Society

Viktor Orbán’s bold claims about Hungary’s safety contradicted by crime stats

Orbán cabinet may continue to block EUR 45 billion loan scheme for Ukraine until the US elections safety

For years, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has claimed that safety is a hallmark of Hungary, positioning it as one of the safest, if not the safest, countries in Europe. In a recent speech in Italy, Orbán again claimed that “Hungary is the safest country in Europe”. However, a closer look at available statistics paints a more nuanced picture.

Orbán cabinet may continue to block EUR 45 billion loan scheme for Ukraine until the US elections safety
For years, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has claimed that safety is a hallmark of Hungary. Photo: FB/Orbán

Orbán has made similar statements before, including in 2022, when he referred to Hungary as “one of the safest countries in Europe” and Budapest as “one of the safest capitals”. Yet, he has never provided specific data to back these claims. When approached by Lakmusz, his press chief, Havasi Bertalan, did not respond to requests for clarification.

Hungary’s safety: A look at the numbers

To evaluate Orbán’s claim, Lakmusz turned to Eurostat data, which tracks 21 types of crimes across Europe. These include serious offences such as homicide, robbery, sexual violence, and corruption. The most recent data from 2022 show that Hungary performs well in only one category: robbery. The country recorded the lowest rate of robberies in Europe, with just 5.5 incidents per 100,000 inhabitants.

However, Hungary’s performance in other crime categories is far less impressive. In terms of intentional homicides, Hungary is in the middle of the pack with 0.88 homicides per 100,000 people. Regarding attempted homicides, Hungary ranks eighth, behind countries like Poland and Ireland.

When it comes to crimes such as human trafficking and sexual exploitation, Hungary again does not rank at the top. For instance, in 2022, Hungary reported 4.77 sexual exploitation cases per 100,000 people, placing it 10th in Europe.

Sexual violence: A complex picture

The situation with sexual crimes is complicated by differences in definitions and reporting between Hungary and other European countries. While Eurostat distinguishes between sexual assault, rape, and sexual violence, Hungary’s penal code refers only to “sexual violence”. As a result, it is difficult to make a direct comparison between Hungary and its European counterparts.

Nevertheless, Hungary’s reported rate of sexual violence (6.06 per 100,000) in 2022 is far from the lowest in Europe. This discrepancy highlights the challenges of comparing crime rates across countries with differing legal systems and reporting practices.

Perception vs. reality

The subjective sense of safety among Hungarians also tells a different story. In a survey by Hungary’s Central Statistical Office (KSH), residents were asked how safe they felt walking alone in their neighbourhoods after dark. While many respondents reported feeling safe, Hungary’s ranking in broader European studies has slipped in recent years.

For example, Hungary has dropped four places on an EU-wide list measuring public perceptions of crime, vandalism, and violence, falling from 5th place in 2020 to 9th in 2023. The percentage of people reporting security concerns rose from 5.3% to 6.1% during the same period.

The global picture

Adding further complexity, Hungary ranked 14th on the 2024 Global Peace Index (GPI), which measures safety and security on a global scale. While this seems positive, it should be noted that several European countries outperform Hungary. On the European list, Hungary ranks only 10th, not the highest as Orbán’s statements might suggest.

Conclusion

Although Hungary has made progress in reducing certain types of crime, particularly robberies, it is far from being the safest country in Europe as Viktor Orbán frequently claims. Whether intentional or not, these statements overlook key data points that paint a more balanced, if less glowing, picture of the country’s safety.

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All Wizz Air flights cancelled to busy airport, new airlines may come to Budapest

Budapest Airport cancelled flight airspace fee

Wizz Air announced that they would not launch flights to Tel-Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport until next January because of the security situation in the Middle East. Meanwhile, a Kazakh airline may come to Budapest with additional routes to Munich, Riga, and Vienna.

According to airportal.hu, Wizz Air prolonged the suspension of flights to Tel Aviv until 14 January 2025, due to the security situation in the Middle East. The Hungarian budget airline offers 100% refund for its passengers in credits or cash. Another option for passengers affected is to book a flight to a different destination. However, if passengers bought their tickets via a third party, they should enquire about compensation or rebooking at the seller.

Wizz Air engine
No flights to Tel Aviv until January. Photo: FB/Wizz Air

Kazakh airlines may fly to Budapest

Meanwhile, a Kazakh airline is keen to come to Budapest Airport. According to Budflyer, a Hungarian travel news media outlet, the aviation authorities of Kazakhstan and the European Union are working to increase the number of flights between the EU and the Central Asian country in the medium term. The Kazakh civic aviation authority (CAC) talked about the negotiations and plans to press.

According to their statement, the new flights would commute from Kazakhstan to Budapest, Riga, Munich, and Vienna. However, they did not share an exact date or the name of the airlines interested in the project. In the region, SCAT Airlines returned to Prague with flights to and from Astana.

Astana Kazakhstan Budapest flight
Astana, Kazakhstan. Source: Pixabay

Previously, a direct Wizz Air flight carried passengers between Astana and Budapest. However, it had to be closed due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the war following it.

Read also:

  • Shuttle driver confused planes at Budapest Airport: hundreds of passengers could not fly – read more HERE
  • New flight from Budapest Airport to the idyllic Spanish Riviera – details in THIS article
  • 4 Emirates flights land in Budapest due to Middle East conflict – check out the details and some photo in THIS article

More than a hundred Jewish passengers denied boarding Budapest plane: historic fine imposed

Jewish passengers denied boarding

German Lufthansa denied 128 Jewish passengers boarding a plane from Frankfurt to Budapest because they treated them as a single group and some were allegedly misbehaving. Now, they will pay USD 4 million, the largest penalty ever issued against an airline for civil rights violations.

Lufthansa denied boarding Jewish passengers

According to Reuters, the incident happened in May 2022. The German airline denied 128 Jewish passengers wearing traditional Orthodox Jewish garments to board their connecting flight from Frankfurt to Budapest. The passengers came from New York, and some of them allegedly behaved inappropriately. Since Lufthansa treated them as a group, all were denied boarding the plane. However, most passengers did not know each other, and only a few did not follow crew instructions.

