Interview with Erik Haupt, Hungarian Ambassador to Greece

Today, we bring our readers an interview with Erik Haupt, the Hungarian Ambassador to Greece, in which he discusses the amicable relationship between the two countries, their distinct approaches to the energy crisis, and the inevitable culture shocks one may encounter when relocating to Greece. Mr Haupt also shares intriguing historical insights about renowned Greek nationals who significantly influenced Hungarian culture. You’ll be surprised to discover that one of Hungary’s most important wine regions and the iconic Chain Bridge in Budapest were once associated with influential Greek families who settled in Hungary.

What are the most significant differences between the two countries for an average citizen, considering aspects like traffic, cost of living, general public sentiment and job opportunities?

Both nations boast strong historical backgrounds and share common European roots. Therefore, Hungarian visitors are unlikely to encounter striking culture shocks in Greece. The cost of living is more or less equivalent, although, in my view, Greece remains slightly more expensive than Hungary. However, these differences have notably diminished in recent years. Of course, there are many differences when it comes to the locals’ mentality, perspectives on life and attitudes toward religion and family. One thing that can shock visitors though, especially in Athens, is the heavy traffic. Notably, heavy traffic in areas like Athens, differing traffic cultures and adherence to rules may be baffling at first, especially for visitors from Northern Europe, adapting to Greece’s more laid-back lifestyle. 

Concerning job opportunities, Hungary holds an advantage with the presence of major international companies like AUDI and BMW. While our country’s industry is more developed, Greece has made considerable progress recently.

Did you experience any culture shock when you moved to Greece

Personally, I encountered no nuisances, already being familiar with Greek culture. I believe Hungarians can easily adapt and identify with the Greek way of life. There are minor differences in some areas, such as transportation. In terms of working style, the prevalent “Perimene” or “we have time for that” attitude differs from the more immediate approach at home. Greek people embrace a more laid-back approach to life, yet in large-scale international projects, Greece consistently excels, despite initial appearances of chaos.

Can you mention a number of famous people in the world of Hungarian art, cinema or other
fields who are of Greek origin?

While not many instantly come to mind, there is a good number of people who left their mark on Hungarian culture The role of the Greeks in the wine trade is indisputable. For instance, the Tokaj Museum, in the heart of the legendary wine region, was built around 1790 by the Karácsony family, which was of Greek origin. The Greek Sina family is also worth mentioning. George Sina’s name is associated with the construction of the Chain Bridge. His son, Simon, also contributed to the establishment of several national institutions, such as the Hungarian Land Loan Institute as well as to the development of railways and steamships. Besides, he stood for many important social causes. Numerous public schools, the National Museum, the nursery school, the nursery hospital, orphanages, the Institute for the Blind, the Academy of Commerce, the National Theatre, the National Casino, the Lipótváros Church, the House of Fine Arts and above all the Palace of the MTA proclaim his name as a benefactor or generous donor.