Csongor Körömi
@krmcsngr.bsky.social
Defense Reporter at POLITICO Europe.
Based in Brussels, born and raised in Budapest.
Tips: ckoromi@politico.eu
Based in Brussels, born and raised in Budapest.
Tips: ckoromi@politico.eu
The closer a country is to Russia, the more likely its people are to see the Kremlin as a top threat to Europe. However, that doesn't mean the EU is viewed as a savior.
That's the takeaway from a new multi-country survey conducted by YouGov in seven EU countries. /1
That's the takeaway from a new multi-country survey conducted by YouGov in seven EU countries. /1
October 21, 2025 at 8:58 AM
The closer a country is to Russia, the more likely its people are to see the Kremlin as a top threat to Europe. However, that doesn't mean the EU is viewed as a savior.
That's the takeaway from a new multi-country survey conducted by YouGov in seven EU countries. /1
That's the takeaway from a new multi-country survey conducted by YouGov in seven EU countries. /1
Former PM Andrej Babiš wants to cancel Prague’s ammunition initiative. He claims it costs too much taxpayer money. However, Prague’s government and experts argue that canceling the program would harm 🇨🇿’s reputation – and jeopardize supplies for Kyiv.
Read more here: www.politico.eu/article/czec...
Read more here: www.politico.eu/article/czec...
Czech ammo lifeline for Ukraine comes under fire at home
Former PM Andrej Babiš wants to cancel Prague’s ammunition initiative, but critics warn that would harm both Prague and Kyiv.
www.politico.eu
September 16, 2025 at 8:33 AM
Former PM Andrej Babiš wants to cancel Prague’s ammunition initiative. He claims it costs too much taxpayer money. However, Prague’s government and experts argue that canceling the program would harm 🇨🇿’s reputation – and jeopardize supplies for Kyiv.
Read more here: www.politico.eu/article/czec...
Read more here: www.politico.eu/article/czec...
“Why are we interested in what Russia thinks about Ukraine?” Mark Rutte asked at IISS Prague Defence Summit. The NATO Sec Gen added it’s not up to Russia to decide if Western troops can be sent to Ukraine as part of any peace deal ending the war.
Read more here: www.politico.eu/article/nato...
Read more here: www.politico.eu/article/nato...
Rutte to Putin: Butt out over Western forces in Ukraine
The NATO chief praised Donald Trump’s efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
www.politico.eu
September 4, 2025 at 1:44 PM
“Why are we interested in what Russia thinks about Ukraine?” Mark Rutte asked at IISS Prague Defence Summit. The NATO Sec Gen added it’s not up to Russia to decide if Western troops can be sent to Ukraine as part of any peace deal ending the war.
Read more here: www.politico.eu/article/nato...
Read more here: www.politico.eu/article/nato...
Donald Trump said he got “very angry” after Ukraine damaged a Russian oil pipeline that supplies his friend, Hungary's PM Orbán.
“Viktor — I do not like hearing this," Trump wrote to Orbán. “You are my great friend.”
Read more here: www.politico.eu/article/dona...
“Viktor — I do not like hearing this," Trump wrote to Orbán. “You are my great friend.”
Read more here: www.politico.eu/article/dona...
Trump ‘very angry’ at Ukraine hitting Russian pipeline feeding Orbán
Hungary’s leader complained to the U.S. president following a Ukrainian drone strike on the Druzhba oil pipeline.
www.politico.eu
August 22, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Donald Trump said he got “very angry” after Ukraine damaged a Russian oil pipeline that supplies his friend, Hungary's PM Orbán.
“Viktor — I do not like hearing this," Trump wrote to Orbán. “You are my great friend.”
Read more here: www.politico.eu/article/dona...
“Viktor — I do not like hearing this," Trump wrote to Orbán. “You are my great friend.”
Read more here: www.politico.eu/article/dona...
Although Slovak PM Robert Fico promised “not a single bullet” to Ukraine, Slovakia’s weapons industry is sending arms to the frontline en masse. In 2024, Slovakia's arms exports grew to €1.15 billion – 10x the amount before 2022.
Read more here: www.politico.eu/article/slov...
