"Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer" is a saying that feels particularly relevant in Brussels as Hungary prepares to take over the presidency of the European Council—one of the EU's most crucial brokering positions—in less than a week.

From the choice of a provocative motto to its declared priorities, Budapest appears unafraid of escalating tensions with Brussels, disappointing those who hoped this role might prompt a Hungarian realignment with EU values.

In this episode, host Giada Santana and politics hub editor Aurelie Pugnet discuss the direction in which Hungary intends to take the union and the history of bad blood between Orbán and the EU.