Hungary Today

Domestic Politics

Opposition Jobbik Welcomes Government’s Plan to Establish Stand-Alone Border Guard Force

Jobbik had been urging the move for years, and the party is calling for setting up the task force without delay, Jobbik deputy leader László György Lukács said in reaction to the announcement.

Foreign politics

Foreign Minister: Migration Pressure Expected to Reach New High

The critical food shortage stemming from the war in Ukraine will lead to a rise in extremism and the threat of terrorism, which are root causes of migration, Péter Szijjártó said.

Technology Ministry: EU Climate Package Takes Hungarian Interests into Account

At Hungary's initiative, the EU emissions trading scheme will be transformed by introducing automatic price protection mechanisms when quota prices get too high.

Foreign Minister: Direct Confrontation between NATO, Russia Must Be Avoided

A protracted war is likely to result in "the senseless death of thousands, lingering wartime inflation deepening into a global economic crisis, and energy security taking a hit." So brokering peace is a top priority, Péter Szijjártó said.

Viktor Orbán at NATO Meeting: Hungary Urges Ceasefire, Peace Talks in Ukraine

"We will not support any proposal that could drag NATO or Hungary into this conflict, because this is a Russian-Ukrainian war and NATO is a defensive alliance," Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said.

First Official Trip of the Hungarian Minister of Defense Is to Germany

Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky said that his first official ministerial visit signaled a "strategic commitment beyond occasional ideological disagreements and government cycles" to Hungary-Germany relations.

Minister Navracsics: Government to Conclude Pact on EU Funds in Second Half of 2022

Hungary will then have access to 10,000 billion forints (EUR 24bn) for its operative programs and an additional 4,000 billion in rural agriculture development, according to Tibor Navracsics.

Confrontation Between Migrant Gangs Ends in Bloodbath on Serbian-Hungarian Border

One dead, multiple injuries after people-smugglers settle scores with weapons

Society

Investigation Launched Into Passengers Stranded Overnight at Budapest Airport

On Sunday night, several passengers at the airport received neither their luggage nor any help or information about how to get ahold of their possessions.

Heat Alert in Hungary: Irrigation Systems, Drinking Fountains, and Air-Conditioned Public Vehicles Deployed

The heat alert comes with advice to drink plenty of liquids, avoid the sun between 11 am and 3 pm, and use skin protection.

People Smuggler Causes Accident on M5 Highway

There were 20 foreigners in the vehicle, driven by a 24-year-old Syrian man, all of whom suffered minor injuries in the accident.

12 Cases of Monkeypox Confirmed in Hungary, All Patients in Quarantine

The general condition of the infected does not require any hospital care, they have all remained in quarantine in their own homes, the NNK explained.

Cardinal Péter Erdő, 70, Greeted with a Mass in Esztergom

Bishop András Veres said that the Cardinal had led the body for ten years, during which time "we have experienced and still feel his willingness to help the work of this community."

Man Charged with Smuggling Nearly 1 Kilos of Heroine at Budapest Airport

The man who was tasked to smuggle drugs from Brussels to Budapest ingested 61 capsules containing almost 900 grams of heroin.

Heatwave – Temporary Water Shortage Warning in Ten Pest County Municipalities

Local authorities are asked to suspend watering in public areas (from fire hydrants).

Economy

Foreign Minister: New Milestone in Approval Process of Paks Nuclear Plant Expansion

The development is important in light of the war in Ukraine and geopolitical shifts which are creating serious global energy supply challenges, the minister said.

Many Hungarian Businesses at a Competitive Disadvantage in Customer Experience

A new survey of Hungarian companies with more than 250 employees found that less than half of them have customer experience as part of their business strategy.

Budapest’s Iconic Nyugati Railway Station Revamp Gets EU Support

State secretary Dávid Vitézy called the project "the most important rail link between the eastern and western part of the country."

Intrum: Growth of Hungarian Companies Hampered by Non-Paying Customers and Credit Debts

Liquidity problems were mainly caused by customers paying late, Hungarian company managers said, according to Judit Üveges, Intrum's sales director.

EU Supports National Transport Infrastructure with €5.4 Billion

The Brussels group has selected 135 transport infrastructure projects across Europe for funding under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), the EU's instrument for financing strategic investments in transport infrastructure.

London Analysts Expect Hungarian National Bank Base Rate to Peak above 10 Percent by Year’s End

Analysts at Capital Economics recall that their previous forecast had called for the Hungarian National Bank (MNB) base rate to peak at 8.20 percent in 2022.