Read more here: www.politico.eu/article/slov...
Slovakia cashes in on weapons to Ukraine, while PM Fico befriends Putin
Although Robert Fico promised “not a single bullet” to Ukraine, Slovakia’s weapons industry is sending arms to the frontline.
www.politico.eu
August 18, 2025 at 8:27 AM
Although Slovak PM Robert Fico promised “not a single bullet” to Ukraine, Slovakia’s weapons industry is sending arms to the frontline en masse. In 2024, Slovakia's arms exports grew to €1.15 billion – 10x the amount before 2022.
Read more here: www.politico.eu/article/slov...
Read more here: www.politico.eu/article/slov...
European countries are lining up for NATO's new program that pays the U.S. for weapons to be sent to Ukraine. On Monday, the Netherlands pledged €500 million, and then today, Denmark, Sweden and Norway announced a joint package of similar value.
Read more here: www.politico.eu/article/neth...
Read more here: www.politico.eu/article/neth...
Countries pledge millions fund US weapons for Ukraine
European countries are promising to buy U.S. weapons to send to Kyiv.
www.politico.eu
August 5, 2025 at 2:10 PM
European countries are lining up for NATO's new program that pays the U.S. for weapons to be sent to Ukraine. On Monday, the Netherlands pledged €500 million, and then today, Denmark, Sweden and Norway announced a joint package of similar value.
Read more here: www.politico.eu/article/neth...
Read more here: www.politico.eu/article/neth...
More than 70 MEPs will attend Budapest Pride on Saturday, despite the 🇭🇺 govt's claim that the event is illegal.
However, organizers found a legal loophole, rendering PM Viktor Orbán's efforts to ban the LGBTQ event ineffective. Read here w/ @maxgriera.bsky.social : www.politico.eu/article/orba...
However, organizers found a legal loophole, rendering PM Viktor Orbán's efforts to ban the LGBTQ event ineffective. Read here w/ @maxgriera.bsky.social : www.politico.eu/article/orba...
Orbán vs. von der Leyen: Budapest Pride takes center stage in Europe’s culture war
Dozens of prominent European politicians are heading to Hungary for Pride, but the country’s conservative government insists the parade is illegal.
www.politico.eu
June 27, 2025 at 8:04 AM
More than 70 MEPs will attend Budapest Pride on Saturday, despite the 🇭🇺 govt's claim that the event is illegal.
However, organizers found a legal loophole, rendering PM Viktor Orbán's efforts to ban the LGBTQ event ineffective. Read here w/ @maxgriera.bsky.social : www.politico.eu/article/orba...
However, organizers found a legal loophole, rendering PM Viktor Orbán's efforts to ban the LGBTQ event ineffective. Read here w/ @maxgriera.bsky.social : www.politico.eu/article/orba...
Canada signed a major defense deal with the EU, with the aim to shift Canada's security relationship away from the U.S. and to allow Ottawa to take part in new European defense spending programs.
Our reporting with Yurii Stasiuk and @jacopobarigazzi.bsky.social: www.politico.eu/article/cana...
Our reporting with Yurii Stasiuk and @jacopobarigazzi.bsky.social: www.politico.eu/article/cana...
Canada signs defense pact with EU
The partnership will help both Ottawa and Brussels to deliver NATO’s new capability requirements.
www.politico.eu
June 23, 2025 at 9:45 PM
Canada signed a major defense deal with the EU, with the aim to shift Canada's security relationship away from the U.S. and to allow Ottawa to take part in new European defense spending programs.
Our reporting with Yurii Stasiuk and @jacopobarigazzi.bsky.social: www.politico.eu/article/cana...
Our reporting with Yurii Stasiuk and @jacopobarigazzi.bsky.social: www.politico.eu/article/cana...
Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz submitted a bill to parliament on Wednesday, which would start to blacklist organizations receiving foreign funding, including from EU grants, if it deems them a “threat” to national sovereignty.
Read @elenagiordano.bsky.social ’s reporting: www.politico.eu/article/vikt...
Read @elenagiordano.bsky.social ’s reporting: www.politico.eu/article/vikt...
