Tihi Czika

Brussels bubble diplomat. History & geography buff. In love with all things Asia. @UnivBabesBolyai alumni. Personal account.

[Kaja Kallas @kajakallas]

I am pleased to announce that @KajsaOllongren will be the new Secretary General of the @eu_eeas.

Kajsa brings with her 30 years of experience in public service, diplomacy and management of organisations, including as Dutch Minister of Defence, Minister of Interior and Secretary General of the Dutch Ministry of General Affairs.

Her leadership will be a great asset in tackling the challenges ahead of us.

I look forward to working together.

[Tihi Czika @tihiczika]

@marcobreso Actually, except the canopy in the middle, the rest is exactly as foreseen. Just zoom out to see all green lines, and turn your camera towards the Cinquantenaire to see the trees & green boxes.
The canopy did not make it because of budget cuts by the Brussels admin (not the EU).

[Ursula von der Leyen @vonderleyen]

Dear @magyarpeterMP, it has only been a few weeks.

But we can feel a strong wind of change across Hungary.

To fight corruption.

Kickstart economic recovery.

And restore the rule of law.

Today we share the progress made ↓ https://t.co/juMDTzy6pD

[Kaja Kallas @kajakallas]

It was a pleasure to meet Foreign Minister @_OrbanAnita today.

She is absolutely right, it is good to have Hungary back in the European family.

Today, we had a substantive discussion on a range of EU’s foreign policy priorities, including Russia’s war against Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East.

I look forward to working closely with her in the EU Foreign Affairs Council and beyond.

[European External Action Service - EEAS 🇪🇺 @eu_eeas]

Humanitarian workers are being targeted. Aid routes are closing. International humanitarian law is under pressure.

Today, the EU adopted a new framework to push back, combining diplomacy, political dialogue and operations to protect access where it matters most.

"With our new approach to humanitarian diplomacy, we will make better use of every tool at our disposal to safeguard aid delivery, secure humanitarian access, protect civilians, and ensure respect for international humanitarian law. It will also help ensure that humanitarian issues are front and centre in our external action." @kajakallas, HR/VP

https://t.co/Xl3QmUL9Lc

[European External Action Service - EEAS 🇪🇺 @eu_eeas]

A free press is essential to democracy. Across the world, journalists are threatened, forced into exile, detained or killed for doing their job, as we have seen in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and in conflicts in the Middle East and Africa. 

Disinformation and intimidation continue to undermine independent journalism and the public’s right to know.

The EU will continue to defend press freedom at home and around the world.

Read the full statement by the HR/VP @kajakallas on behalf of the EU: https://t.co/awLRALb1ga

[EU Council Press @EUCouncilPress]

Statement by the @KajaKallas on behalf of the EU on the World Press Freedom Day 2026

The 🇪🇺 reaffirms its resolute commitment to defending media independence and the safety of journalists as fundamental pillars of democracy

Read more👇
https://t.co/VVc4uyElMP

[Anita Orban @_OrbanAnita]

For 16 years, Hungary hasn’t seen a press conference like this. For 16 years, a prime minister has not answered questions from the press in this open, extended format.
For TISZA, press freedom is not a slogan, it’s a governing principle. Ministers will be available, accountable, and engaged with the media, because they understand its role in a functioning democracy.
What makes this shift even more striking: this political movement won without access to state media, without access to platforms tied to the ruling elite, and despite a tightly controlled media environment shaped over years.
We have a fundamentally different approach to power that is based on transparency, openness, and accountability.

# First international press conference of Prime Minister-Elect, Péter Magyar

[Anita Orban @_OrbanAnita]

The core message is clear: Magyar government will restore freedom, the rule of law, and democratic governance. Not as abstract ideals, but as the foundation of a functioning state. Hungary aims to rebuild its credibility within NATO and the European Union - acting as a constructive, reliable partner that contributes to a stronger Europe. Predictability and stability are key commitments from day one. The goal is a Hungary that allies can trust, and citizens can rely on. This also means a firm stance on human rights, and a return to honest, transparent governance.

# First international press conference of Prime Minister-Elect, Péter Magyar

[Ursula von der Leyen @vonderleyen]

Hungary has chosen Europe.

Europe has always chosen Hungary.

A country reclaims its European path.

The Union grows stronger.

Magyarország Európát választotta.

Európa mindig Magyarországot választotta.

Egy ország visszatér az európai útjára.

Az Unió erősebbé válik.

[Tihi Czika @tihiczika]

@SpencerHakimian Oh well, maybe some win-win calculation there too...

[Dr. Grant T. Harward @GHarward]

Some ethnic Romanian sailors on the Austro-Hungarian cruiser SMS Kaiserin Elisabeth in Tsingtao, a German colony in China, just before the outbreak of WW1. The ship was stripped of its guns & scuttled. Its crew went into captivity in Japan after the fall of the port.

[CPJ Europe and Central Asia @CPJ_Eurasia]

Today, @pressfreedom, in partnership with @nsju_org, @PENamerica and @EUatUN, organized a #CSW70 side event on detentions and enforced disappearances of #Ukrainian women journalists by #Russia.

The event was moderated by CPJ's @GypsyStrategy

[Jan Beagle @JanMBeagle]

Energized by our @IDLO side event on Advancing Women's Economic Rights in Law and Practice.
It is clear that strong gender-responsive legal and policy frameworks are essential but not enough. Laws must be implemented effectively and supported by institutions that are capable and accessible.
Persistent social norms that limit women's economic participation must be addressed.
We need strong partnerships, sustained political will, sufficient investment, accountability, and "reform mindsets".
Thank you to all the speakers and panellists for your important contributions. @Lfreidenvall @SIDA @CJLasseur @MinBZ @eu_eeas @musawah @FIDA_Uganda @FAO @Stand4herland @hyeshinpark

[🇪🇺EU at UN-NY @EUatUN]

At a time when women's rights face growing pushback, the 🇪🇺EU remains steadfast in its commitment to achieve gender equality.

Today's message at #CSW70 was clear 📣 access to justice and gender equality are non‑negotiables.

[🇪🇺EU at UN-NY @EUatUN]

Strong message to women & girls worldwide today as ministers gathered at #CSW to adopt agreed conclusions on the important priority theme "access to justice for all women and girls" with resounding support. We commend #CSW70 Chair Chan Valverde for her dedication & leadership.

[International Development Law Organization @IDLO]

🧐How can strong legal frameworks and effective justice institutions help level the playing field for women's economic opportunities?

Our side event at #CSW70, "Advancing Women's Economic Rights in Law and Practice", will share #RuleOfLaw solutions for advancing women's economic rights and discuss persistent challenges.

➡️https://t.co/Ii05c2Isen

@OECD @Stand4HerLand @Landesa_Global

[European Commission @EU_Commission]

Go team EU! 👏 #MilanoCortina2026

[European External Action Service - EEAS 🇪🇺 @eu_eeas]

Female genital mutilation is a grave violation of human rights and a form of violence against women and girls. There is no medical, cultural or ethical justification for it. It must be eradicated.

Read the joint statement by High Representative @kajakallas, Executive Vice-President @RoxanaMinzatu and Commissioner @hadjalahbib: https://t.co/LCK4MmBqqP

[Tihi Czika @tihiczika]

Belgium was traditionally great in giving boring PM's to the world.
Hail the most charismatic and possibly the best PM this country ever had: @Bart_DeWever
He is becoming one of the smartest leaders in the EU. Seriously!
https://t.co/HAS9iLCcIX