Now, Lufthansa will have to pay the highest penalty imposed on an airline for breaching civil rights in the United States. They will pay USD 2 million to the country’s transport ministry and another USD 2 million to compensate the passengers.

Lufthansa Budapest Jewish passengers
Lufthansa aircraft in Budapest. Photo: FB

“Unfortunate series of inaccurate communications”

Interestingly, Lufthansa did not admit any discrimination or violations and insisted that more than 60 Jewish men were disregarding crew instructions. However, they apologised for treating the individuals as a group. They said the incident “resulted from an unfortunate series of inaccurate communications, misinterpretations, and misjudgments throughout the decision-making process.”

Lufthansa said they cooperated with the Department of Transportation (USDOT) after 2022, partnered with the American Jewish Committee and began “a first-of-its-kind training program in the airline industry for our managers and employees to address antisemitism and discrimination.”

Jews Hungarian village Jewish passengers
Photo: Creative Commons

Why do Orthodox Jews come to Hungary?

Reuters did not write about why 128 Orthodox Jewish men decided to come to Hungary. We only assume they came because of an annual pilgrimage, so their final destination was not Budapest but Bodrogkeresztúr. The tiny Hungarian village is located near the Tokaj-Hegyalja wine region and hosts the tomb of a so-called “miracle Rabbi”, Shaya’la, or Yeshaya Steiner, who died there in 1925.

In 2023, more than 70,000 Hasidic Jewish pilgrims visited the village. We wrote before that locals are concerned about the many tourists who drive up real estate prices in the settlement. Furthermore, Rabbi Rubin, the grandson of the “miracle Rabbi” thinks many Jews are considering moving back to Bodrogkeresztúr.

“It will be like going back to the past, going back to the days before the Holocaust when many Jews were living in the villages in the area. I think I’m too old to see that, but my sons will be here soon to take my place,” said Rabbi Rubin.

Read also:

  • Orthodox Jews in New York order their kaftans from Hungary – read more HERE
  • Brooklyn is the biggest Hungarian “city” after Budapest? – VIDEOS and more HERE
  • Hungary’s first Micva Mobile in-service – photos and more in THIS article

Featured image: illustration, depositphotos.com

The Telegraph: Washington will store nuclear-capable jets in Hungary – will nuclear warheads come?

Nuclear warheads in Hungary Washington

Russian politicians and military leaders regularly threaten NATO with war. As a result, Washington decided to expand their military base in Kecskemét to accommodate nuclear-capable fighter jets. Will there be nuclear weapons stored in Hungary? It happened before during the Soviet occupation of our country, but can Hungary store nuclear warheads again for a great power?

Helló Magyar wrote about the secret nuclear weapons store in the Bakony Mountains in Hungary where the Soviet leadership placed atomic bombs in the 1960s. The so-called Little Moscow was like a separate Soviet state inside Hungary until the fall of communism. Even Hungarian officers were not allowed to enter. The Soviet crew there had their shops, stores, healthcare units, schools, daycare, etc.

The Soviet Union stored more than 100 nuclear warheads in Hungary

As a result, the base remained secret, and nobody knows even today how many nuclear warheads Moscow kept there. In addition, we do not know what types were stored in the Bakony Mountains. We only know that the Hungarian military did not have access to those weapons of mass destruction. In case of a world war, the Soviet Union would have used them.

Nuclear bomber Hungary Washington nuclear warheads
A B-52H Stratofortress in Hungary. Photo: Facebook

In 1989-1990, the Soviet army smuggled out the nuclear weapons in secret. The last Soviet soldier left the country on 19 June 1991. Interestingly, the last Soviet officer leaving Hungary was a Ukrainian national, Lieutenant General Silov.

In 1997, Hungary joined NATO, and several NATO bases were created where, for example, the United States stores weapons, aircraft, etc. One of them is near Kecskemét, Central Hungary.

Will Washington send nuclear weapons to Hungary?

The Telegraph wrote that – due to the threats of Russia – they plan to expand their Kecskemét base and would like to store nuclear-capable jets. According to the British magazine, the immediate cause is that Washington believes Russia will be ready for war by the end of this decade. Therefore, America would like to enhance their deterrence forces in the area. According to 24.hu, Washington plans to place tactical fighters and strategic military transport planes in Kecskemét.

Nuclear warheads in Hungary USA
Photo: depositphotos.com

The Hungarian media outlet asked the Ministry of Defence whether they authorised the United States to place and store nuclear weapons in Hungary. The ministry’s answer was clear: no such bid came from Washington. They added that delivering, placing or storing nuclear weapons in Hungary is forbidden without the authorisation of the Hungarian government and the National Assembly. The Hungarian government has not issued such a permit and does not plan to do so.

Read also:

  • Hungarian Foreign Minister says Russia’s 2021 security proposals to end Hungary’s NATO membership acceptable? Ria Novosti interview and denial – VIDEO and more HERE
  • Leaked: Nuclear bomber made weird manoeuvres in Hungarian airspace! – check out the details HERE
  • Official of Orbán cabinet says they would NOT have defended Hungary in case of a Russian invasion – read more HERE

Featured image: illustration, source: depositphotos.com

Hungarian man brutally murdered during brawl in Germany

Street fight public brawl Germany

A 41-year-old Hungarian national was critically injured after a physical altercation in front of a club in Altötting, South Germany, last Sunday. Unfortunately, the doctors in the local hospital could not save his life.

Hungarian man died in Germany

According to a statement from the Bavarian police, the public prosecutor’s office and the criminal police are now investigating what happened. They accuse two people of manslaughter and another one of attempted manslaughter and aggravated assault. The local police are searching for witnesses to clear the exact circumstances. All three suspects are in custody.

What happened in front of the Altöttinger Club?

Two groups were involved in a brawl in front of the Altöttinger Club on Marien Street at 2 AM on Sunday. Police believe that three Hungarian nationals took part in the fight with the club’s security crew. The ultimate reason was that the club banned all three Hungarians before, and the security forces did not let them in.

Hungarian man brutally murdered during brawl in Germany
Illustration. Photo: depositphotos.com

Members of the two groups of people attacked each other during the brawl. A 33-year-old Hungarian citizen was seriously injured by violent kicks to the head. Furthermore, a 38-year-old German citizen was wounded by a knife stab in the upper body area. Meanwhile, a 41-year-old Hungarian citizen suffered life-threatening injuries from numerous violent kicks on the upper body and head area. Unfortunately, his life could not be saved in the local hospital.

