Hungary–EU Accession Leverage: Budapest blocked for a third time the next procedural step in Ukraine’s EU talks, refusing to approve screening results for Cluster 2 (Internal Market) and Cluster 3 (Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth), with EU sources saying the move is meant to extract visible progress on minority-rights commitments in Transcarpathia. Erasmus+ and Research Access: Hungary’s students are set to regain full Erasmus+ participation from 2026/27, and universities and researchers previously affected are expected to return to Horizon Europe, after years of disputes tied to the KEKVA university foundation model. State Advertising Scrutiny: Átlátszó obtained documents on HUF 125bn (€345m) government advertising framework deals, finding the system largely benefited pro-government media and that campaign effectiveness was often barely measured. Telecom & Defence Tech Deal: 4iG and SpaceX signed agreements for Starlink Mobile direct-to-cell services across Hungary and the Western Balkans, plus a “Sovereign Solutions” encrypted satellite communications layer for national security use. Social Policy Shake-up: PM Péter Magyar outlined a two-stage pay rise for social workers and plans to restructure tobacco and casino concessions, alongside other child-protection and budget measures. EU Foreign-Policy Friction: A push to curb foreign-policy vetoes is gaining momentum as Germany and other capitals seek more qualified-majority voting, with Hungary’s earlier sanctions stance cited as a key example of bloc gridlock. Security & Infrastructure Worries in Europe: Germany is investigating suspected arson at defence firm Rohde & Schwarz in Munich, following recent sabotage and drone incidents blamed on Russia by Berlin and allies.