Stand-off over funds to Ukraine has laid bare the need to reform how the bloc works
Setback on funding for Kyiv was ‘high point of escalation’ by antagonistic Hungarian premier
Bloc to work on ‘plan B’ after Viktor Orbán’s rejection of €50bn lifeline for Kyiv
Also in this newsletter: Why EU officials are satisfied with the compromise outcome of COP28
Viktor Orbán signals willingness to strike ‘financial deal’ but still opposes accession talks with Kyiv
Also in this newsletter: Donald Tusk’s big plans for his premiership
Sofia relents on transit levy after Budapest warned it would block country’s entry into border-free Schengen area
Technical proposals being discussed privately could get around a Hungarian threat to veto a critical financial package
Pre-payment comes despite Viktor Orbán toughening rhetoric against Brussels
Hungarian premier links veto on Kyiv assistance to EU unfreezing funds for Budapest
Bloc’s leaders meet in Brussels for summit on Middle East, Ukraine and funding issues
European head is first western leader to meet Russian president since issue of war crimes warrant for his arrest
Environment ministers ditch commitment after objections from Poland, Hungary and Italy
Pronatalist policies in countries such as Poland and France have mixed results as governments seek to fill labour shortages
Unblocking €13bn could secure Orbán support for EU budget top-up and assistance to Kyiv
Hungarian leader accused of allowing people to cross into Slovakia to boost anti-immigrant politician Robert Fico
Kyiv files WTO lawsuit against Poland, Hungary and Slovakia after they ban imports
The rise and fall of Sebastian Kurz is one symptom of a political system in deep trouble
Ethnic minority disavows Hungarian leader over his pro-Russia stance
Washington curbs Esta visa waiver scheme amid concerns about identity checks for citizenship applicants
Politicians and public opinion in parts of central and eastern Europe have doubts about Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the war
Prisoner transfer seen as provocation amid worsening relations between Hungary and Ukraine
For a proper understanding of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia, look at what makes them different
Fuel and food costs ease in central Europe and Latin America but core price pressures upset plans to kick-start growth
Budapest complies with some Brussels demands but two-thirds of cash likely to remain blocked