German police in search for witnesses

The local police arrested a 22-year-old Hungarian national for stabbing a German citizen with a knife. Two Germans were also arrested for beating, kicking the Hungarians and causing the death of one of them. The three main suspects are in different facilities.

To clarify the exact circumstances of the crime, the police are now searching for eye-witnesses, particularly, among the club guests and people living in the vicinity.

Read also:

  • German authorities extradite a suspect in antifa case to Hungary – read more HERE
  • German dealer associated with Europe’s biggest drug bust arrested in Budapest – VIDEO and more HERE

This rural Hungarian town among the best in the world: a cheap pearl for tourists

eger hungary hungarian town

The world is filled with stunning yet lesser-known cities that hold hidden treasures for travellers. One of these gems is Eger, a historic town in northern Hungary, which has now made its way into the spotlight thanks to Architectural Digest. The magazine’s latest compilation highlights the world’s most exciting travel destinations, with Eger featured for its medieval castle and baroque architecture.

Discover hidden gems worldwide

The world is brimming with beautiful but under-the-radar cities, waiting to be explored by curious travellers, Pénzcentrum writes. In a recent feature, Architectural Digest presented 13 such places, from medieval Hungarian towns to vibrant Italian islands, and even ancient Incan settlements. These destinations, though often overlooked, are worth the extra attention they are now receiving.

eger hungary
Eger, Hungary. Photo: depositphotos.com

In this collection, Eger stands out as the first mentioned “hidden treasure”. The northern Hungarian town is praised for its medieval castle and baroque buildings. In the 18th century, it was often referred to as the “Hungarian Rome” due to its many religious structures. Below the city, an impressive 60-mile tunnel system was historically used for wine cellars and is still in use today.

Affordable accommodations in Eger

Eger offers a range of accommodation options for two people, depending on the chosen stay. Here are a few examples to provide an idea of what to expect:

  • 1552 Boutique Hotel: Around HUF 30,000 (EUR 75) per night, including breakfast, with excellent reviews.
  • Imola Hotel Platán: Approximately HUF 32,000 (EUR 80) per night, offering wellness services such as pools and saunas.
  • Excalibur miniHotel: Roughly HUF 24,000 (EUR 60) per night, including breakfast, close to the city centre.

Prices, of course, can fluctuate based on the season and the number of bookings, so early planning is recommended.

Must-see attractions in Eger

Eger boasts a variety of sights to explore. The Eger Castle is a top tourist attraction, presenting significant local historical events. After exploring the castle, the Turkish Bath offers a unique experience, where visitors can try a traditional Turkish steam bath. The Eger Basilica, Hungary’s second-largest church, is another must-see, especially for its stunning baroque architecture.

eger székesegyház
Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Apostle. Photo: Wikimedia Commons – Thaler Tamás

In the city centre, Dobó Square serves as a popular meeting spot for visitors, with restaurants and cafes lining the area. Often, cultural events are held here, making it a lively hub of activity. For those interested in astronomy, the Eger Planetarium provides fascinating programs. With its rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture, Eger is the perfect place for relaxation and exploration.

Other featured cities: Goslar and Deia

Another town on the list is Goslar, a charming city in Germany’s Harz Mountains, known for its remarkable 13th-16th century buildings. Founded in 922, it was once a favored residence of early Holy Roman Emperors.

Meanwhile, the quiet town of Deia on the Spanish island of Mallorca attracts many Hollywood celebrities and artists. According to a local restaurant owner, “Actors, politicians, musicians, and designers come here because no one cares who you are.” This laid-back atmosphere is part of the town’s charm.

In Deia, autumn accommodation prices vary depending on the type of stay. For example, the La Residencia, A Belmond Hotel in the city center ranges from EUR 350 to 700 per night, offering stunning views and amenities like a wellness center and pool.

For more budget-conscious travelers, various apartments and villas are available for between EUR 150 and 400 per night. These options provide a well-equipped and comfortable alternative, especially for couples.

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Featured image: depositphotos.com

Bear crosses the Danube from Slovakia, now feared in Hungary

On Monday, the municipality of Bajót, in Komárom-Esztergom County, approximately 40 kilometres (24.8 miles) from Budapest, issued an alert after a bear was spotted in the area, believed to have swum across the Danube from Slovakia.

Bears do not typically have a suitable habitat in Hungary’s mountainous regions, which lack large, undisturbed forest areas. However, in recent years, bear sightings have become increasingly common. This particular incident is notable as bears have mostly crossed the border into Hungary via the northern central mountains, but it now appears the Danube is no longer a barrier.

The Bajót authorities received a report of a bear sighted near a stream and in the surrounding forests of Péliföldszentkereszt district.

“We urge everyone to exercise extra caution in the forest until the situation is fully clarified,” authorities announced.

The public has been advised to avoid hiking, foraging, and other outdoor activities until further notice. Additional measures will be implemented as the situation develops.

Although no concrete evidence, such as bear tracks, was found during a search by a local professional hunter and town guide, who is also an active hunter, this does not rule out the possibility that the bear sightings were real, Economx writes.

read also – Beaver bite in Budapest: a beaver attacked a woman in the Danube

Fatal bear attack in Slovakia

Earlier in October, a fatal bear attack occurred in Liptovszentmiklós, Slovakia, where a man was killed while mushroom picking. Encounters with bears are not uncommon in Liptovský Mikuláš. In March, five individuals, including a 10-year-old girl and a 72-year-old man, were injured in separate bear incidents. Although none of the injuries required hospitalisation, the bear involved was later shot.

In April, the Slovak government proposed a legislative amendment to allow the culling of bears found within 500 metres ( of inhabited areas. Environmental groups opposed the proposal, warning that it could have a widespread impact on wildlife in the Tatras and criticised it as excessive.

Read also: Watch Mihály the bear roam in Hungary’s Bükk Mountains – VIDEO

Why are bear attacks increasing in Europe?

The rise in bear attacks across Europe can be attributed to several factors, as encounters between humans and bears have become more frequent. The main reasons include:

1. Growing bear population: Conservation efforts over recent decades have led to an increase in bear populations in many European countries. Countries like Romania, Slovakia, and Italy have experienced a rise in bear numbers, which increases the chances of encounters with humans.

