Oct 10, 2026, 05:00 PM UTC

Hungarian Transport Minister Dávid Vitézy has confirmed that a private equity fund linked to businessman Lőrinc Mészáros returned 2.27 billion forints to the state treasury. The reimbursement follows an official review of a 64.5 billion forint transaction authorized under former minister János Lázár, during which three electronic toll management entities were acquired by the state.

Following the asset recovery, Hungarian authorities are turning their attention to historical state procurement contracts involving IT entrepreneur Gábor Emőri. Emőri spent over a decade developing and operating Hungary's national electronic toll network, becoming one of the largest private beneficiaries of state technology contracts. Investigators are auditing previous agreements to determine if further state funds can be reclaimed.

Sources: 444, HVG, Telex.

French President Emmanuel Macron and U.S. President Donald Trump delivered contrasting addresses at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Macron characterized international diplomatic efforts in Gaza as a "shameful spectacle" and criticized Israeli actions in the West Bank. In contrast, Trump defended his unilateral foreign policy strategy, declaring, "While others talk, I act." During his address, Trump threatened to "annihilate" Iran, predicted the collapse of Cuba's leadership, and highlighted U.S. access to Venezuelan oil reserves. On the sidelines of the summit, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez requested a bilateral meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to address bilateral diplomatic ties.

Sources: Canarias7, El Mundo, La Vanguardia

US President Donald Trump has warned the European Union of potential trade restrictions and severe tariffs following a proposal to grant Canada associate membership status. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen suggested the initiative to deepen integration between Brussels and Ottawa.

Trump characterized the proposal as "ridiculous" and cautioned that closer transatlantic alignment without sound justification could be viewed by Washington as an unfriendly action. However, he indicated that punitive trade measures might be avoided if the initiative stems from good intentions.

The diplomatic friction arises amid broader transatlantic tension, previously referenced by Finnish President Alexander Stubb, who humorously questioned whether Canada would fit better within the EU than as a US state.

Sources: 444, HVG, Telex.

Southern and Western Europe are facing persistent extreme heat as a fourth heatwave sweeps across Italy and temperatures approach 40 degrees Celsius in multiple nations. Italian health authorities issued red weather alerts for all 27 major cities, including Messina and Reggio Calabria, advising the public to remain indoors during peak afternoon hours following at least four heat-related deaths.

Meanwhile, Austria registered an all-time temperature record of 40.8 degrees Celsius near Vienna. In France, health officials reported more than 7,300 excess deaths linked to 52 heatwave days recorded between May and July. Meteorological agencies in France and the United Kingdom are now warning of another incoming heat spike, while ongoing drought conditions exacerbate wildfire risks across the region after several areas recorded their hottest July on record.

Sources: Aftenposten, Berlingske, DR, TV 2 Nyheter, VG (Verdens Gang).