Business
Wuhu as a Testing Ground
The iCAUR 2026 Business Summit is about far more than the unveiling of a new model: it speaks to the global ambitions of China’s auto industry, the
Szilárd Szélpál
April 19, 2026
CEA Magazine
Check out our latest articles
Food Culture
The Red Foundation of Hungarian Cuisine: Ground Paprika
If we want to understand the past of Hungarian cuisine and the present that follows from it, it is worth beginning with the ingredient that has perhaps
Akos Lokodi
April 18, 2026
Foreign Policy
“A Successful Opening to the East?”
The End of Hungary’s “Opening to the East”. For years, Viktor Orbán’s government sold the East as Hungary’s economic future and the West as a fading dependency.
Dr. Georges Suha
April 17, 2026
Hungary
The “Cserdi Model”
In Central and Eastern Europe, the question of social inclusion has remained a recurring policy challenge for decades. In communities facing structural disadvantage, interventions are often built
Olga Nádra
April 15, 2026
Hungary
No Reconciliation Without Accountability in Hungary
There can be no meaningful reconciliation in Hungary while Viktor Orbán remains untouched by legal and political accountability.
Balazs Lang
April 13, 2026
Automotive Industry
What a J.D. Power Award Really Means
J.D. Power recognitions are not editorial prizes, but customer-experience benchmarks. That is precisely why, for Chinese new energy vehicle brands, they matter not only as domestic prestige
Szilárd Szélpál
April 11, 2026
Historical Memory
The Modern “Attic Sweep”
Historical vulnerability does not return in the same form, but regulatory uncertainty, fragile trust, and the erosion of long-term predictability can once again become a familiar social
Olga Nádra
April 7, 2026
Economy
How Is the Ministry’s Seaport Burning Through Billions?
The port project in Trieste is being overseen not by the transport or economic ministry, but by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (KKM). Since then,
Dr. Georges Suha
April 3, 2026
Technology
Chery’s Battery Bet: Solid-State Ambition and China’s EV Power Race
Solid-state batteries are still more industrial challenge than finished breakthrough. But Chery’s latest push shows how Chinese carmakers are trying to turn battery chemistry, manufacturing, safety, and
Szilárd Szélpál
March 31, 2026
Historical Memory
Hungary – Justice or Promise?
Post-transition compensation was not merely an economic issue, but also a test of trust, self-determination, and the promise of historical redress. In Hungary, however, the gap between
Olga Nádra
March 29, 2026
Sport Diplomacy
Sport Diplomacy or State-Sponsored PR?
Presented as an instrument of soft power, Hungary’s teqball diplomacy raises deeper questions about transparency, political priorities, and the use of public money in foreign policy.
Dr. Georges Suha
March 27, 2026
China
iCAUR’s European Arrival: A Distinctive New Brand and the Family-Sized Promise of the V27
When a new automotive brand enters Europe today, it arrives in a market that is curious, cautious, and highly competitive all at once. European consumers have heard
Szilárd Szélpál
March 23, 2026
Hungary
Forced Adaptation and Inherited Silence
The Socio-Psychological Legacy of Collectivization in Hungary (1961–1990). The end of collectivization did not bring genuine resolution: the loss of land, forced adaptation, and unspoken fears left
Olga Nádra
March 21, 2026
Diplomacy
The Shadow Foreign Ministry
Power, Patronage and Hidden Wealth Behind Hungary’s Diplomacy
The classical diplomatic function of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has undergone a visible transformation in
Dr. Georges Suha
March 19, 2026
Security Risk
Whoever Dares to Threaten Viktor Orban Is Picking a Fight with Peter Magyar
This is the impression I drew from Peter Magyar’s speeches delivered in Szarvas and Bekescsaba.
It is important, however, to clarify a fundamental misunderstanding. Zelensky’s controversial
Balazs Lang
March 17, 2026
Hungary
When Public Holidays Become Political Battlegrounds
How polarisation, permanent campaign rhetoric, and the logic of political warfare have transformed Hungary’s shared civic rituals.
