger,” eased pressure on independent media and civil society, and steps toward anti-corruption reforms and joining EPPO. Corporate Moves: Hays completed the sale of six non-core recruitment operations (including Hungary) for £4m net cash and is now reviewing options for seven more. Tech & Industry: Quantum Machines announced its second European acquisition in six weeks, buying Hungarian PCB Engineering and setting up a Budapest R&D hub. Hungarian Politics: Parliament backed a constitutional amendment capping prime minister terms at eight years (two terms since 1990), limiting the possibility of Viktor Orbán returning as PM. Labour Costs: Eurostat reported hourly labour costs rose 3.2% in the euro area and 3.6% in the EU in Q1 2026 year-on-year. Media Trust: Reuters Institute’s Digital News Report found Hungary at the bottom for news trust (17%), with Telex the most trusted among Hungarian online outlets.