Orbán’s Fidesz party proposes Russia-style crackdown on Hungary’s civil society
The new bill fits into a pattern of democratic backsliding for the Central European country.
www.politico.eu
May 14, 2025 at 8:29 AM
Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz submitted a bill to parliament on Wednesday, which would start to blacklist organizations receiving foreign funding, including from EU grants, if it deems them a “threat” to national sovereignty.
Read @elenagiordano.bsky.social ’s reporting: www.politico.eu/article/vikt...
Read @elenagiordano.bsky.social ’s reporting: www.politico.eu/article/vikt...
Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy is traveling to Turkey to negotiate with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, his chief of staff said at #cds2025
Andriy Yermak added that if Putin refuses to come, it will be "the last signal" that Russia "doesn't want to end the war": www.politico.eu/article/ukra...
Andriy Yermak added that if Putin refuses to come, it will be "the last signal" that Russia "doesn't want to end the war": www.politico.eu/article/ukra...
Zelenskyy will head to Turkey for potential Putin meeting, top aide says
Ukraine calls Russian leader’s bluff.
www.politico.eu
May 13, 2025 at 9:38 AM
Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy is traveling to Turkey to negotiate with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, his chief of staff said at #cds2025
Andriy Yermak added that if Putin refuses to come, it will be "the last signal" that Russia "doesn't want to end the war": www.politico.eu/article/ukra...
Andriy Yermak added that if Putin refuses to come, it will be "the last signal" that Russia "doesn't want to end the war": www.politico.eu/article/ukra...
Checking in from Denmark, where I'll be reporting with my colleagues from the Copenhagen Democracy Summit. Let me know if you're in the area to catch up - and follow @politico.eu for our coverage!
May 13, 2025 at 6:54 AM
Checking in from Denmark, where I'll be reporting with my colleagues from the Copenhagen Democracy Summit. Let me know if you're in the area to catch up - and follow @politico.eu for our coverage!
Ukrainian security services arrested two Ukrainian nationals it said were working for Hungarian military intel near the 🇭🇺–🇺🇦 border.
“Agents were also searching for weak spots in land and air defense” in western Ukraine, security services allege: www.politico.eu/article/ukra...
“Agents were also searching for weak spots in land and air defense” in western Ukraine, security services allege: www.politico.eu/article/ukra...
Ukraine says it busted Hungarian spy network
“Agents were also searching for weak spots in land and air defense” in western Ukraine, security services allege.
www.politico.eu
May 9, 2025 at 11:44 AM
Ukrainian security services arrested two Ukrainian nationals it said were working for Hungarian military intel near the 🇭🇺–🇺🇦 border.
“Agents were also searching for weak spots in land and air defense” in western Ukraine, security services allege: www.politico.eu/article/ukra...
“Agents were also searching for weak spots in land and air defense” in western Ukraine, security services allege: www.politico.eu/article/ukra...
Military spending surged last year in ways unseen since the Cold War, and Germany is by far the largest defense spender in Western Europe, @sipri.org study says.
But even Berlin's spending boost falls short of what Russia is pouring into its military. Read more here: www.politico.eu/article/germ...
But even Berlin's spending boost falls short of what Russia is pouring into its military. Read more here: www.politico.eu/article/germ...
Berlin takes lead in Europe’s rearmament as global defense spending soars
Military spending surged last year in ways unseen since the Cold War, study says.
www.politico.eu
April 28, 2025 at 1:08 PM
Military spending surged last year in ways unseen since the Cold War, and Germany is by far the largest defense spender in Western Europe, @sipri.org study says.
But even Berlin's spending boost falls short of what Russia is pouring into its military. Read more here: www.politico.eu/article/germ...
But even Berlin's spending boost falls short of what Russia is pouring into its military. Read more here: www.politico.eu/article/germ...
Budapest has opened the door to using AI facial recognition to identify LGBTQ+ protestors. Now, the EU is looking into whether Hungary’s plan is illegal. Read more in our story with Pieter here:
The European Union is looking into whether Hungary’s plan to deploy facial recognition technology to identify people attending LGBTQ+ Pride events is illegal.
It marks the first real test of landmark EU AI rules.
W/ @krmcsngr.bsky.social
www.politico.eu/article/hung...