Several holidays are approaching. March 15 marks Hungary’s national
Gabor Gulyas
March 15, 2026
Education
Entering the German School System Without Speaking the Language: A Family’s Experience in Munich
A family’s firsthand insights into navigating Deutschclasses, competitive entry programs, and the German education system. Germany’s education system is increasingly tested by international mobility and migration. Every
Judit Szilos-Zongor
March 13, 2026
Hungary
Attic Sweeping – Collectivisation or how our great-grandparents became kulaks
This is the first part of a four-part series examining the practice of attic sweeping. In the following instalments, I will analyse the forced reorganisation of families’
Olga Nádra
March 11, 2026
Judiciary
Ireland and Hungary: Two Legal Cultures, One European Question
In February 2025, Irish Legal News published an article partially about me — the first Hungarian-born barrister called to the Irish Bar — in which I called
Petra Polonkai
March 9, 2026
Social Welfare System
Once Upon a Time There Was an OÉT
Once upon a time there was an institution in Hungary where the most important questions of the world of work were not decided solely by the government.
Olga Nádra
March 5, 2026
Hungary
Roles and Power: Hungary’s Year-End Political Moment
In just a few weeks, perhaps one of the most exhausting, symbolically understood Zimbardo experiments in the history of Hungarian society will come to an end. Observing
Balazs Lang
February 17, 2026
Sport
From Concrete Streets to Global Arenas: Hungarian Skateboarding Between Subculture and the Olympic Age
For more than three decades, Moldova has stood somewhere between geography and geopolitics, between a Soviet inheritance and a European ambition. Today, as Chişinău edges closer to
Szilárd Szélpál
February 13, 2026
Hungary
Orbán’s New Opponent: Mr. V-Power
István Kapitány, one of Shell’s global executive vice presidents, has stormed into Hungarian politics with enormous energy, right at the peak of the campaign season. He has
Balazs Lang
January 23, 2026
Business
Hungary’s Quiet Agritech Challenger Goes Global
When multinationals dominate precision agriculture with deep capital reserves and aggressive R&D cycles, a small Hungarian firm would seem an unlikely contender on the world stage. Yet
Szilvia Kecsmar
December 22, 2025
Diplomacy
When an Elected Leader Starts Acting Like Royalty
In most foreign ministries, diplomatic travel is a logistical exercise. In Hungary’s, it has become a lifestyle genre. For years, insiders on Budapest’s Bem rakpart have whispered
Dr. Georges Suha
December 15, 2025
Diplomacy
When Diplomacy Becomes a Distortion: Rethinking Hungary’s Foreign Trade Machinerys
For more than a decade, Hungary has operated a parallel system within its foreign policy apparatus – a sprawling network of so-called foreign trade attachés (KGA), conceived
Dr. Georges Suha
December 11, 2025
Moldova
Moldova at the Crossroads: The Political Economy Behind Europe’s Next Enlargement Test
For more than three decades, Moldova has stood somewhere between geography and geopolitics, between a Soviet inheritance and a European ambition. Today, as Chişinău edges closer to
Szilárd Szélpál
December 8, 2025
Moldova
Moldova at the Crossroads: A Small State Navigating Big Geopolitics
Few countries illustrate Europe’s fractured geopolitical landscape as vividly as Moldova. A nation of under three million people, it has carried the heavy weight of contested histories,
Szilárd Szélpál
November 20, 2025
Diplomacy
The Institutional Background of Hungary’s Diplomatic Personnel Crisis
The foreign service is one of the most important state institutions of any country. Embassies and consulates do far more than perform protocol duties: they represent economic
Dr. Georges Suha
November 14, 2025
Politics
Czechia at the Crossroads: Babiš’s Balancing Act Between Brussels and Budapest
When Andrej Babiš re-entered Czech politics, it was more than a local political comeback — it sent tremors through the heart of Europe. For Brussels, his return
Szilvia Kecsmar
November 11, 2025
Diplomacy
