More than 63,000 people dead or missing while migrating over last decade, IOM says
At least 63,285 people have perished or disappeared on migration routes around the world between 2014 and 2023, with most deaths caused by drowning.
Hungary
Cyprus economy on healthy trajectory, European Commission says
The European Commission released a report on Cyprus’ economy, noting that GDP is expected to grow and inflation to decrease. The report also highlighted risks related to interconnections with economies within and outside the EU, as well as vulnerabilities related to debt. The GDP growth rate in 2023 was 2.4%, down from 5.1% in 2022, with expectations of rebounding growth in 2024 and 2025. The Cypriot labor market remains robust, with employment rising and unemployment expected to fall. The country’s fiscal position is strong, with a surplus expected to be maintained. Cyprus’ high integration with EU and non-EU economies makes it susceptible to economic developments in those regions, posing risks to its economy.
Brazil’s Bolsonaro stayed two days in Hungarian embassy after passport seized
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro stayed at the Hungarian embassy in Brasilia for two nights in February, following the confiscation of his passport and the arrest of two former aides on suspicion of plotting a coup. Bolsonaro’s lawyer stated that he stayed at the embassy to maintain contact with Hungarian officials and get updates on the political landscape of both nations. The Brazilian foreign ministry summoned Hungary’s ambassador to clarify the reasons behind Bolsonaro’s stay at the embassy. Bolsonaro has good relations with Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Police have accused Bolsonaro of editing a draft decree to overturn election results, pressuring military chiefs to join a coup attempt, and plotting to jail a Supreme Court justice. He has also been ruled ineligible for political office until 2030 for spreading electoral misinformation.
Hungarian minister for EU affairs visiting Cyprus
Janos Boka, Hungary’s Minister for European Union Affairs, is visiting Cyprus by invitation of Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Marilena Raouna.