Europe

Budapest among the best places for vegetarian food lovers in Europe

Vegan Love Best Vegan Restaurants in Budapest

With Veganuary 2022 just around the corner, experts at Uswitch.com wanted to find the best European capital cities for vegetarians to live in. By analysing the average ratings of vegetarian restaurants across each European capital, they can now reveal all!

Budapest has the 11th highest rated vegetarian restaurants in Europe

Unfortunately, the Hungarian capital could not make it to the TOP10, but being the 11th with a typically meat-centered cuisine is a pretty good position. For the full research make sure to visit Uswitch.com.

With vegetarianism recently taking off in Hungary, Budapest has been crowned the 11th best capital for vegetarians to live, with an average rating of 8.57/10 for their veggie restaurants – a score almost 2% higher than other ‘food capitals’ such as Rome (8.41/10).

Top Capitals for Vegetarians Press Material — Source: Uswitch.com

Vegetarian hotspots of Europe

With an average vegetarian rating of 8.85/10, Belgrade, Serbia, is the European capital most suited for vegetarians! The average price of a meal in this Eastern European capital is just €15,98, 32% cheaper than Malta’s capital, Valletta, in second place. With a total of 381 restaurants to choose from, vegetarians in Belgrade will be spoilt for choice.

The Maltese capital of Valletta comes in second, just missing out on the top spot with an average veggie restaurant rating of 8.84/10. Despite the average price of a meal being slightly more expensive than Belgrade, the Mediterranean capital has 1201 suitable restaurants to choose from, the 11th most of all capital cities analysed!

With 264 suitable restaurants under their belt, Croatia’s capital, Zagreb, takes third spot with an average vegetarian rating of 8.78 out of 10. However, despite the array of options, the average price for a meal at one of these high-rated veggie restaurants is the seventh most expensive in Europe, at €32,48.

The eastern European capital of Albania, Tirana, takes fourth with an average rating of 8.76/10 for their vegetarian restaurants. Not only does this capital offer some of the best vegetarian restaurants across the continent, but it is also the highest rated capital city in Europe for brunch restaurants as well, scoring a whopping 8.95/10.

Helsinki, Finland, is the lowest rated European capital for vegetarian restaurants

Rated 8.08/10 for their vegetarian restaurants, Finland’s capital, Helsinki takes last place for their vegetarian restaurants. Despite 11% of their population being vegetarians, the fourth highest vegetarian population in Europe, the restaurants are not up to scratch compared with the rest of the continent.

You can find the detailed research at Uswitch.com.

Bejgli Hungarian Christmas cookie recipes

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December 26, 2021

Jobbik MEP Gyöngyösi: Has Europe learnt a lesson about migration?

Illegal Migration Poland Border Defence Patrol Soldier Military

Remarks of Jobbik MEP Gyöngyösi

Although the European Union is often rightfully criticized for being cumbersome and lagging behind international events, I think it’s important to take note of the achievements, too. One such achievement is that the EU didn’t repeat the mistakes of the 2015 migration crisis. When the Belarusian dictator released the crowd on the Polish border to try and blackmail Europe, he was surprised to see it wouldn’t work. Europe has learnt its lesson.

2015 is certainly a turning point in the area of European migration policy. Until then, you were not supposed to have any other opinion than the commonly held idea that the relatively rich European countries are morally obligated to let in whoever arrives at their border, regardless of the reason why they came. However, the combined effect of the German government’s misguided policy, the consequences of the Arab Spring and the advancing Islamic State led to the emergence of an unprecedented migration wave.

The uncontrolled crowd flowing across the EU borders and the subsequent wave of terrorist acts that shook Western Europe have shown us that if Europe fails to change its position, it could create a huge crisis.

Belarusian dictator Alyaksandr Lukashenka may likely have been counting on a similar crisis and expecting the European politicians to point fingers at each other, when he artificially tried to create yet another migration crisis on Poland’s border as a response to the sanctions imposed on his country. However, the EU reacted completely differently than it did six years ago. While most of Europe’s key political players had nothing against crowds of people entering the EU across the Schengen border with no control whatsoever back in 2015 (in fact, many of them even encouraged these people on the grounds of some misunderstood humanitarian idea), today we have a consensus inasmuch that the Polish border must be sealed and protected.

While the outer Schengen states were completely left to their own devices in 2015, today there is no doubt that Poland and the Baltic States must be given help to protect the integrity of their borders.

This help is not just financial by nature. It also involves giving more time to the countries bordering on Belarus to examine asylum applications as well as providing assistance to repatriate the rejected applicants. We must also mention the work of the EU foreign missions: they managed to convince Iraq not to let its citizens to Belarus and to take back those who are already there.

Quite naturally, EU member states still have different opinions on legal migration, but we must make it clear to everyone that illegal migration is not some kind of romantic adventure but a potentially lethal enterprise for everyone involved.

Furthermore, it’s based on a fundamental violation of law and therefore a hotbed for crime, which we must contain by all legal means.

Demonstrating an assertive stance, the EU tore the supposed trump cards out of Lukashenka’s hand, and the same happened to the populist politicians who go for guidance to the same place as Lukashenka… Keep up the good work!