Hungary’s Faith Diplomacy: The Rise and Realities of the Hungary Helps Program
In the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Külgazdasági és Külügyminisztérium) in Hungary there operates a State Secretariat for the Aid of Persecuted Christians and for the
Szilárd Szélpál
October 31, 2025
Digital privacy
Europe’s Chat Control Dilemma: Between Child Protection and Digital Privacy
As the European Union grapples with one of the most divisive digital policy debates in recent years, the so-called “Chat Control” proposal has come to symbolise a
Szilvia Kecsmar
October 29, 2025
EU-US Relations
A New Chapter for the Transatlantic Economy
The chandeliers glittered in the ballroom of the Atlantic Council as diplomats, ministers, and executives filtered in for the opening session of the Geoeconomics Forum. The event
Szilárd Szélpál
October 2, 2025
EU Policy & Regulation
Tobacco, Regulation, and the Future of Choice in Europe
The European tobacco industry stands at a crossroads. On the one hand, it continues to provide governments with a stable and predictable revenue stream—second only to income
Szilárd Szélpál
September 25, 2025
NATO
Out of Africa: Hungary’s Faltering Continental Strategy
When the Trump administration signed its Most-Favoured Nation (MFN) executive order in 2025, few doubted the measure would shake global pharmaceutical markets. By tying U.S. drug prices
Dr. Georges Suha
September 15, 2025
Health
Most-Favoured Nation Drug Pricing Risks Transatlantic Rift
When the Trump administration signed its Most-Favoured Nation (MFN) executive order in 2025, few doubted the measure would shake global pharmaceutical markets. By tying U.S. drug prices
Szilvia Kecsmar
September 1, 2025
European Union
Liberalism’s Crisis of Confidence in Europe
From Brussels to Berlin, Europe’s liberal parties are struggling to define their role in an increasingly fragmented political landscape. Once the kingmakers of the European Parliament, they
Szilárd Szélpál
August 24, 2025
European Union
Denmark’s Balancing Act: Inside the EU Presidency’s Strategic Pivot on Climate, Security, and Sovereignty
As the European Union contends with internal fragmentation and rising global uncertainty, Denmark has assumed the EU Council Presidency with a slogan that reflects both ambition and
Szilvia Kecsmar
August 7, 2025
Hungary
Hungary’s Tectonic Turn: Polls, Protest, and the Possibility of Political Realignment
For over a decade, Hungary’s electoral politics have functioned like clockwork: predictable, polarized, and dominated by the monolithic presence of Fidesz. Yet today, with national elections just
Szilárd Szélpál
July 20, 2025
Diplomacy
After the Ministry: Gábor Baranyai on Diplomacy, Brussels Realities, and the Uneven Future of the EU
In Brussels, where power often hides in plain sight, few know its rhythms better than former diplomat Gábor Baranyai. A two-time envoy to the European capital and
Szilvia Kecsmar
July 12, 2025
Sport
Sporting Ambitions and Strategic Shifts: How Business, Policy, and Legacy Shape the Future of Athletics
In a world where geopolitical influence, technology, and entertainment converge more than ever before, the business of sport is fast becoming one of the defining arenas of
Szilárd Szélpál
July 7, 2025
EU Policy & Regulation
The EU must learn from its mistakes on environmental regulation
For years, the EU has branded itself as global regulator. With a slowing economy, it promises to reverse past decisions. But its economy will only thrive if
Michael Haiden
July 3, 2025
Israel
Israel’s Resilience Division Head Reflects the Nation’s Energized Collective Spirit
“ZAKA does deeply sacred and incredibly difficult work,” says Yifat Godiner, a strategic adviser in cybersecurity and AI. “As an Israeli, I see them as a symbol
Jared Feldschreiber
July 1, 2025
Sport
From the Courtroom to the Touchline: How Law, Strategy, and Trust Are Shaping the Future of Sport – PART 1
Sport has long since outgrown the confines of stadiums and scoreboards. Today, it is an economic powerhouse, cultural soft power tool, and global platform for technological innovation.
