Hungary
Viktor Orban's close adviser Balazs Orban handed keys to Hungarian foreign policy

The Intelligence Gazette
DRM flags Chinese drones in Algiers, Orbán adviser's new foreign plans, NATO spy's double court defeat, Cambodia's cyber bill back

Appointments, reforms and the issues at stake: every Monday, Intelligence Online serves up snippets big and small from the global intelligence community.

Algeria French military intelligence alarmed by Algiers' long-range drones

Hungary PM's adviser develops foreign policy concept

France Double blow for suspected Russian NATO spy

Cambodia Consultation on cyber crime bill resumes

Hungary, United States
Biden administration checks Orban's effort to deepen ties with Trump network

By imposing new visa restrictions on Hungarians, sources say the US government hopes to curb the honeymoon between Orban emissaries and top Republicans - especially those who could hold influential positions if Trump wins next year's election.

Hungary
Hungarian defence ministry's rising star takes charge of strategy review

Innovation commissioner Imre Porkolab is moving up the ranks in a Hungarian defence ministry in the throes of reform, as it tries to maintain cordial relations with Moscow while also deepening its involvement in European defence structures.

Germany, Poland, United States
Polish diplomatic think-tank carves niche in Washington

The PISM, close to the Warsaw government, is developing its influence across the Atlantic. Its main targets are security decision-makers and Republican circles in Washington, but it also has Canada in its sights.

Europe, Hungary
Informal Fidesz lobby starts to take shape in Brussels

Two young Hungarians, sent by the government in Budapest, have been organising informal evenings for their compatriots in the "Brussels bubble". This embryonic lobby can only be good news for the Hungarian authorities, which are mobilising hard in the European Union capital.

Europe, Hungary
Viktor Orban's intelligence corps keeps watch in Brussels

Hungary's two-year battle for access to EU funding has had a profound effect on its external intelligence missions. The Informacios Hivatal's priority is now to carefully observe EU policymakers in Brussels.

Hungary
Hungarian intelligence presses ahead with reforms in midst of upheavals

Against the backdrop of Russia's war on Ukraine, Budapest's intelligence community, which is currently undergoing major reforms, is seeking a new balance as it struggles to attract new recruits and faces scrutiny from its NATO allies.

China, Hungary
Giant Hungarian battery plant project strengthens Beijing's position in Central Europe

The €7.34bn investment to be made in the Hungarian city of Debrecen by Chinese electric battery specialist CATL confirms the success of China's diplomatic strategy in the region.

Russia, Vatican
War in Ukraine: Vatican and Patriarch of Moscow rally their networks

While the Vatican is trying to position itself as a neutral negotiator between Moscow and Kyiv, the Patriarch of Moscow is looking for ways to counter his own increasing isolation.

Budapest deploys its Christian Democratic Institute to Africa

The Hungarian think tank is part of efforts by Viktor Orban's government to extend its influence in Africa, and it was busy networking at the recent CDI African summit in Cape Verde.