Read alsoJobbik MEP Gyöngyösi: Follow the traffic lights – New German govt’s impact

December 19, 2021

Jobbik MEP Gyöngyösi: Follow the traffic lights – New German govt’s impact

Remarks of Jobbik MEP Gyöngyösi:

The race of Germany’s political parties showed quite a few twists and turns over the months before the election. Angela Merkel’s succession proved to be too much of a challenge for the Union parties, while the Greens’ growing popularity, albeit for a brief period, appeared to be enough for them to win the election. Despite their drawn-out crisis however, the Social Democrats managed to nominate a candidate, i.e., Olaf Scholz, who was able to attract two distinct voter groups: those who wanted Merkelian continuity as well as those who preferred the necessary changes.

As far as Germany’s last year was concerned, there was only one thing we could be fairly certain of: Germany reached the end of the Merkelian era. The country’s new direction was not quite clear even after all the results came in: SPD’s victory was far from a landslide, while CDU/CSU’s defeat was far from devastating. As soon as the idea of the two big parties’ broad coalition was ruled out, the road seemed to open for a so-called traffic-light coalition, consisting of SPD, the Greens and FDP, to govern Germany.

As to how such a diverse government is going to manage Europe’s economic powerhouse, that’s still the music of the future.

On the other hand, there is some reason for optimism, since Olaf Scholz was able to subvert all pessimistic expectations and bring together a multi-party coalition agreement in record time by offering an acceptable compromise for everyone.

Compromises will likely be needed in the future, too, along with the tight control and strict discipline that characterizes the new chancellor according to the people who know him: it will be hard to coordinate the Free Democrats’ market liberalism with the Socialists’ leftist ideas and the Greens’ often radical-leaning climate policy. We can already see the potential conflicts among the coalition partners: while Social Democrats have insisted on increasing the minimum wage and taxing the super-rich, FDP’s pro-market business owner supporters will probably find these policies hard to swallow, and they are not likely to welcome the Green ideas to regulate competition on the grounds of climate policy, either.

However, the challenge comes with a great potential reward, especially for the traditionally small Free Democratic Party: if FDP can help to keep the coalition together, it will be able to tip the balance between two much larger left-wing forces, thus promoting the classical liberal and civic values that serve as the pillars of the party’s identity.

Furthermore, FDP can also form the counterbalance against certain radical green ideas that may be socially and economically impractical or perhaps even infeasible.

What we already know for sure is that the new German government is facing enormous challenges: it will need to ensure European stability in the middle of a crisis-ridden period, and to revitalize a community that has lost its momentum in many aspects over the past years. Germany’s administration will need to address such major issues as the post-Covid economic recession, the China and Russia relations as well as the questions concerning the nature and the process of further European integration.

It is our common interest to see the three-party coalition clear the obstacles in its way.

Read alsoOrban: After Merkel, we now prepare for battle with our eyes wide open

December 12, 2021

Number of homeowners record-breaking in Hungary

According to statistics, 70% of European citizens own the property they live in and Hungarians are one of the main leaders in the field!

Let us start with some important data:

69.8% of EU citizens live in their own property and this number is as high as 91.3% in Hungary.

The country only ranks behind Romania (96.1%) and Slovakia (92.3%) based on the newest data of Eurostat. – Duna House reported. According to Hello Magyar, Hungary is currently sharing the 3rd place with Croatia in the EU ranking. This is especially interesting, considering the fact that home ownership is less common in Western Europe. Only 69% of the citizens own the property they live in in the Netherlands while this number is 64.5% in Sweden and 64% in France. The reason behind the high percentage of homeowners in Hungary is partly the people’s strong desire to have their own property. As Károly Benedikt, PR and Analysis Manager at Duna House, stated: “After the end of socialism, people were able to buy former rental apartments on very favourable terms which triggered a wave of home purchases in the domestic property market. This trend has been going strong ever since.”

Most Hungarians are determined to have their own apartment or house, and this notion has strongly embedded in the Hungarian culture.

There are many customer-friendly loans available for people who, understandably, take advantage of them. However, the significant increase in housing prices in recent years has also enriched the Hungarian population. These are all important factors that explain the steady increase in the number of homeowners in Hungary.

“Although, it is still uncertain when will all this lead to the development of the rental market and a similarly strong service and institutional system that is common in Western Europe?”, Benedikt added. As it is reported in the review of Duna House, 2019 was the year when the highest number of people managed to buy their own property due to the Baby Loan (“babaváró hitel”) and the Family Housing Allowance (“CSOK”).

Author: Mercédesz Hetzmann

Read alsoHere is where you can buy cheap properties near Budapest

November 28, 2021

Orbán: Migration pressure expected to ramp up

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán told public radio on Friday that illegal migration was expected to ramp up significantly at Hungary’s southern border over the next few months.

At the same time, the Italian-Spanish, Eastern and Balkan routes were all seeing a massive increase in migration, he said, noting that 30,000-35,000 people were leaving Afghanistan each day, most likely in Hungary’s direction, intending to traverse the country.