It marks the first real test of landmark EU AI rules.
W/ @krmcsngr.bsky.social
www.politico.eu/article/hung...
Hungary on EU watchlist over surveillance at Pride
Budapest has opened the door to using AI facial recognition to identify LGBTQ+ protestors.
www.politico.eu
April 25, 2025 at 8:13 AM
Budapest has opened the door to using AI facial recognition to identify LGBTQ+ protestors. Now, the EU is looking into whether Hungary’s plan is illegal. Read more in our story with Pieter here:
After nine months on the Breaking News desk, I joined @politico.eu’s Defense team this week. Follow us with @laukaya.bsky.social and @jacopobarigazzi.bsky.social for the latest scoops in this booming field!
April 4, 2025 at 6:11 AM
After nine months on the Breaking News desk, I joined @politico.eu’s Defense team this week. Follow us with @laukaya.bsky.social and @jacopobarigazzi.bsky.social for the latest scoops in this booming field!
Viktor Orbán's Hungary is now the first country in the EU to ban Pride marches. His party says they want to keep children safe from LGBTQ+ agenda, opponents say it's just a 'dog’s toy' – but organizers fear whether Hungary is still a democracy.
Read more here: www.politico.eu/article/orba...
Read more here: www.politico.eu/article/orba...
Orbán bans Pride in Hungary as polls show rival surging
Fidesz says it’s trying to prohibit Pride to keep children safe from the so-called LGBTQ+ agenda, but opponents say the prime minister’s party is trying to create a wedge issue.
www.politico.eu
March 18, 2025 at 1:59 PM
Viktor Orbán's Hungary is now the first country in the EU to ban Pride marches. His party says they want to keep children safe from LGBTQ+ agenda, opponents say it's just a 'dog’s toy' – but organizers fear whether Hungary is still a democracy.
Read more here: www.politico.eu/article/orba...
Read more here: www.politico.eu/article/orba...
Reposted by Csongor Körömi
Brussels reacted warmly to the results of a poll showing interest among Canadians in joining the European Union — before clarifying that the idea is a nonstarter.
Canadians want to join the EU. An empathetic Brussels says it will never happen.
EU says it is flattered by poll results, but calls on Canada to fight Trump tariffs hand in hand.
www.politico.eu
March 12, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Brussels reacted warmly to the results of a poll showing interest among Canadians in joining the European Union — before clarifying that the idea is a nonstarter.
Today at 17:30 CET, Andrew Tate and his brother arrived in Florida after being released from Romania. Florida Governor DeSantis and President Trump said they didn’t know about the release of the Tate brothers - despite earlier press reports claiming the US pressured Bucharest on the case:
Far-right influencer Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan have left Romania on a private plane headed for the United States, according to press reports.
Tate brothers reportedly leave Romania, heading to Florida
Travel ban on Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan was lifted, but Bucharest claims no U.S. pressure was applied.
ow.ly
February 27, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Today at 17:30 CET, Andrew Tate and his brother arrived in Florida after being released from Romania. Florida Governor DeSantis and President Trump said they didn’t know about the release of the Tate brothers - despite earlier press reports claiming the US pressured Bucharest on the case:
In 1997, Hungary was the first country in the former Eastern Bloc where a Pride march was held, marking the country's pioneering role in LGBTQ+ rights. Now, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán wants Hungary to be the first EU country to ban Pride in public. Read more here: www.politico.eu/article/hung...
Orbán’s government bans Budapest Pride in ‘public form’
Hungary ‘should not tolerate Pride marching’ through Budapest’s city center, top minister says.
www.politico.eu
February 27, 2025 at 12:48 PM
In 1997, Hungary was the first country in the former Eastern Bloc where a Pride march was held, marking the country's pioneering role in LGBTQ+ rights. Now, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán wants Hungary to be the first EU country to ban Pride in public. Read more here: www.politico.eu/article/hung...
Reposted by Csongor Körömi
🚨 BREAKING: Romania’s pro-Russia presidential election front-runner Călin Georgescu has been taken in by police for questioning.