In Romania’s Szeklerland, bears are a significant problem. Hunting companies in Covasna County have been granted permits to shoot 54 bears this year under the new bear culling law, with a similar quota allocated for next year.

2. Human expansion: As human settlements continue to expand through urbanisation, agriculture, and tourism, natural habitats are being encroached upon. This forces bears to move closer to inhabited areas in search of food, increasing the likelihood of human-bear interactions.

3. Changes in food sources: Bears are often drawn to human waste, especially when it is easily accessible. Poorly secured rubbish and food waste can attract bears into towns and villages, creating dangerous situations as bears become habituated to human presence and food.

4. Climate change: The effects of climate change, such as reduced food availability in natural habitats, may force bears to travel greater distances in search of sustenance. This increases the chances of encounters with humans, particularly in areas popular for outdoor activities like tourism.

5. Tourism and outdoor activities: With more people venturing into forests, mountains, and protected areas for hiking, camping, and foraging, the likelihood of crossing paths with bears rises. These activities can increase the danger, especially when bears are searching for food or protecting their young.

Managing human-bear conflicts requires a delicate balance between conservation, public safety, educating communities, and protecting bear habitats.

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Wolf seen in Hungarian forest – VIDEO

Budapest among Europe’s pet friendly capital cities!

Hungarian minister: Without the Jewish cultural heritage, Europe would no longer be Europe

star-of-david-jewish

The European affairs minister has emphasised the importance of taking action against anti-Semitism and protecting Europe’s Jewish cultural heritage, “without which Europe would no longer be Europe”.

Before a meeting of ministers at the General Affairs Council in Luxembourg on Tuesday, János Bóka noted the EU is scheduled to adopt a declaration on the protection of Jewish life and the fight against anti-Semitism today.

Meanwhile, he said member state representatives are doing groundwork ahead of this week’s European Council summit, with the war in Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, and the bloc’s competitiveness high on the agenda.

Also, the European Commission will give a briefing on negotiations on a new cooperation initiative between the EU and Switzerland that began in March and the state of relations with the UK. He added that the council will then accept the country-specific recommendations presented by the commission as part of the European Semester.

As we wrote earlier, Hungary’s first-ever Micva Mobile, initiated by EMIH – the Hungarian Jewish Federation, has been put into service, details and photos here.

read also: Hungary committed to coalition against Islamic State

Hide the Pain Harold shows dressed as Prodigy and Baby Shark in latest campaign video, watch here!

Hide the Pain Harold

Andras Arató, aka Hide the Pain Harold, is launching a new campaign to raise awareness about the importance of starting Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

Breathe by Prodigy, I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor, Shakira’s Wherever, Whenever, and Baby Shark are all songs that can help you find the right rhythm for chest compressions during CPR. Hide the Pain Harold is raising awareness of this as part of a joint education campaign with the National Ambulance Service Foundation.

The initiative stresses the importance of lay resuscitation, which can be life-saving in the event of cardiac arrest. The first 3-4 minutes are vital in the event of sudden cardiac death, and two chest compressions per second can save lives: timely chest compressions can triple the chances of survival. The video makers timed the premiere to coincide with International CPR Day on 16 October.

Sudden cardiac death is also one of the leading causes of death in Hungary, affecting 70 people every day.

CPR with Hide the Pain Harold

The 79-year-old meme star Hide the Pain Harold initially said yes to the request because it is a very positive cause and the family has a paramedic.

As for the astonishing shark costume, Arató said that he had a lot of trouble with it because, firstly, it didn’t look much like the animal, secondly, it was too small and thirdly, the shark’s head was falling off. According to the press release, the shark was stuffed and a crew member climbed up a ladder and held it from above with a rope.

Dr. Éva Czakler, a paramedic and chair of the foundation’s board of trustees, also outlined the steps involved in resuscitation. The first step is to call the patient to check his breathing if he is unresponsive.

“If he is not breathing, the first thing to do is to call the ambulance (112) and stay on the line. To resuscitate, keep your fingers crossed. The fingertips should always point upwards. And keep your hands stretched out. Find the rhythm in your style, pushing chest twice a second, 5 to 6 inches deep, laying on hard ground, with outstretched hands, with firm movements.”

According to the release, chest compressions should be continued until he regains consciousness or is rescued. The correct sequence can also be found on this page.

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Hide The Pain Harold shares secret of his long marriage in TV show

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Hungarian Hide the Pain Harold paralyses traffic in Montréal, Canada

New entry requirement for Hungarians traveling to the UK: ETA launches in 2025

london traffic eta united kingdom

Starting next spring, travellers from the European Union, including Hungarians, will be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the United Kingdom without a visa. The UK Home Office announced that this new regulation will be implemented on 2 April 2025, affecting all EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals who previously could travel visa-free.

Application details and costs

The ETA is an online document that visitors can apply for beginning 5 March 2025, and will cost GBP 10. This authorisation will be valid for two years or until the applicant’s passport expires, allowing unlimited entries into the UK for stays of up to six months at a time, Portfolio reported.

london traffic
Photo: depositphotos.com

Enhanced security measures

The Home Office explained that the ETA would be digitally linked to travellers’ passports, enabling enhanced security checks before their journey, which aims to prevent abuse of the UK’s immigration system. The British government had previously piloted the ETA system for travellers from Qatar and has expanded it to include citizens from other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The ETA will also apply to non-visa nationals from countries outside Europe starting 8 January 2025, Travelo wrote.

Application process

Travellers will need to fill out an online application, which will be reviewed before approval. Similar procedures are already standard practice in countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia. This requirement extends to all visa-exempt nationals travelling to the UK, whether arriving by air, train, or ferry.

Exemptions for certain groups

Notably, EU citizens who have settled in the UK before the end of 2020 and hold indefinite leave to remain (EU Settled Status) are exempt from this requirement, as are Irish citizens.

Duration of stay and visa requirements

Once the ETA application is approved, travellers can stay in the UK for up to six months for tourism or business purposes. A visa will be required to stay longer than this. The process is designed to facilitate travel while enhancing border security, making it easier for approved travellers to enter without undergoing extensive checks.