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He said the European Union’s rules on migration had been written in peacetime and were now obsolete. “Today there’s no peacetime,” he added.

The new Berlin government sees Germany “as an immigrant country”, and Hungary is not in favour of turning into one, he said, adding that the two standpoints were “incompatible”, and neither side would abandon its position.

Read alsoJustice minister: “Fortress Hungary is still standing”

November 27, 2021

US Centre for Disease Control: Hungary among most dangerous destinations

The coronavirus has been present since its discovery in China in late 2019. It has hit the rest of the world at the beginning of 2020. Since its first appearance, we are currently in the fourth wave of the pandemic. The number of infections has surged in many regions around the world triggering stricter restrictions on travel and human interaction.

According to the latest information of the United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Monday, Hungary is among the most dangerous countries in terms of Covid infection. Moreover, the health organisation discourages individuals from travelling to Hungary unless it is really necessary.

CDC Recommendations

The CDC has four tiers of risk assessment for COVID-19. Level one is the least risky while level four is the most dangerous in terms of contracting the virus.

On Monday, November 15, the CDC moved a total of four countries to level four, including Hungary, Iceland, Guernsey, and the Czech Republic.

As CNN reports, these countries now have been added to the other 70 unsafe countries among which there are many popular tourist destinations. These include Belgium, the Netherlands, Singapore, Turkey, and many more at level four.

These Hungarian employers made vaccination against COVID-19 mandatory for their workers

Minister told when 5-11-year-olds can receive the vaccine

CDC recommendations about Hungary:

Avoid travel to Hungary.
If you must travel to Hungary, make sure you are fully vaccinated prior to your departure.
Due to the current situation in Hungary, even fully vaccinated travellers may be at risk of getting and spreading COVID-19 variants.
Travellers should follow all recommendations and requirements in Hungary, including wearing a mask and staying 6 feet apart from others.

Statistics

This new regulation is not that surprising since the number of infections has been steadily rising in the past few months in Hungary. According to the latest Hungarian data, 5,323 new cases of coronavirus infections have been registered with over 5,800 active infections treated in hospitals. Alarmingly, 545 people are on ventilators. On a more positive note, over 6 million people have received their first jab in Hungary.

Hvg reports, that recently the Czech Republic has also placed Hungary on the list of countries not recommended for unnecessary travel. According to the map of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, almost all of Hungary is deep red which indicates a high rate of Covid infections.

EU Coronavirus Infection Map November 10 — Source: ECDC

Make sure to observe safety regulations while travelling and interacting with people. Be safe and keep healthy.

Read alsoHungarian Christmas fairs that you can visit only with an immunity certificate

November 17, 2021

Hungarian Speaker of Parliament welcomed Estonian counterpart for diplomatic talk

Speaker of Parliament László Kövér has held talks with Estonian Speaker Jüri Ratas, who is paying an official visit to Hungary, Parliament’s press office said in a statement on Friday.

Kövér said Estonia-Hungary economic, cultural and defence-security ties had functioned well over the past three decades, and both countries were bound by language ties and “our struggles of thirty years ago, when Estonia and Hungary fought for their freedom and independence”.

He also referred to “problematic issues” which presented challenges to both countries and to Europe, such as illegal migration, the energy crisis, the coronavirus epidemic and climate change.

Ratas noted “smooth” relations thanks to constant contact and dialogue, and he also praised the role of the two countries’ respective legislatures in maintaining good relations.

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He thanked Hungary for its contribution to the protection of the Baltic airspace and its support for the Three Seas Initiative.

The speaker added that there was room to strengthen cooperation between the Visegrád Group and the three Baltic States in tourism, the economy, and person-to-person contacts.

Regarding the future of Europe, Kövér said related consultations would be successful only with strong parliamentary participation, as this was the only way to guarantee their democratic legitimacy.

Read alsoPM Viktor Orbán: Balkans’ peace and stability is key for Hungary

November 14, 2021

Budapest among the TOP20 most beautiful European Christmas destinations – PHOTOS

The beauty of the Hungarian capital is unquestionable, not to mention its sparkling Christmas lights in the Advent period. This is also reflected in a freshly published international ranking that lists Budapest among the TOP20 most stunning European cities during Christmas time. Let the photos speak for themselves!

Christmas is coming soon which makes every city shine even brighter during the festive Advent period. This has inspired the official portal of the European Best Destinations that collected the TOP20 most beautiful Christmas illuminations in Europe. The freshly published article takes you to a world of sparkling Christmas lights, light snowfall, and magical Advent markets where irresistible scents of gingerbread and mulled wine linger in the air.

Each year during the Advent period, the Hungarian capital is dressed in sparkling Christmas lights. From December, we can visit the Budapest Christmas fairs, admire the capital’s iconic light tram or hop on Santa’s trolleybus. Therefore, it is not surprising that

Budapest is also listed in the TOP20 most beautiful European cities during Christmas time.