Szilárd Szélpál
June 30, 2025
Poland
Poland enters a new era of divided leadership following presidential vote
Poland faces a challenging period of political cohabitation following the country’s presidential election, which has returned a right-wing head of state while the pro-European coalition government led
Szilvia Kecsmar
June 21, 2025
Xenobots
The Brave New Biology of Xenobots
“We are standing at the frontier. And when you stand at the frontier, you must stay curious — and critical.” — Simon Verghote, ULB researcher in bioethics
Szilárd Szélpál
June 6, 2025
EU Reform
European Think Tanks Urge Bold EU Reform in Open Letter to von der Leyen
A coalition of prominent European free-market think tanks, including the Warsaw Enterprise Institute, Prosum Foundation, and Foro Regulación Inteligente, has sent a strongly-worded open letter to European
Szilvia Kecsmar
June 2, 2025
CEA Talk
Rebuilding Transatlantic Trust: Consumers, Trade Tensions, and a New Chapter in EU-US Cooperation
In an era marked by intensifying geopolitical shifts, rising protectionism, and digital fragmentation, transatlantic cooperation between the United States and the European Union faces a critical juncture.
Szilárd Szélpál
April 13, 2025
US Foreign policy
Munich 2.0 vs Yalta 2.0 or both?
The events of the past few days have once again highlighted the fragility of the relationship between the United States and Europe, particularly concerning the war in
Zoltan Kesz
February 19, 2025
Europe
Europe needs deregulation to grow – starting with pausing CBAM
Europe is at a crossroads. The continent’s economic engine, long admired for its stability and innovation, is losing momentum. Rising competition from the United States and China,
Lika Kobeshavidze
February 13, 2025
Economy
How Can He Make America Great Again?
Even before his election, President Trump made his vision for transforming US foreign policy clear. Since taking office, he has actively engaged in foreign policy battles, primarily
Szilárd Szélpál
February 8, 2025
Economy
What will become of the American car industry?
The Paris Climate Agreement, signed in 2015 and entering into force on 4 November 2016, is a landmark in human history, as was the creation of the
Szilárd Szélpál
February 1, 2025
Regulations
Chat Control is a breach of trust
The EU’s proposed Chat Control regulation goes against European values without achieving its aim to protect children.
There used to be a saying in communist Hungary
Máté Hajba
January 31, 2025
Economy
Where Is European Car Manufacturing Headed?
This question is being asked with increasing frequency, especially when following the news, which often highlights the challenges facing European car manufacturers or managerial and operational issues
Szilárd Szélpál
January 21, 2025
Romania
Romania at a Crossroads: The Election Crisis
Romania has found itself amid a political crisis. The Constitutional Court’s decision to annul the presidential election results is a shocking political event, and a significant reflection
Rolland Madaras
December 13, 2024
Romania
The Ultimate Dark Horse: How a Little-Known Far-Right Figure Won the First Round of Romania’s Presidential Election
First, it felt like a strange dream. As a political enthusiast who is always up-to-date on the latest news, I could never have imagined the situation in
Rolland Madaras
November 29, 2024
United States
Libertarianism Must End Its Affair With Populism
Flirting with populism has sadly become a trend in libertarian circles. As the 2024 US presidential election was reaching its climax, an avalanche of podcasters and media
Ian Golan
November 26, 2024
United States
The Election of the Year
This week, I had the opportunity to get a closer look at the excitement surrounding the American presidential election. As much as possible, I have been following
Szilárd Szélpál
November 2, 2024
Moldova
Moldovan Referendum: Not Great, Not Terrible?
The first time I went to Moldova it was by accident. Spending my summer vacation with some friends in Romania, we planned to visit the Eastern part
Szabolcs Szalay
October 25, 2024
Regional Policy
The Role of Cities and Regions in the EU
Yesterday, the European Parliament discussed the role of cities and regions and the potential for regional development within the EU. The debate attracted relatively little interest, as
Szilárd Szélpál
October 24, 2024
Democracy
Democracy: is it a mere political phenomenon, or a cultural attitude?
It is just natural that time to time we tend to think about the quality of our Western democracies, especially in a period when several crisis hit
Szabolcs Szalay
October 22, 2024
Elections
Expats During Municipal Elections
Living as an expat in Brussels is one of the most exciting ways to experience life. Part of this excitement comes from the fact that 35% of
Szilvia Kecsmar
October 14, 2024
Eurocrat World
Missed Opportunity
The much-anticipated debate in the European Parliament took place yesterday. It offered an opportunity for everyone to voice their own narrative, to offer ideas, a vision, and
Szilárd Szélpál
October 10, 2024
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