Content warning: This Insight contains language describing self-harm and suicide. In recent months, a growing concern over online subcultures of nihilistic violence, or Nihilistic Violent Extremism (NVE), has influenced how governments are tackling extremist threats. Canada, for instance, designated the decentralised transnational NVE network known as “764” as a terrorist entity in December 2025.…
Elsewhere, Hungary and Slovakia see fallout from surging fuel prices; extremist Slovak activist convicted; Czech Television presenter quits over fears about editorial independence; and Orban shelved major plan to overhaul health care.
This Insight examines how extremist aesthetics and narratives inspired by jihadist groups are produced, circulated, and normalised within digital communities hosted on Discord. This platform is primarily designed as a communication space for gaming and social interaction. However, its structural features (including semi-private servers, flexible communication tools, and low barriers to entry)…
Elsewhere, Hungary’s foreign minister meets Putin just 5 weeks before election; Slovakia’s police inspectorate detains several officers linked to former anti-corruption agency; and Czech PM and far-right ally avoid having immunity lifted.
Elsewhere, Poland’s political cohabitation under strain as institutional clashes meet coalition fragility; Czech lower house to debate lifting parliamentary immunity of Babis and Okamura; Slovak coalition is working on changes to postal voting rules.
Elsewhere, Slovakia and Hungary blame Ukraine for lack of oil through pipeline apparently bombed by Russia; Polish bishop becomes first to stand trial over alleged failure to report sexual abuse; and finally, a new Czech environment minister.
Elsewhere, Slovakia’s top court suspends part of amendment to the Criminal Code; Rubio to visit Slovakia then Hungary; Czech PM inclined to back ban on social media for under 15s; and Poland makes clear its stance on Trump’s Peace Board.
On 14 December 2025, two gunmen opened fire on a public Hanukkah celebration attended by 1,000 people on Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. The attack killed fifteen people and injured a further 38. In a press conference at Parliament House, Canberra, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese labelled the attack as ISIS-inspired, further characterising the tragedy as an antisemitic terrorist…
Elsewhere, Hungary government pushes Budapest to brink of bankruptcy; reports suggest Czech PM’s conflicts of interest not quite resolved; Tusk makes Ukraine trip in show of Polish support; Slovak chief prosecutor laments anticorruption efforts under Fico.