Christmas_Budapest — Photo: www.facebook.com/budapestchristmasfair/

Photo: www.facebook.com/budapestchristmasfair/

budapest_christmas — Photo: www.facebook.com/spiceofeurope/

Budapest Christmas Fair3 — Photo: www.facebook.com/budapestchristmasfair/

The article highlights that Budapest is becoming an unmissable Christmas destination for its magical atmosphere, the sparkling lights, and the authentic Advent markets. Besides the irresistible scents of gingerbread and mulled wine, the article also mentions the illuminated Christmas tram and the Advent Feast Christmas tree at the Basilica.

budapest_christmas2 — Photo: www.facebook.com/budapestchristmasfair/

Budapest_light_tram — Photo: www.facebook.com/bkkbudapest/

Christmas Basilica — Photo: www.facebook.com/spiceofeurope/

The Hungarian capital is called a „dream place” to spend Christmas with your family and loved ones

where countless exciting programs and activities, such as a 2-hour Danube cruise with live music, await you to enjoy the most magical time of the year.

TOP20

Among the cities of the neighboring countries, Opatija and Zagreb (Croatia), Vienna (Austria), and Ljubljana (Slovenia) are also mentioned among the TOP20. In addition, France has four sparkling cities on the list: Montbeliard, Colmar, Nice, and Reims. Spain also boasts two glamorous cities in the ranking: Madrid and Málaga. Besides them, Moscow (Russia), Tallinn (Estonia), Prague (Czech Republic), Funchal (Madeira Islands – Portugal), Monte-Carlo (Monaco), Salerno (Italy), Edinburgh (Scotland), Gdansk (Poland), London (England), and Vilnius (Lithuania) are also listed among the most beautiful European destinations at Christmas.

Read alsoChristmas Market at Vörösmarty Square to start next week – here are the changes, PHOTOS

November 13, 2021

These Hungarian employers made vaccination against COVID-19 mandatory for their workers

According to a recent Hungarian government decree, companies have the opportunity to make vaccination against COVID-19 compulsory for their employees. Some domestic companies and even educational institutions have already decided to introduce the new regulation. Thus, these employers refuse to employ any worker who has not been vaccinated against the coronavirus.

Based on the government decree published on 28th October, the purpose is “to ensure that companies and enterprises, at the suggestion of employers’ organisations, have the right to require workers to be vaccinated against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus as a condition of employment if deemed necessary for the safety of those working there”. Accordingly, the vaccination may be made into a condition of employment from 1st November, unless the worker is exempted from taking the vaccine for health reasons.

Currently, several domestic companies are still negotiating about the issue.

However, some domestic employers have already decided to make vaccination against COVID-19 compulsory for their employees.

Richter Gedeon

Richter Gedeon Plc. is one of these companies. The pharmaceutical company announced the new condition at a press conference on Monday. According to the CEO, Gábor Orbán, this is a safe step in terms of the security of supply. The vaccination will be mandatory for employees because Richter Gedeon is a manufacturing company, and illnesses can jeopardise the continuity of production. Furthermore, in their case, home office is not an option. That is why the pharmaceutical company decided to make vaccination against COVID-19 compulsory for its employees, reported Portfolio.

University of Szeged

According to an announcement published this Tuesday, employees of the University of Szeged (SZTE) must take the vaccine against the coronavirus within 45 days or prove that they have already received it. As 24.hu reports, only those who are unable to take the vaccine due to a medical condition that must be proven with a medical certificate are exempted from the vaccination obligation.

If someone does not get vaccinated, they will be sent on a one-year unpaid leave, and if they do not take the vaccine after that, their legal relationship will end.

Eötvös Loránd University

One of the most prestigious higher education institutions in Budapest, Eötvös Loránd University, has also decided to make vaccination against the coronavirus compulsory for its employees. Exemption is granted only to those who are unable to receive it for medical reasons or who do not spend long periods of time in the institution. Based on the decision of the Epidemiological Coordinating Body of ELTE, employees must confirm receipt of the vaccine by 15 December, reported Hungarian news portal Blikk.

Social institutions

According to the decision of the Budapest Mayor’s Office, vaccination will be compulsory for workers in residential social institutions most at risk from the COVID epidemic. The new condition affects employees at nursing homes, homeless and temporary accommodations. Employees who do not receive a coronavirus vaccination within 45 days and cannot provide proof of medical reasons may choose between presenting their valid immunity card or taking unpaid leave. Up to now, 92.57% of the workers concerned have taken the vaccine, reported Hungarian news portal Pénzcentrum.

Parliamentary staff

Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 will be mandatory in the Hungarian Parliament as well. According to Azonnali, until 31 December, all members of parliament must be vaccinated with at least the first dose of one of the vaccines, proof of which must be provided. Only those who are unable to receive the vaccine for medical reasons will be exempted from this obligation.

Anyone who does not get vaccinated will be sent on unpaid leave from 1st January and will not be able to return to work until they have been inoculated.

Hungarian news portal Telex has been informed that only parliamentary staff is obliged to take the vaccination, as the deputies cannot be obligated to do so by the Office of the National Assembly. Deputies are not employed by the National Assembly and can only be required by law to take the vaccine.

Municipalities

Following the government decree that came into force on 1st November,

two Budapest municipalities announced making the coronavirus vaccine compulsory for their employees.