How to apply for the ETA

Travellers can apply for the ETA online at the UK government website or through a dedicated mobile app. They will need a biometric passport, a valid email address, and a debit or credit card for payment. Applications are typically processed within 48 to 72 hours, and applicants are advised to apply a few days prior to their intended travel date to avoid complications.

Broader strategy for border control

This move is part of the UK’s broader strategy to digitise border controls, enhancing security and efficiency in managing travellers. Similar systems are expected to be introduced by the EU for visa-exempt visitors by early 2025, which will also require British citizens to obtain permission before visiting EU countries.

Impact on transit passengers

Additionally, the ETA will also be mandatory for transit passengers, meaning those merely passing through UK airports will also need to secure this authorisation. While this may create some additional workload and costs for travellers, it reflects ongoing efforts to tighten border controls and improve the safety and integrity of the immigration system.

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Featured image: depositphotos.com

Hundreds of homeless people registered in downtown Budapest in a single night

homeless

Fully 461 homeless people were recorded in public areas in the central parts of Budapest on Friday evening, according to a homeless charity.

Volunteers carrying out the survey between 8 p.m. and midnight on Oct 11 found that 133 homeless people were lying down, while 328 were “sitting, walking or wandering,” Péter Győri, the head of the Menhely Foundation‘s board of trustees, said at a press conference on Monday. Volunteers also discovered 30 empty sleeping spots, he added.

Fully 78 percent of homeless people were male, mostly aged between 30 and 49.

The survey found that most of the homeless used indoor shelters. Fifty-eight percent of those spending the night out in the streets were on their own, while “a surprisingly high” proportion, 22 percent, formed groups, and 20 percent were couples, he said.

The count did not include homeless registered in the care system, those sleeping in hostels or shelters.

Péter Breitner, deputy director of the Budapest Methodological Centre of Social Policy and Its Institutions (BMSZKI), the city’s largest homeless service provider, said their organisation maintained daily contact with some 3,000 homeless people who made use various types of indoor shelter.

He noted that a high ratio of the homeless, 30 percent, had psychiatric issues, adding that BMSZKI operated three types of shelter tailored to their needs. “We opened a house for those with addiction problems where alcohol is available,” Breitner said.

Ákos Surányi, the city council’s homeless strategy coordinator, said the survey was carried out with help of 120 volunteers who covered 48 zones on foot, focusing on subways, railway stations, public transport vehicles and the Népliget international bus station.

Nóra Teller, the head of research of Városkutatás, said the project was carried out under a multiphase EU programme covering 15 cities in ten European countries.

read also: Awful! The police abused a homeless man – VIDEO

Homeless twice-murderer sentenced to life imprisonment

Will it be more favourable to be a pensioner in Romania than in Hungary? Here’s what the expert says

retirement age pension hungary pensioners

Pensioners in Romania now benefit from a German-style points system. Romania’s reforms, which account for both inflation and wages, mean that Romanian pensioners now receive higher pensions than their Hungarian counterparts. Hungary’s reluctance to reform has placed its retired citizens at a disadvantage.

More significant pension rise in Romania

As Szeretlek Magyarország writes, Romania has introduced a German-style pension points system, leading to more substantial pension increases than in Hungary, where the government has been slow to reform. Romanian pensions are now linked not only to inflation but also to wage levels. Over recent years, pensions in Romania have risen by nearly 40%, while in Hungary, they have barely increased by 10%. For the first time, Romanian pensioners are receiving higher pensions than their Hungarian counterparts, a clear indicator of Romania’s effective pension reforms. According to pension expert András Farkas, without changes, the Hungarian system could leave its pensioners further disadvantaged.

pensioners
Photo: pexels

Romania takes the lead

Once comparing itself to Austria, Hungary now finds itself looking towards Romania in discussions on pensions. While both countries submitted Recovery and Resilience Plans (RRF) for EU funding post-Covid, Hungary has yet to commit to the pension reforms due by 31 March next year. Romania, by contrast, enacted a law in 2023 to recalculate pensions from 1 September 2024, impacting 3.8 million pensioners. This recalculation, part of wider pension reforms, has resulted in average increases of 40%, with some Romanian pensioners seeing rises as high as 80%. Unlike Hungary, Romanian pensions will increase in line with both inflation and gross wage growth, giving Romanian pensioners a clear advantage.

Why is Hungary reluctant to change?

Hungary’s inaction on pension reform is partly linked to the Recovery and Resilience Fund (RRF) payments being withheld by the European Commission. One of the 27 commitments required for these funds was pension reform, for which an OECD expert study was conducted. However, the Hungarian government has not made the study public, insisting that the current pension system is adequate. The Ministry of Finance claims that pensioners’ purchasing power is protected and the 13th-month pension is secure, rejecting the need for reforms. As a result, Hungary risks losing EUR 6 billion in non-repayable aid.

Despite this, the Hungarian government had committed to all the milestones in its own RRF plan, which included pension reform. Experts argue that reform is crucial, pointing to Romania’s successful implementation, which has greatly improved pensioners’ living standards. By ignoring these reforms, Hungary risks further impoverishment of its pensioners and missing out on substantial EU funds that could improve their situation.

Potential changes

The expert points out that compared to Romania’s progressive pension reforms, Hungary’s potential changes, as proposed by the OECD, would be far less substantial and fail to modernise the system. Romania has adopted a German-inspired model with incentives for longer work and significant pension increases, while Hungary’s suggested reforms, such as raising the retirement age and recalibrating pension rates, would not address long-term challenges for future pensioners. Despite Hungary having a more favourable worker-to-pensioner ratio, careful consideration is needed to avoid costly missteps, such as revising the “Women’s 40” scheme and the 13th-month pension.

retirement age pension hungary pensioners
Photo: depositphotos.com

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Featured image: depositphotos.com

Everybody cherishes the American guy who ordered in Hungarian! – VIDEO

Everybody cherishes the American guy who ordered in Hungarian (Copy)

Almost everybody agrees that the Hungarian language is not among the easiest ones. As a result, most foreigners do not even try to learn more than some words and phrases like “Köszönöm!” (“Thank you!”) and “Szia” (“Hi”). But not this American guy. He ordered a complex menu at a Burger King Drive Thru in Hungarian and posted a TikTok video about it, which went viral soon after.

