Analysis
Society
Funding Cuts to Czech NGOs Fuel Populist Surge Ahead of Elections
22 May 2025
30 May 2024
Moscow uses gas prices and supply to influence European countries and weaken support for Ukraine. While Hungary struggles to cut energy ties with Russia, partly due to reluctance, many alternative sources also fall under Kremlin influence. So what does this mean for Europe’s energy independence?
On 1 July, Hungary will take over the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union.
A Viktor Orbán-led government with serious rule-of-law deficits and worryingly close ties to the Kremlin will preside over one of the EU’s most important institutions for six months.
Moreover, Hungary is a prime example of how Moscow leverages political influence over European countries and weakens support for Ukraine through the use of gas prices and supply manipulation.