In the 12th district, workers are required to take the first dose until 15 December. In addition, the mayor of Budapest’s 16th district has also announced the introduction of compulsory vaccination, which must be taken by all employees of municipal institutions, as well as office, nursery, kindergarten, social or sentry workers, by 20 December.

So far, we have been informed about the Hungarian employers mentioned above that made inoculation mandatory for their employees. In the case our Dear Readers know about more, please share them with us in a comment.

Ongoing negotiations

Many Hungarian companies have not come to a decision yet. In their case, the final decision is expected after the necessary professional consultations and the assessment of the employees’ level of immunity. Therefore, the new vaccination regulation is still being discussed in the case of OTP, MOL, Magyar Telekom, Zwack, CIG Pannónia, and Alteo.

Companies that do not make vaccination mandatory

Some companies have already decided not to make vaccination compulsory for their employees. As Pénzcentrum reports, SPAR Hungary, which employs 14,000 people, does not make vaccination against the coronavirus compulsory but encourages each of its employees to get vaccinated if possible. The company also makes the use of masks mandatory for employees in all areas of its operation to protect customers and employees. In addition, Akko, Pensum, Masterplast, Gloster, ANY Security Printing House, Delta Technologies, and AutoWallis do not wish to make vaccination compulsory. According to their announcements, these companies are ready to react quickly in the case it is necessary. In addition, in some cases, a high proportion of employees are vaccinated.

According to the latest news reported by Telex, Audi in Győr has also come to a decision: it does not make vaccination compulsory for its nearly 13,000 employees. At the same time, “the company remains committed to protecting the health of its employees”. Therefore, the previously operating vaccination point on the factory site will be set up again where the company’s employees and family members will once again have the opportunity to take the vaccination from mid-November.

100% inoculation

Some Hungarian companies do not even have to make a decision, as the vaccination rate among employees is 100%. Companies where every employee has already received at least 2 Covid vaccines include Nap, Nordtelekom, Cyberg and Graphisoft Park. As Portfolio reports, the latter constantly monitors the immunity level of workers through antibody testing.

Mandatory vaccination across Europe

The idea of compulsory vaccination divides the public across Europe.

In addition to Hungary, Italy, Greece, France, Belgium, and the UK also introduced compulsory vaccination for healthcare workers. If this is not possible for health reasons, a rapid antigen test is required at least twice a week. In Italy, the state only covers the cost of the test if someone is unable to vaccinate for health reasons. Meanwhile, Spain is considering introducing compulsory vaccination for all workers, not just healthcare workers. As Hungarian news portal Mérce reports, the proposal is supported by the local employers’ association, however, the Spanish health minister opposes the idea of compulsory vaccination.

Read alsoObligatory vaccination in Hungary soon? Here is what PM Orbán said

November 12, 2021

Fidesz MEP: Hungary safe from power failures despite energy crisis in Europe

Hungary is safe from the power cuts threatening Southern and Western Europe as a consequence of the energy crisis gripping the continent, a Fidesz MEP told public radio on Sunday.

“It is an undeniable fact that citizens may experience blackouts in the winter months,” Tamás Deutsch, who also heads the Fidesz delegation in the European Parliament, said.

While Hungary’s energy supply is safe thanks to the long-term contract the government closed with Russia earlier this year, German and Austrian authorities are already preparing the citizens for possible days-long blackouts, Deutsch said.

The government’s utility price cuts have prevented energy prices from skyrocketing, unlike in southern and western Europe, he said. Household gas prices are currently the lowest in the European Union, and electricity prices are the second lowest, he said.

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Meanwhile, the Hungarian opposition continues to attack the measure, Deutsch said. “They approve Western pricing policies, even though they led to a 300 percent rise in gas prices, and 400 percent in electricity prices,” he said.

The opposition’s plans would bring an annual 380,000 forint (€ 1,050) rise in utility prices for an average Hungarian family, he said.

“In addition, they are also enthusiastic supporters of an absurd idea of Brussels that would burden citizens with the costs of climate protection. That would mean another 150,000 forints in annual expenses for every family,” he said.

The incumbent government’s policy has brought down utility prices by 25 percent for households since 2013-2014, Deutsch said.

Read alsoFidesz MEP: Brussels responsible for ‘public utility crisis’ in Europe

November 7, 2021

PM Orbán meets Hungarian EuroSkills 2021 medalists

Viktor Orbán Budapest EuroSkills Graz 2021

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán met in his office the Hungarian medallists in the 2021 EuroSkills competition for young European skilled workers, his press chief said on Saturday.

This year’s EuroSkills in Graz marked Hungary’s seventh appearance in the competition, Bertalan Havasi noted. It saw more than 400 competitors from 31 countries demonstrate their skills in 38 different trades and 10 host presentation professions.

Hungary was represented by 26 competitors and finished sixth in the medal and points tables, he said.

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There are around 30,000 vocational students in Hungary studying the skills and professions that are tested at EuroSkills.

The tasks related to the competition are handled by the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MKIK) in line with a 2010 agreement with the government.

Read alsoHungarian Varrodesign among world’s best hospitality designers – PHOTO GALLERY

October 31, 2021

Is fuel more expensive in Hungary than the EU average?