Learning Hungarian is challenging

Do you remember the British girl who broke down when she heard Hungarian? We wrote about her in January. Her task was to guess languages after hearing a few sentences or counting. An English participant of the show had to guess Hungarian, but the counting from 1 to 5 in Hungarian shocked her. Click HERE to read the full story and check out the funny video.

Without a shadow of a doubt, Hungarian is one of the most challenging languages in the world. Although a British tourist can easily deduct and use some Spanish words on a holiday in Spain or do the same in Italy, in Hungary, it is almost impossible to comprehend even the basics of our language.

Another consequence of the uniqueness of our language is that it is hard for us to learn another language because no language is similar to ours. A Romanian can easily grasp French, Spanish or Italian, while Slovaks can make themselves understood by a Polish, a Russian or a Czech individual. Hungarians master languages harder and that is probably why the foreign language knowledge level is one of the lowest in Europe in Hungary.

American guy ordered in Hungarian

Recently, an American guy blew up the internet with his Hungarian knowledge which made him able to order at a Burger King Drive Thru. Ordering by leaning out from a car window while there is regularly a constant traffic noise in the background is not easy even if you speak the language fluently. There are many misunderstandings generating extra questions you cannot prepare for. You do not only have to speak correctly and pronounce the word perfectly but also use a good intonation, etc. Therefore, most foreigners do not even try to place their orders that way.

Everybody cherishes the American guy who ordered in Hungarian (Copy)
Photo: PrtScr/Tiktok

But this American guy was brave enough and succeeded without an error. We can see that sometimes it was hard for him to understand everything, and once it took him some time to dig up the correct word (“fagyi” – ide cream). And he did not only order a cheeseburger with fries. His menu was much more complex:

Lots of positive feedback – viral video

He received lots of positive feedback. A commenter wrote “OMG, in my experience, foreigners have difficulty pronouncing “ö” but you nailed it! Amazing job”. Others congratulated him for his good command of Hungarian, others said he spoke better than some Hungarians. We hope that the success and the feedback will encourage him to continue his career in mastering the language. People also appreciated that he ordered very politely in Hungarian. “This just felt wholesome, you seem too pure-hearted, we protect you at all cost”, a commenter wrote.

Everybody cherishes the American guy who ordered in Hungarian (Copy) (2)
“Did I do it well?”, the wholesome American guy asks at the end of the video. Photo: PrtScr/Tiktok

He already amassed 115 thousand views on his video and more than 8,000 likes. The number of comments exceeds 180 and all of them are positive.

 

@exotranq That was great practice! Let me know how I did 😅 thank you @Burger King for the meal! #fyp #xyzbca #hungary #american #language #viral #challenge #food ♬ original sound – exotranc

Read also:

  • The history of the Hungarian language – read our article HERE
  • 12 facts about the Hungarian language you did not know about – check out the details in THIS article

German pensioners adore Hungary, but not why you would think

German pensioners adore Hungary

The Hungarian government said for a while that there would come a time when masses of Western Europeans would start to come to live in Eastern Europe, including Hungary, because of the unbearable security, social, and economic burden of the migrants and their offspring. German pensioners adore Hungary but have other reasons than safety. German pensioners are aware of the services working badly in Hungary, so they must return to Germany occasionally.

Pension is not enough in Germany

German daily Die Welt wrote their story, and the Hungarian Menedzsment Fórum summed that up in THIS article. The principal reason why the couple decided to buy a house and the surrounding 3,000 sqm land was their financial state. Roland (67) has a low pension in Germany (EUR 800), while his wife (62) does not receive a pension because she remained at home with their children and did not work. Roland worked as an employee for a short time. In the last 30 years, he did not pay his pension fund as a trade representative.

Furthermore, they did not like Germany’s weather. They wanted more sunshine and less rainfall.

German pensioners adore Hungary
Photo: depositphotos.com

Cheap house and huge vineyard

Therefore, they bought an 80 sqm house for only EUR 9,500, which is unimaginable in Germany. Furthermore, they also have a 3,000 sqm “garden” with a 1,000 sqm vineyard. Finally, their house is just 20 minutes from Lake Balaton, so the location is perfect.

Lake Balaton, holiday, vineyard German pensioners
Vineyard in Hungary. Photo: depositphotos.com

He said he could find professionals to renew his house easily. They did not work expensively and did a good job. He said electricity and tap water cost just a fraction of the German prices. The food for them and their three dogs does not cost more than 500 euros per month. And they can buy everything they want.

Dissatisfied with healthcare and language barrier

The only sector they are dissatisfied with is the Hungarian healthcare system. They had bad experiences in the local hospitals, so they went home for treatment since they kept German healthcare insurance.

He is only short of a German-speaking electrician. He believes that Hungarian electricians are good at their jobs but do not speak German. He praised the kindness and helpfulness of the Hungarians. Once, they asked a man for directions on a bike tour, and he cycled before them for five kilometres to show the way. Such a gesture is rare in Germany.

German pensioners
Illustration. Photo: pixabay

They do not plan to return to Germany.

German ARD made previously a report about the German community around Lake Balaton generating high demand for local property.

Read also:

1st Hungarian luxury bitter brand ready: the Zwack Unicum’s Trezor XO

1st Hungarian luxury bitter brand Unicum Trezor XO

Zwack Unicum reached another milestone in its 230-year-old history: they created a new Hungarian bitter brand, the Unicum Trezor XO. The exclusive herbal liqueur is the 1st Hungarian drink brand in the luxury segment. They said tradition and innovation were blended in the spirit, and its taste brings you the luxurious feeling of living.

1st Hungarian luxury bitter brand

According to turizmus.com, XO means “Extra Old” in the name of the new Hungarian spirit. That is because it was aged in oak barrels for ten years. The luxury brand received its unique flavour in French champagne barrels. The liqueur contains more than 40 herbs. Its fragrance contains vanilla and tropical spices, but you can also smell the special barrel in it. Its taste is also unique not just because of the many herbs blended to create it but because of its oaky and chocolate-like flavours.