Read the developing story: ow.ly/1CgL50V6MXb
Read the developing story: ow.ly/1CgL50V6MXb
February 26, 2025 at 11:56 AM
🚨 BREAKING: Romania’s pro-Russia presidential election front-runner Călin Georgescu has been taken in by police for questioning.
Read the developing story: ow.ly/1CgL50V6MXb
Read the developing story: ow.ly/1CgL50V6MXb
French far-right leader Jordan Bardella cancels speech on CPAC in Washington after Steve Bannon gave a gesture resembling a Nazi salute.
Bannon’s quick response: Bardella is “a little boy, not a man”, and he’s unworthy of leading France. Read here: www.politico.eu/article/fran...
Bannon’s quick response: Bardella is “a little boy, not a man”, and he’s unworthy of leading France. Read here: www.politico.eu/article/fran...
France’s Bardella cancels CPAC speech after Steve Bannon’s ‘Nazi’ salute
Bannon’s response: French far-right leader is “unworthy of leading France.”
www.politico.eu
February 21, 2025 at 7:29 PM
French far-right leader Jordan Bardella cancels speech on CPAC in Washington after Steve Bannon gave a gesture resembling a Nazi salute.
Bannon’s quick response: Bardella is “a little boy, not a man”, and he’s unworthy of leading France. Read here: www.politico.eu/article/fran...
Bannon’s quick response: Bardella is “a little boy, not a man”, and he’s unworthy of leading France. Read here: www.politico.eu/article/fran...
Russia wants to declare “victory” in its war against Ukraine — even against NATO — on Feb. 24, Kyiv’s military intelligence claims.
They say the Kremlin instructed its propagandists to discredit 🇺🇦’s EU partners aiming to help Kyiv as “enemies of peace.” Read here: www.politico.eu/article/war-...
They say the Kremlin instructed its propagandists to discredit 🇺🇦’s EU partners aiming to help Kyiv as “enemies of peace.” Read here: www.politico.eu/article/war-...
Russia wants to declare ‘victory’ on Feb. 24, Ukrainian intel says
Moscow wants to show itself ‘victorious’ against Ukraine and NATO on third anniversary of invasion, Kyiv’s HUR says.
www.politico.eu
February 21, 2025 at 1:42 PM
Russia wants to declare “victory” in its war against Ukraine — even against NATO — on Feb. 24, Kyiv’s military intelligence claims.
They say the Kremlin instructed its propagandists to discredit 🇺🇦’s EU partners aiming to help Kyiv as “enemies of peace.” Read here: www.politico.eu/article/war-...
They say the Kremlin instructed its propagandists to discredit 🇺🇦’s EU partners aiming to help Kyiv as “enemies of peace.” Read here: www.politico.eu/article/war-...
Reposted by Csongor Körömi
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the military to carry out an “intensive operation” in the West Bank after explosions on buses near Tel Aviv yesterday.
Israeli military conducts ‘intensive operation’ in West Bank after bus explosions
Netanyahu’s office says the explosions in Tel Aviv’s suburb were an attempt to carry out a “chain of mass bus bombings.”
www.politico.eu
February 21, 2025 at 10:25 AM
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the military to carry out an “intensive operation” in the West Bank after explosions on buses near Tel Aviv yesterday.
Reposted by Csongor Körömi
Germany’s Federal Court of Justice ruled today that German shoe maker Birkenstock’s world-famous sandals can’t be considered “works of art” that enjoy copyright protection.
Birkenstock sandals not ‘works of art,’ German court says in denying copyright bid
Federal Court of Justice rules Birkenstock is not entitled to damages from cut-price imitators of its footwear.
www.politico.eu
February 20, 2025 at 7:07 PM
Germany’s Federal Court of Justice ruled today that German shoe maker Birkenstock’s world-famous sandals can’t be considered “works of art” that enjoy copyright protection.
Reposted by Csongor Körömi
Former Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales has been found guilty of a crime of sexual assault after forcibly kissing footballer Jenni Hermoso.
Spain’s disgraced football chief Luis Rubiales found guilty of sexual assault
Rubiales was fined €10,800, but the court gave him no jail time.
www.politico.eu
February 20, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Former Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales has been found guilty of a crime of sexual assault after forcibly kissing footballer Jenni Hermoso.