Fuel Gas Station Petrol Diesel Sportscar

Over the past one and a half years, fuel prices have increased by 200 forints (€ 0,56) in Hungary, which is quite significant.

After the coronavirus pandemic hit the world’s economy, fuel prices have started dropping, and by around April and May back in 2020, fuel prices have decreased under 300 forints (€ 0,83) for petrol and an average of 278 forints (€ 0,77) for diesel.

But since then, the economy around the globe started to stabilise, and by October 2021, the same fuel prices have increased in Hungary to an average price of over 500 forints (€ 1.39), Hvg says.

From today, the Euro-Super 95 petrol costs 501 forints (€ 1.39) per litre, while the price of diesel is 512 (€ 1.42). People start to wonder, is that only happening in Hungary?

According to Hvg’s research and the latest data of Eurostat as of the making of this article, it is not.

It is quite the contrary. It seems like the Hungarian prices with around € 1.39 are on the cheaper side of the European Union. Petrol prices in Hungary are the 7^th cheapest while diesel prices are more in the middle with 14^th cheapest from the 27 countries of the European Union.

latest_Oil_Prices_ES95 — Latest Euro-Super 95 prices in the EU
Source: Eurostat

As you can see, there are shockingly large differences in the prices in some countries. The most expensive in the Netherlands is almost twice as much as the cheapest, the Bulgarian price.

On average, Scandinavian countries have one of the highest fuel prices, but the Central European region fares well.

latest_Oil_Prices_DIE — Latest Diesel prices in the EU
Source: Eurostat

Concerning diesel prices, it is very similar. Interestingly, the Bulgarian price is identical to petrol, but it still cost almost half than the most expensive country, Sweden.

The Hungarian price in this regard, although not that bad, is, unfortunately, middle-ranking.

Hvg also examined how high the prices are in Hungary if we exclude the taxes. The situation is now quite the opposite. The price of Euro-Super 95 petrol is the 9^th most expensive. If we examine the prices of diesel without taxes, it is even worse. Without the tax, the Hungarian diesel price is the 5^th most expensive in the 27 EU countries.

This is since most countries apply a 53% tax on petrol and a 48% tax on diesel, in Hungary, the same taxes are 46% and 44% respectively. Taxes on fuels are only lower in Romania, but not by much. Interestingly, Sweden, which sold diesel for the most, only applies a 43% tax rate on that type of fuel, the same as Romania.

latest_taxation_oil_prices — Total taxation share in the end consumer price of fuel in the EU
Source: Eurostat

According to Hvg, the most important number is how much fuel people can buy from the average net income of each country. For this, they used the 2020 average income data of Eurostat.

In this regard, Luxembourg is the leader where people can buy 28,246 litres of Euro-Super 95. The second place goes to Austria with over 23,000. Malta and Spain are in the middle, with over 14,000 litres. But Hungary is the 6^th from the back where people can only buy shy of 7,000. Bulgaria stands last with 5,416 litres.

Concerning purchasing power of diesel, it is pretty similar. Luxembourg is still the first, with over 29,500 litres. However, Hungary is in a worse position; it is 3rd from the back. Hungarians could only buy 6,763 litres of diesel for the average net income. Bulgaria is last again, with almost identical numbers.

October 27, 2021

Hungarian Central Bank leader Matolcsy elaborates on the future of the EU

György Matolcsy published his opinion article on a website. The prominent economist elaborated on the future of the European Union in 2030.

According to mnb.hu, the economist has had a bright career. His most recent achievements are quite something. He was the Minister of Economy from 2000 until 2002. He founded the Hungarian Economy Development Institution and was its leader between 2007 and 2010. From 2010 until 2013, he was the Minister of National Economy. Since 2013 March 4, he has been the president of the Hungarian National Bank. The famous economist recently decided to publish his thoughts about the European Union’s future on magyarnemzet.hu.

The next long era will be North-American and Asian

He wrote that in the past 500 years of history, Europe was the winner of the world. Many factors contributed to this success, such as geographical division, power and economic competition, thinking, industrial and technological revolutions, military industry, pharmaceutical industry, formation of nation-states, modern financial system and central banks.

However, the two world wars and the Cold War in the 20th century tore down Europe. Matolcsy thinks that Europe is not in the competition anymore and now it is not a great power. In the era of information, telecommunication, and the digital revolution, the future is not European but North American and Asian.

European history is written outside of the EU

Due to its strategies, the United States has become a great power in the world. European history has been affected since 1917 when more than one million American soldiers set foot on European soil. Thus Europe’s history is written by America due to the country’s strategies and influences.

“The future of the EU is determined by the great American strategy, not by the individual Member States or by the EU as a whole. America’s interests are clear: Eurasia cannot be united under one power, the euro cannot be an alternative to the dollar, a German-Russian economic bridge is not desirable, and a strong, thus united European Union is not necessary.” – Matolcsy elaborates.

also read: US companies among the biggest employers in Hungary

The EU made wrong strategic decisions

As Matolcsy sees it, the EU was successful as long as it did not face America’s interests. The second mistake was accepting a new rival power to be founded, the European United States. A part of the problem was introducing the euro, a challenger to the dollar. Another mistake is that the EU “does not recognise the means of American warfare and does not seek to forge an advantage –where possible – from what is now a historical disadvantage.”