Some Businesses Will Again Be Paying Full Market-price for Their Energy Supplies

Under the previous regulation, the companies that received electricity at reduced prices were those with less than 10 employees or an annual net turnover or balance sheet total of less than HUF 4 billion (almost EUR 10 million).

Culture

Hungarian “Fiume” Exhibition Will Be on Display in Croatia

The Rijeka City Museum will display more than 200 artifacts covering an area of 900 square meters, illustrating the development of the city and port of Rijeka between 1868 and 1920.

President Novák: Art and Culture Are Needed ‘Even in the Darkest Times’

Katalin Novák said that through the work of Henri Matisse, we can learn about the horrors of war and understand why we must do everything we can to prevent it from escalating in our neighborhood.

Hungarian Victim of Katyn Massacre Honored in Warsaw Pantheon

"Emánuel Korompay and his family serve as a symbol of patriotism, heroism, and Christian values," Cardinal Kazimierz Nycz, the archbishop of Warsaw said in his homily.

Udvarhely Days: Szeklerland’s Four-Day Music Festival Starts Off Strong

There will even be an outdoor party at the city beach Saturday evening, and aside from all the music there will be film screenings, two conferences, two art exhibitions, and unique guided tours.

Lajos Balázsovits Becomes ‘Actor of the Nation’

Lajos Balázsovits was awarded the Béla Balázs Prize in 1982, was elected a Meritorious Artist in 1987, and since 2015 has been a perpetual member of the Society of Immortals.

Polish Launch of Attila Szalai’s Memoirs, a Homage to the Hungarian Writer

Attila Szalai lived in Poland for 14 years under the iron curtain, a period during which he kept a diary of the most important political events at the time, addressing their impact on everyday life in Poland and on his personal life.

Budapest Fine Arts Museum to Give Home to Hungary’s First Matisse Show

Curator Dávid Fehér emphasized that the current show is an exhibition that has been awaited for a hundred years, because Matisse's art has been known in Hungary since the beginning of the 20th century and the French master influenced many Hungarian painters.

Sport

Péter Gálicz Wins Bronze Medal in 25km Open Water Swimming

"I was prepared to come and say in the interview how happy I am to be sixth or eighth," said Péter Gálicz after the race.

World Aquatics Championships: Hungarian Women Water Polo Players Reach Semifinals

"Today we showed that we can not only play water polo but also fight," said national team captain Attila Bíró after the game.

Hungarian Women’s Water Polo Team Beats Argentina, Reaches Final Eight

Their next match is against Australia on Tuesday, which will determine who qualifies for the final four.

Hungarian Swimmers Win Silver Medal in Open Water Mixed Team Relay

This is the third Hungarian medal so far at the World Aquatics Championships, as Kristóf Milák won in the 200m and 100m butterfly at the Duna Arena.

Hungary’s Kristóf Milák Clinches Second Gold at FINA Worlds

The Olympic champion Hungarian swimmer won the men's 100 m butterfly event in 50.14 seconds.

Hungarian Men’s 4×200 Freestyle Relay Team Finished Fifth with National Record

Commenting after the event, Nándor Németh said that this was the first time they had teamed up, although they swam together as juniors, but "this is an adult World Championships, it's different."

After 17 Years, Hungarian Women’s Water Polo Team World Championship Finalists

"To win a medal at a World Championship at home in these conditions, with this kind of organization, in front of this kind of crowd, is fantastic," said federal captain Attila Bíró.

Lifestyle

Balaton Sound Returns with International Stars

Martin Garrix, Alok, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Marshmello, Alesso, Robin Schulz, Paul van Dyk, Vini Vici, and Timmy Trumpet will all perform on the main stage.

Half a Million Fresh Flowers, 1,600 Participants at This Year’s Debrecen Flower Carnival

István Puskás, Deputy Mayor of Culture of Debrecen, said that "The aim is to make the carnival more sustainable, greener, and more flowery every year."

Bear Spotted in Bükk Hills

The animal was caught on a wildlife camera.

Sixty-Five Wineries, Forty Musical Ensembles at This Year’s Debrecen Wine and Jazz Days

The Debrecen Wine and Jazz Days are special and different from other similar events in the country because the three music stages will feature the best of the best Hungarian jazz musicians and bands.

VOLT Festival Returns with Huge Lineup After a Two Year Break

Not only international stars, but many of Hungary’s best will be performing as well, including Bohemian Betyars, Tankcsapda, Bagossy Brothers Company, Halott Pénz, Majka & Curtis, and many others.

Budapest Airport Opens Self-Service Terminals in City Center

Budapest Airport announced that ahead of many other European airports, it is now possible to check-in and print the bag tag outside the airport for the first time at one of the busiest points of the capital.