1st Hungarian luxury bitter brand Unicum Trezor XO
Photo: Unicum Hungary/FB

The exclusive liqueur commemorates Péter Zwack (1927-2012). They started to age the first blend a year after his death. Mr Zwack was a Hungarian businessman, investor, philanthropist and diplomat. He was CEO of the company between 1987 and 2008. Between 1990 and 1991, he served as Hungary’s Ambassador to the United States.

He was born in 1927 in Budapest. However, he had to flee the country in 1948 when the Communists nationalized their factory. Béla Zwack remained and gave a false recipe to the Communists, while János and Péter (the grandson and great-grandson of the founder, József Zwack) fled to the United States. Péter returned after the Fall of Communism and worked even as an MP.

1st Hungarian luxury bitter brand Unicum Trezor XO
Photo: Unicum Hungary/FB

A limited number of bottles

The Unicum Trezor XO was aged in one of the most secretive parts of their cellars on Soroksári Street, accessible only for family members. Trezor XO was the longest product development in the company’s history, lasting for ten years and hidden from anybody’s eyes.

According to turizmus.com, the company plans to sell only 2-3,000 bottles of the unique product every year. 3,200 bottles were made from the first blend of 2013. So far, they have sold 2,000. The bottles are special too since they are not spherical but angular. HERE is a reels video of it.

The bottles are numbered, making them even more exclusive. All vintages will have their special character since there are no two identical harvests. They keep 200 bottles in the Trezor from the first blend all written by Sándor Zwack.

1st Hungarian luxury bitter brand Unicum Trezor XO
Photo: Unicum Hungary/FB

Selling Trezor XO started on 10 October, but there are no more available bottles.

Read also:

  • CNN: The history of Unicum, the famous Hungarian bitter – read more HERE
  • What is the secret of the world-famous Hungarian bitter, Unicum? – click HERE for more

Shuttle driver confused planes at Budapest Airport: hundreds of passengers could not fly

Flight delays and longer wait times at Budapest Airport due to IT outage

An airport shuttle driver confused the planes and took passengers to the Tirana flight instead of the Dubai plane. Later, they had to leave the plane but boarding the new passengers would have taken too much time. As a result, Wizz Air delayed the plane, so they could not fly home with hundreds of passengers from Dubai while hundreds of people remained stuck at Budapest Airport. According to one of the passengers in Dubai, they did not get any help from the Hungarian budget airline. Wizz Air denies the allegations.

Two hundred passengers stuck in Dubai and Budapest Airport

According to Blikk, more than two hundred passengers waited for their plane in Dubai, but Wizz Air informed them on Friday afternoon that their aircraft would only take off on Saturday afternoon.

That is because an airport shuttle driver confused the planes at Budapest Airport and took the passengers of the Dubai flight to the Tirana plane. Thankfully, the crew and the passengers discovered the problem, but disembarking them and boarding the new passengers would have taken too much time. Furthermore, since the plane had to land in Larnaca due to the violent conflict in the Middle East, the crew would have run out of authorised work time.

Budapest Airport Liszt Ferenc International Airport
Photo: FB/BpAirport

Wizz Air denies

As a result, Wizz Air decided to cancel their Friday Dubai flight and postpone it to Saturday. However, according to passengers waiting for the pink-blue plane in Dubai, they did not offer help for them. Therefore, one passenger had to book a nearby hotel for Friday night.

Wizz Air denied those allegations. In their official statement concerning the issue, they did not mention the driver’s error at the airport, but acknowledged that the boarding process took too much time in Budapest. The crew’s authorised working time would have ended before they reached Larnaca, so they decided to postpone the flight’s take-off.

Ryanair Wizz Air cheap tickets
Photo: FB

Wizz Air added that they provided help for their passengers stuck in Budapest and Dubai. The company also apologised for the inconvenience.

Since Blikk wrote nothing more about the delayed flight, we assume the passengers came home yesterday afternoon.

Read also:

  • Wizz Air announces major flight reductions: Here’s the new winter schedule – read more HERE
  • Surprising: Wizz Air abolishes “last passenger-friendly discount”, flies longer to the Middle East

Spending only 3 days in Budapest? Here’s our detailed tour guide!

3 days in budapest

Budapest is a perfect choice either in the summer or in the winter even if you have weeks to spend here or just three days. The Hungarian capital offers a selection of magnificent architecture, beautiful art, rich history, and unforgettable memories. Gamintraveler collected a list of must-visit places you should include in your 72-hour-long journey. Here’s their “3 days in Budapest” tour guide.

3 days in Budapest

Have you ever planned to visit a European city for just 72 hours? That is a long weekend provided your plane lands early on the first day and departs late evening on the last day.

Gamintraveler compiled a list of must-see places you can easily include in your three days without making your schedule too busy. In addition, even the Budapest Transport Centre (BKK) can help you with a special pass. The 72-hour Budapest travelcard allows you to embark on an unlimited number of trips on the city’s extensive network of buses, trams, trolley buses and metros. You can even use the trains of MÁV in 2nd class and suburban VOLÁNBUSZ buses within the boundaries of Budapest.

3 days in budapest Hungarian Parliament buses
Source: BKK

Unfortunately, the travelcard is invalid on the 100E airport shuttle bus connecting Budapest Airport with the city centre. HERE you may read more about the travelcard.

1st day: Buda Castle and the Heart of Pest

Gamintravel wrote that you should spend your first day in Budapest in the city’s heart: the Buda Castle District and the Medieval core of Pest. In the morning, they recommend the Castle District. You may travel there by bus nr 16A. You can embark at Deák Ferenc Square station or the Széchenyi Chain Bridge station.

The key sites are the Matthias Church and the Fisherman’s Bastion. You will recognise the church from its colourful tile roof and Gothic spires. Two Hungarian kings were crowned there: Franz Joseph in 1867 and Charles IV in 1916. If you are there, you can see the Carmelite Monastery, the office of the prime minister, and the Sándor Palace, the seat of the President of Hungary. There are multiple palaces under reconstruction in the Buda Castle District, but walking around the multiple-hundred-year-old buildings may be a memorable experience for everybody.