He mentioned protecting borders in the migration crisis, creating the political conditions for involving a quality workforce, having an effective demographic toolkit for the internal population crisis, and having a digital program to respond to the digital era.

also read: Viktor Orbán’s strategies reached overseas – Even American lobbyists were involved

The EU in 2030 could be different

America’s hegemony makes two possible outcomes for the EU. In the first one, it gives up the aspirations of becoming a great power. The EU, in this scenario, would identify America’s strategies that refer to Europe and find feasible, effective responses. In the second scenario, Europe would suffer the consequences of the decisions made by America in the 2020s.

As the opinion piece writes, around 2030, the EU could start transforming into a loose economic integration. The joint Parliament could cease, and sovereign nation-states would get back formerly centralised powers. More parallel money systems could come into being with individual central bank policies.

“In the period up to 2030, the difference between the two routes will be in terms of price, cost, loss and missed opportunities. The discrepancy is giant, measured on a historical scale, even comparable to the German losses of the first thirty-year-long war between 1618–1648.”

The economist ends the piece of writing with a Korean proverb, which means something like “We fall to learn to stand up.”

October 26, 2021

Hungary’s House Speaker: Common values unite Europe’s citizens

When discussing Europe’s future it is worth bearing in mind that, thanks to their common values, the bloc’s citizens are more united than divided, László Kövér, Hungary’s Speaker of Parliament, told a conference of speakers of the Council of Europe in Athens on Friday.

Speaking on day two of a meeting organised by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), Kövér said in his speech that national identities and the mother tongue formed the basis of “our European identity” and that Europe’s strength derived from national parliamentarism and the successful cooperation of nations, as well as solidarity with national minorities.

He warned that European citizens felt their opinions no longer mattered and that confidence in European Union institutions as well as national democratic institutions was “dangerously waning”, adding that European democracies could be revitalised only if citizens had a say on real issues, starting from the expression of opinion at the national level.

We do not want to live in a European empire, says Hungarian justice minister

“We in Hungary have been courageous enough to ask people about migration issues … and key issues regarding epidemic management through a new form of direct democracy,” Kövér said, adding that the opinions expressed in the National Consultation survey had been incorporated into parliamentary debate and government policy.

Kövér noted regional cooperation between the Visegrád countries (V4), which he said shared a history, traditions, culture and values.

Hungarians, he added, were lucky to live with 13 national minorities in Hungary, adding that the Fundamental Law describes minorities as elements that forge the state. They are represented at both municipal and parliamentary levels, he added.

Government: Brussels wants to build an empire!

Referring to “indigenous national minorities in Europe”, he said Hungary believed in the right to prosper in one’s homeland while preserving national identity.

Kövér also said Hungary remained committed to sustainable development, noting that Hungary’s parliament operates the National Council for Sustainable Development, which he said was “almost unique” among the world’s parliaments”.

Every two years, the council examines the country in terms of its environmental, economic and social sustainability, and he pledged Hungary’s readiness to share its related experiences.

Meanwhile, the speaker also noted a statement by the Visegrád Group and Western Balkan countries lined up to join the European Union urging the inclusion of candidate countries in the EU conference on the future of Europe.

The heads of Council of Europe national parliaments were in agreement, he added, that Europe was a broader concept than the EU, so non-EU European countries should be given the opportunity to contribute to shaping a common European future.

Read alsoSzijjártó: Poland attacked for successful patriotic policies

October 24, 2021

Budapest among the best European capitals for foodies

Going on holiday is great for different reasons. Being able to relax on the beach with a cool, crisp drink in your hand, exploring ancient ruins or going on adventures in the wilderness. For food lovers, it’s all about indulgent meals and tasty snacks.

Knowing where in Europe is best for food can be the deciding factor for food lovers when choosing their next trip. To make the decision easier, Uswitch has created a list of the best European capital cities perfect for foodies.

By analysing the number of restaurants with four stars or more in each city, the average price of a meal and the average rating for fast food, cafés, pubs, brunch, and vegetarian restaurants in each area. These are the results:

Highs and lows

The ancient city of Athens comes in first as the best European capital for food lovers. With the third highest cafe rating of all cities analysed, beating other bustling capitals such as Madrid, it is unsurprising to see them take the top spot.

Ranked as the best capital for vegetarian restaurants, Serbia’s Belgrade is the second-best capital city for food lovers. The Eastern European capital is also the second cheapest in the price category.

Another eastern European capital, Sofia, takes third, with the best cafés across Europe. Albania’s capital, Tirane, home to the best brunches in Europe and the second highest rated pubs, takes fourth.

Foodies European Capitals Hungary Full List — Source: uswitch.com/mortgages/guides/best-foodie-capitals/

Despite once being dubbed the ‘food capital of the world’, Paris falls close to the bottom.

Splendid cafés in Budapest tourists would love – PHOTOS

With a disappointingly low score, Stockholm is the lowest rated European capital for food lovers. With the second highest average price of a meal behind Denmark, the Swedish capital also ranks in last place for their pubs.

