Commentary
Economic Security
Beijing Tries to Keep Friends in CEE
26 May 2026
State Secretary for International Communication Zoltán Kovács has a notorious reputation for settling accounts with the world’s major media. His aim, however, is not to win argumentative battles but to expand the Hungarian agenda abroad. The Czech Republic is one of the obvious targets.
Zoltán Kovács is well known by foreign journalists. He is the one who maintains the link between the outside world and the political machinery of the Hungarian prime minister. This is also reflected in his – unusual – function: government spokesman for international communication.
The deployment and rhetoric Kovács uses against the critics of Hungary in many ways are a reminder of the Czech spokesman of the Castle, Jiří Ovčáček.
Both Zoltán Kovács and Jiří Ovčáček have Twitter as their main communication platform. However, their “firepower” is significantly different – Ovčáček has 54,000 followers on Twitter, Kovács just over ten thousand. However, this does not prevent him from being a global celebrity.
Subscribe
Democratic security comes at a price. What is yours? By subscribing or donating now gain access to analysis, forecasts and scenarios by leading analysts and reporters who monitor democratic risks and develop policy debate from Central Europe on Central Europe.
MonthlyVAT included
See all details
- Full access to articles and all reports in PDF
- Weekly outlook on democratic security in CEE delivered by e-mail
- Weekly newsletter with essential highlights
- Invitations to all Visegrad Insight events online and offline
AnnualVAT included
See all details
- Individual subscribers only. Check our CORPORATE OFFER below
- Almost 17% discount (12 EUR off monthly cost if paid annually)
- Full access to articles and all reports in PDF
- Weekly outlook on democratic security in CEE delivered by e-mail
- Weekly newsletter with essential highlights
- Invitations to all Visegrad Insight events online and offline
Institutional
See all details
- Access to all articles for your team
- Access to all Reports for your team
- Every Monday a Weekly Outlook with an update on key developments in Central Europe delivered by e-mail
- Every Thursday a newsletter with the most important highlights and invitations
- Personal invitations to Visegrad Insight Events
- Foresight, policy, and risk analysis reports (on-demand)
I am a representative of an institution/business. Is there a corporate offer?
The annual subscription for up to ten institutional users: EUR 999
GO TO CHECKOUT
For a tailor-made offer email us: contact@visegradinsight.eu
- Access to all articles for your team
- Access to all Reports for your team
- Every Monday a Weekly Outlook with an update on key developments in Central Europe delivered by e-mail
- Every Thursday a newsletter with the most important highlights and invitations
- Personal invitations to Visegrad Insight Events
- Foresight, policy, and risk analysis reports (on-demand)
Intelligence prepared by a group of Visegrad Insight Fellows from all across
Can I receive an invoice?
Yes. You will receive a receipt immediately after purchase and a VAT invoice upon request. The subscription amount includes tax. In case of a donation, there is no tax.
Are my credit card details safe?
Yes. The payment is processed by STRIPE www.stripe.com entrusted also by Amazon, Zoom, Booking.com and used by other global NGOs and businesses in the world. We do not store your credit card details.
How modify or cancel my subscription?
At any moment you can manage your subscription and account details. Sign in to modify or cancel.
