How Carlos The Jackal Made a Home in Budapest
Weekly briefings on the life of The New European Capital of Conservatism.
Budapest This Week
In the past six months, war studies professor David Betz has become a UK media star with his theory that Britain is already entering a pre-civil war state. Rod Dreher is semi-obsessed with Betz’s work (it was Rod’s chief topic of conversation during a recent three hour car journey). This week, he will debrief Betz in person. 6PM, at the MCC Scruton Café, MCC campus. Thursday, 11 September.
Two green shoots: on Tuesday 9 September, from 4:30PM, up at Ludovika, there's The Future We Finance: Green Capital in a Grey World - how to target green funding at things that actually work. Register here. Meanwhile, Gagan Deep Shama will be in conversation on: Energy Security and Hungary's Green Transition, at the MCC Scruton Café, 6PM on Wednesday.
What’s Based
The State of von der Leyen's Union
The European Commission President is set to deliver her State of the Union to the bloc's parliament this week, on Wednesday 10 September. This year, she is expected to focus on competitiveness, sustainability, and the bloc's $800 million re-armament package. There will also likely be nods to Ukraine (a potential $100 billion package), and a streamlined budgeting process.
Here are the numbers to know:
2026 — The number of days Ursula von der Leyen has held the European Commission Presidency, across two terms.0.9% — Productivity growth in the EU, 2019-2024.6.7% — The equivalent US figure. 1.37 million — The number of illegal border crossings in the same period.15 — The percentage tariff most EU goods now face when sent to the United States. In the UK it is 10%. Other News
Paper of the Week
Chasing Out Carlos The Jackal: Hungary, International Terrorism and the Twilight of the Cold War
Scourge of the 1970s, Ilich Ramírez Sánchez — better known as Carlos the Jackal — spent nearly half a decade living comfortably in the Budapest hills, with the tacit approval of Hungary's Communist government. But this comfy arrangement wasn't to last. As Daniel Fárkas and Adam LeBor write in their new DI paper, the Kádár regime still needed to maintain good relations with their Western neighbours.
“For Budapest, hosting Carlos wasn’t just about having the goodwill of the Communist world centre. It was also about getting basic security for the Hungarian regime. If Carlos lived in Budapest, he was unlikely to organise attacks on Hungarian targets.”
Eyes & Ears
Comings & Goings
Coming:
Alex Pelling-Bruce, 35, is a Spectator writer, who has worked at BP and Policy Exchange. A dapper chap who enjoys playing backgammon, he arrives at the DI this weekend, to kick off a three month fellowship. Do say hi. Gagan Deep Sharma touched down on Sunday, for a ten day stint with Ludovika University of Public Service. Sharma is a Professor of Management at Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, New Delhi. He’s ranked among the top 2% of scientists globally, and is actively involved in what he calls 'literary diplomacy'.City Life
This weekend, get yourself down to the Castle District for the annual Wine Festival (11 September - 14 September). A pass is 7000 Ft, and includes a free wine glass. Definitely don't miss the Harvest Procession: representatives of every wine region in the country parading together through the Budai Vár.
There are over 20 Korean restaurants in Budapest, but the Korean ambassador's favourite is Buda K, which, confusingly, is on the Pest side. Eric Hendriks recently had an evening there with John O'Sullivan. They agree.
Budapest Dance House Fonó celebrates its 30-year anniversary on Saturday. They are hosting events and workshops from 3PM onward. Advance tickets are available for 2900 Ft, or 3900 Ft on the day. You may even spot some of the DI team in the barn, dancing.
Classified In Budapest
—> Can you recommend a Hungarian teacher for one-on-one lessons? We have several new starters who are looking for someone with a magic touch for beginners, available mornings.
—> The DI is after Hungarian researchers, highly fluent in English, with a publication record on issues we're into. They should be generalists first and foremost, whatever their academic niche. You might also edit and format papers, and sometimes speak on behalf of the Institute. Perks: a cave as an office, and immense creative scope. Submit CV, cover letter, English-language writing sample, to: calum.nicholson at danubeinstitute dot hu.
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Dates For Your Diary
Danube Geopolitics Summit — 15 - 16 September
Brain Bar Ideas Fest — 18 - 20 September
Margaret Thatcher Centenary Conference, Budapest — 2 October “Ne igyál előre a medve bőrére!"— Don’t drink on the bear’s skin in advance.