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.

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In the years following the Civil War in Greece, a large influx of Greek communist refugees fled to Hungary, where they received aid and housing. There is even a Greek village called Belogiannis founded by Greek refugees in the country. However, many people moved back to Greece once the political turmoil settled down. How big is the current Greek community living in Hungary?

There is still a statistically significant Greek community residing in Hungary, and it is no coincidence that they have their own municipal government and representatives in the Parliament, along with their own schools and churches. The Greek community is one of the 13 officially recognised nationalities that boast their own advocate in the country.

And how many Hungarians live in Greece, approximately?

We do not have exact figures, but we estimate the Hungarian community in Greece consists of a few thousand individuals. Estimating its size is challenging due to a lack of organised community initiatives and mixed marriages. Most Hungarians living here are trying to integrate into their Greek families and society as a whole instead of living in an expat bubble.

What is the current relationship between Greece and Hungary at the government level, regarding past and future collaborations? And what kind of Hungarian products are available in Greek supermarkets?

The two countries nurture an amicable relationship. There is a common interest in many areas (persecuted Christians, protection of minorities, the enlargement of the Western Balkans and energy cooperation), which aids our work. In the area of migration, we face similar difficulties in many respects. There are a number of Hungarian food products such as PICK winter salami and some Hungarian wines that can be found on the shelves, to the delight of customers.

Throughout the holiday season, the entire city of Athens was swimming in Christmas lights while Budapest went completely dark to cut back on expenses. If you were to invite a Greek friend to Hungary, what would you highlight about the country?

Regarding the energy crisis, Greece and Hungary are not equally affected, given Greece’s less dependency on Russian energy. Hungary faces additional challenges due to its lack of maritime connection. In response to the second part of your question, Hungary has a lot to offer Greek tourists: a vibrant cultural scene, spas, a booming gastronomic tourism – to name just a few.

And what would you recommend to a Hungarian tourist who is planning his/her first trip to Greece?

Greece is an absolutely safe tourist destination for travellers. For Hungarian tourists visiting Greece, besides the stunning beaches, exploring rich historical sites and the country’s cultural heritage spanning thousands of years is highly recommended. The other advice is more practical; in case of any trouble/travel issues, save the contact details of the consular section of the embassy, or download the Hungarian consular service’s “Utazom” app, which is now available on both Android and IOS phones. It is best advised to always check the current situation and the latest news before planning any trip.

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