3 days in budapest Matthias Church
The slim Gothic spire of the Matthias Church in the Buda Castle. Photo: Daily News Hungary

Traditional Hungary dishes for dinner

You can spend your afternoon in the centre of Pest where you may visit the Hungarian Parliament (built between 1885 and 1904), the Chain Bridge (built by the Greatest Hungarian, Count István Széchenyi) and walk on the Danube Promenade, which offers a magnificent view of the Buda side and the Castle District.

Already hungry? The Hungarian gastronomy awaits you in the downtown. We recommend Ráday Street, where you can find traditional Hungarian cuisine with goulash, lángos, chimney cake, and hortobágyi meat pancake. After your dinner, you can have a drink in one of the famous ruin pubs of the 7th district. It takes 15-20 minutes to walk from Ráday Street to the 7th district, but your journey would go through the Palace District, and you may check out even the commanding 19th-century building of the Hungarian National Museum.

Hungarian goulash soup 3 days in Budapest
Source: pixabay

2nd day: Heroes’ Square and baths

On day 2, Gamintravel recommends the Jewish Quarter in the 7th district with the Dohány Street Synagogue, Europe’s largest. If you plan to buy souvenirs or taste traditional dishes and foods, go to the Great Market Hall at the end of Váci Street and the Pest side of the Elizabeth Bridge, one of the most beautiful Budapest bridges. On the Buda side of the bridge, you may have a look at the Gellért Hotel and Spa.

In the afternoon, you may continue your discoveries in Budapest in the Heroes’ Square and visit the Museum of Fine Arts. Do not get worried, if you cannot see Budapest’s guardian angel, Gabriel, on the top of the square’s central column because it has been removed for restoration. If you want to go on a walk, you can go to the City Park, where you can find the Vajdahunyad Castle and the Hungarian National Gallery.

Andrássy Avenue 3 days in budapest
The Andrássy Avenue from from the Heroes’ Square. Source: https://www.facebook.com/spiceofeurope/[Andrássy Street]
You may spend the evening in the Széchenyi Baths. But if you want to have an original Budapest bath experience for less money and with no crowd, we recommend the Rudas or the Lukács Baths.

Margaret Island and ruin pubs for day 3

On day 3, Gamintravel recommends visiting Budapest’s pearl, Margaret Island. The island is easily accessible with trams 4 and 6. There, you may go for a run on the scenic jogging path, relax at the Musical Fountain or check out the Medieval ruins of the Dominican Convent.

Margaret Island 3 days in Budapest
Margaret Island. Photo: Creative Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

In the afternoon, you may visit Váci Street, Budapest’s famous shopping street and search for some local artisan shops. Or you may relax in your hotel room and prepare for the unique experience of visiting Budapest’s ruin pubs in the 7th district. The most recommended ones are the Instant-Fogas or Mazel Tov. Want to find a good eatery? You may walk around the Kazinczy or Király streets.

When do you plan to arrive?

Read also:

  • Planning to come to Budapest? Here are 8 tourist traps you should avoid
  • Kürtőskalács lovers rejoice: Budapest’s Chimney Cake Festival returns with international flavours! – details in THIS article

Featured image: depositphotos.com

These two Hungarian hotels won the 2024 Spa Oscars

2024 Spa Oscars Lua Resort

Two Hungarian hotels won the 2024 World Spa Awards, the so-called Spa Oscars.

2024 Spa Oscars for two Hungarian hotels

According to turizmus.com, the award aims to boost the spa and wellness segments’ commitment towards quality. The World Spa Awards is a twin program of the World Travel Awards.

Two Hungarian hotels won the popular vote, the LUA Spa at LUA Resort Balatonfüred and the Kempinski The Spa at Kempinski Hotel Corvinus, Budapest.

budapest hotel Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest 2024 Spa Oscars
The Kempinski Hotel in the heart of Budapest. Photo: Facebook/Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest

During the voting process, experts working in the wellness and spa industry can select the best places with thousands of guests. The best spa hotel in the world is the Swiss Alpine Spa at Bürgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa. Meanwhile, the world’s best resort spa was chosen to be The Spa at Mandarin Oriental in Marrakesh.

Based on the new ranking, the best spa destination is Dubai, while the world’s best wellness travel destination is Arizona in 2024. There were a couple more categories at the awards ceremony, including the best casino hotel spa (Lapis Spa at Fontainebleau Las Vegas) and the best airport lounge spa (Emirates Timeless Spa).

Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest 2024 Spa Oscars
Photo: Facebook/Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest

LUA Resort and Kempinski Hotel are the best Hungarian spas

In Hungary, the best hotel spa is the Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest, while the best resort spa has become the LUA Spa at LUA Resort Balatonfüred.

The 5-star luxury hotel LUA Resort opened in May 2022 offering accommodation, gastronomy experience, and many leisure activities, but only for adults. It has 78 modern rooms, many with a panoramic view of Lake Balaton. Turizmus.com said then that they were excitingly elegant with pure forms representing natural design.

All rooms are equipped with specially designed pillows, beds, and mattress combinations, offering a sleep adventure for the guests. In the hotel’s NOON Restaurant & Lounge, Michelin-star chef István Pesti created the gastronomy palette. He works in the Platán restaurant in Tata. Read more about the hotel HERE.

The Kempinski Hotel Corvinus was honoured with the “Green Collection Hotel of the Year” this July. The five-star hotel is located in the heart of Budapest, offering easy access to the major attractions, shopping districts and vibrant cultural landmarks.

The hotel blends modern sophistication with classic European style. It has 316 rooms and 38 suites, all furnished with high-end amenities to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay. The accommodations are known for their spaciousness, stylish decor, and panoramic views of the city or the park. Furthermore, it houses several acclaimed restaurants. Read more about the hotel, what it offers for the guests and the hotel’s restaurants in THIS article.

You may read the full list of the award-winning places HERE.

Hungarian restaurants also awarded

On 2 October, the World Culinary Awards were given to two Hungarian restaurants. Felix Kitchen & Bar in Budapest was chosen as Hungary’s best restaurant. Meanwhile, Hungary’s best hotel restaurant in 2024 is the ÉS Bisztró @ Kempinski Hotel Corvinus in Budapest.

Read also:

  • Hotel Palota in Lillafüred becomes Hungary’s first to receive prestigious certification – read more and check out some photos HERE
  • A culinary journey awaits: Discover Hungary’s best restaurants during Restaurant Week! Details in THIS article