Nyíregyháza Zoo Named Best Zoo in Europe for Third Time in Its Category

At the event, expert Anthony Sheridan said that 126 zoos in 29 countries were evaluated according to about 40 criteria.

Trending:

Press Roundup: Ukraine and Moldova Get EU Candidate Status

Press Roundup: Sanctions on Russia and Europe’s Future

Press Roundup: Hungarians Willing to Defend Their Country – Poll

Press Roundup: EU Oil Embargo Compromise Seen as a Success for PM Orbán

State Secretary Soltész: We Are in a Time Where Common Sense Should Prevail

Prime Minister Orbán: Only Way to End War Inflation Is to End the War

Finance Minister: Support for Local Councils to Increase in 2023

Mayor Karácsony: Budapest Speeding Up Energy-Saving Investments

Viktor Orbán Orders Establishment of New Border Guard Agency

Prime Minister Orbán: The Hungarian Nation Can Only Survive in Peace

Opposition Jobbik Welcomes Government’s Plan to Establish Stand-Alone Border Guard Force

Foreign Minister: Migration Pressure Expected to Reach New High

Technology Ministry: EU Climate Package Takes Hungarian Interests into Account

Foreign Minister: Direct Confrontation between NATO, Russia Must Be Avoided

Viktor Orbán at NATO Meeting: Hungary Urges Ceasefire, Peace Talks in Ukraine

First Official Trip of the Hungarian Minister of Defense Is to Germany

Minister Navracsics: Government to Conclude Pact on EU Funds in Second Half of 2022

Confrontation Between Migrant Gangs Ends in Bloodbath on Serbian-Hungarian Border

Investigation Launched Into Passengers Stranded Overnight at Budapest Airport

Heat Alert in Hungary: Irrigation Systems, Drinking Fountains, and Air-Conditioned Public Vehicles Deployed

People Smuggler Causes Accident on M5 Highway

12 Cases of Monkeypox Confirmed in Hungary, All Patients in Quarantine

Cardinal Péter Erdő, 70, Greeted with a Mass in Esztergom

Man Charged with Smuggling Nearly 1 Kilos of Heroine at Budapest Airport

Heatwave – Temporary Water Shortage Warning in Ten Pest County Municipalities

Foreign Minister: New Milestone in Approval Process of Paks Nuclear Plant Expansion

Many Hungarian Businesses at a Competitive Disadvantage in Customer Experience

Budapest’s Iconic Nyugati Railway Station Revamp Gets EU Support

Intrum: Growth of Hungarian Companies Hampered by Non-Paying Customers and Credit Debts

EU Supports National Transport Infrastructure with €5.4 Billion

London Analysts Expect Hungarian National Bank Base Rate to Peak above 10 Percent by Year’s End

Some Businesses Will Again Be Paying Full Market-price for Their Energy Supplies

Hungarian “Fiume” Exhibition Will Be on Display in Croatia

President Novák: Art and Culture Are Needed ‘Even in the Darkest Times’

Hungarian Victim of Katyn Massacre Honored in Warsaw Pantheon

Udvarhely Days: Szeklerland’s Four-Day Music Festival Starts Off Strong

Lajos Balázsovits Becomes ‘Actor of the Nation’

Polish Launch of Attila Szalai’s Memoirs, a Homage to the Hungarian Writer

Budapest Fine Arts Museum to Give Home to Hungary’s First Matisse Show

Péter Gálicz Wins Bronze Medal in 25km Open Water Swimming

World Aquatics Championships: Hungarian Women Water Polo Players Reach Semifinals

Hungarian Women’s Water Polo Team Beats Argentina, Reaches Final Eight

Hungarian Swimmers Win Silver Medal in Open Water Mixed Team Relay

Hungary’s Kristóf Milák Clinches Second Gold at FINA Worlds

Hungarian Men’s 4×200 Freestyle Relay Team Finished Fifth with National Record

After 17 Years, Hungarian Women’s Water Polo Team World Championship Finalists

Balaton Sound Returns with International Stars

Half a Million Fresh Flowers, 1,600 Participants at This Year’s Debrecen Flower Carnival

Bear Spotted in Bükk Hills

Sixty-Five Wineries, Forty Musical Ensembles at This Year’s Debrecen Wine and Jazz Days

VOLT Festival Returns with Huge Lineup After a Two Year Break

Budapest Airport Opens Self-Service Terminals in City Center

Nyíregyháza Zoo Named Best Zoo in Europe for Third Time in Its Category