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Hungary turns a historic page. After 16 years in power, Viktor Orbán is out—defeated in a landslide election that propels Péter Magyar and his Tisza Party to a commanding two-thirds majority. With record turnout and a political earthquake felt far beyond Budapest, Europe is now asking: what comes next?In this episode of Europe Today, Méabh Mc Mahon guides you through a fast-moving story with major implications for the EU, Ukraine, and the broader geopolitical landscape. We go live to Budapest for on-the-ground reaction, unpack the mood among both jubilant Tisza supporters and shaken Fidesz voters, and hear directly from Magyar as he promises to “liberate Hungary.”

In this episode, tensions in the Middle East intensify as Israel’s actions in Lebanon put the fragile US-Iran ceasefire under pressure, with talks set to begin in Washington. Plus, all eyes are on Hungary ahead of a pivotal election that could reshape its political future and test relations with Brussels.

A ceasefire unravelling and markets in turmoil, as well as alliances under strain. On today’s Europe Today, we take you from the frontlines in Lebanon to the halls of power in Washington and Brussels, as rising tensions between the US and Iran ripple across the globe and over 200 are reported dead in Lebanon. With NATO unity tested and Hungary on the cusp of a defining election, the stakes have rarely been higher.

About this episodeAfter threatening to destroy Iran's civilisation, Trump backed down again as Iran and the US reached a temporary ceasefire deal that will see the Strait of Hormuz reopen—at least provisionally. Our correspondents Jane Witherspoon, Omid Lahabi and Stefan Grobe analyse the deal and break down the first reactions from Europe and the Middle East. And as the Hungarian elections approach this Sunday, our Sándor Zsíros reports on US Vice-President JD Vance’s visit to Budapest, where he is endorsing current Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Also on this episode of Europe Today: Member of the European Parliament Marc Botenga (The Left group) joins to react to both the US–Iran ceasefire deal and the vote in Hungary, and our Jakub Janas explains whether Trump can pull the US out of NATO, as he has threatened. 

As Hungary heads into a crucial parliamentary election this Sunday, US Vice President JD Vance arrives in Budapest to back Prime Minister Viktor Orbán — even as his party trails in the polls and security concerns emerge over explosives found near a key gas pipeline. Meanwhile, global instability deepens with EU Council President António Costa warning against targeting civilian infrastructure after Donald Trump escalates rhetoric toward Iran, raising fears of wider regional conflict. We bring you the latest developments from Doha. Plus, as attention remains fixed on Ukraine and the Middle East, we turn to Sudan — where a devastating civil war continues largely out of the spotlight. We have an exclusive interview with Sex in the City star and UNHCR ambassador Kristen Davis about her recent visit to Sudan.

Sunday, 12 April 2026, will be a crucial day for the European Union, as Hungarians head to the polls for parliamentary elections. Hungary’s current prime minister, Viktor Orbán, leader of the eurosceptic Fidesz party, will be challenged by Péter Magyar, leader of the Tisza party and a former member of Orbán’s own party. To better understand what’s at stake for Budapest and Brussels, we sit down with Euronews’ EU correspondent Sandor Zsiros.This is an extract from the weekly Euronews podcast Brussels, My Love?. To continue listening, visit the Brussels, My Love? feed on your favourite podcast app. You can also find us on YouTube and on our website.