The second lowest score goes to the capital of Norway, Oslo. Their pubs are the second worst across Europe, only behind Stockholm. A meal out will also set customers back almost four times the average price of a meal in Skopje, North Macedonia.

Hungary

As you could see, the Hungarian capital, Budapest has made it quite close to the top ten, but unfortunately failed to score. But this does not mean that Budapest is a bad location for foodies. Quite the contrary.

In the Vegetarian foods category, Hungary placed 13th which is quite good, considering that at first place, Belgrade scored 8.85, less than 0.3 more than Budapest. In respect of cafés, Budapest placed in the top 10, and in terms of average price per meal, the Hungarian capital grabbed sixth place.

Foodies European Capitals Hungary Cheapest — Source: uswitch.com/mortgages/guides/best-foodie-capitals/

Read alsoHow well do you know Hungarian cuisine? – QUIZ

October 16, 2021

50 Czech policemen help Hungary’s border patrol

Fifty Czech police officers arrived in Budapest on Friday to help protect the European Union’s Schengen borders in southern Hungary.

Zoltán János Kuczik, the deputy of the national police chief, noted the increasing migration pressure as a “serious security threat for Europe” in his address at the reception ceremony.

Protecting the southern borders serves security in the whole of Europe, he said, adding that international cooperation was crucial for efforts against illegal migration.

PM Orbán: “the borders can’t be protected with flower bouquets, teddy bears and welcoming committees!”

Kuczik noted that the number of attempts at illegal entry had been 17,000 in 2019, 46,000 last year, and 90,000 in the first nine months of 2021.

He also added that 915 legal proceedings had been launched against human smugglers this year, nearly three times as many as in the same period of 2020.

He said that Austrian and Serbian police were also working together with Hungary’s border police, while Hungarian police officers were serving in North Macedonia, Serbia and Slovenia, as well as 157 officers in Frontex operations.

Read also Brutal video shows how migrants attack the Hungarian border fence

October 16, 2021

Hungarian passport ranked top 10 in the world

Despite the rather small size of Hungary, from time to time, it has made it onto the list of the best passports in the world, and in the past two years, it has been in the top 10 even. This year, Hungary has managed to improve its score, placing higher among the top 10.

The Henley Passport Index has been compiled by Henley & Partners since 2006. It ranks all 199 countries around the globe, utilising the data of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). According to Index, the list is compiled by taking into account where, out of the 227 destinations, a given country’s passport is allowed to travel without needing a visa.

If they allow travel there, they get a point, but if the destination requires a prior visa, then it does not get a point. In this way, it is possible to have multiple passports with the same score, so there are a couple of places in the top 10 where there are more countries tied for the rank.

Top 10 passports in 2021:

Japan and Singapore
South Korea and Germany
Spain, Luxembourg, Finland, Italy
Austria and Denmark
France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden
Belgium, Switzerland, New Zealand
USA, UK, Greece, the Czech Republic, Malta, Norway
Australia and Canada
Hungary
Poland, Lithuania, Slovakia

As you can see, the best passports in the world are from Japan and Singapore. With these passports, you can visit up to 192 destinations without a visa prior to your travel.

Planning to come to Hungary? It might be difficult to find a tour guide!

This also includes destinations where you can acquire a visa at the border of the destination. If you want to travel, you need to keep that in mind. The second-best passports let you travel to 190 destinations, meaning that the competition is tough. In seventh place, where the most tied passports are, they let you travel to 185 destinations.

That is where Hungary comes in. According to Nlc, last year, Hungary’s passport allowed entry to 182 destinations, but this time, the country has improved on this by one point, which put Hungary from 10th place to 9th.

Index says that back in 2014, the list was led by Anglo-Saxon countries, but for the past few years and in 2021 as well, the top 10 passports have been dominated by European countries, save the first rank.

The three worst passports on the list are Syria with 29 destinations in 114th place. Iraq’s passport allows travel to 28 destinations without prior visa, and it was ranked 115th. The worst passport, according to 2021 data, is Afghanistan in 116th place, allowing entry only to 26 destinations out of the 227.

Read alsoWizz Air announces expansion of Budapest network with exotic destinations

October 8, 2021

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s views on European issues – Part 2

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán recently gave an interview to the Czech conservative daily Lidove Noviny. You can read about the Hungarian Prime Minister’s views on European and Worldwide problems.

Commenting on migration, he said double standards were operating in Europe. Referring to fences built by Hungary and the Baltic states, he said whenever a liberal government did something it was always good, but when a conservative one did the same it was always the opposite.

Orbán said the EU does not have to let in Afghan migrants because they should stay in their region and Europe should help the countries of that region cope with the burden of Afghan migrants. However, if Germany wants Hungary to open a corridor for Afghans to reach Germany, Hungary will be willing to do so, he added.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s views on European issues – Part 1

He said that after the big migration wave of 2015 acts of terrorism had intensified, adding that there was a connection between the two, and the latter always grew commensurate with the former.

Brussels, he said, was again attempting to pressurise member states into relocating migrants. “We’ll have to veto [this] again and again…” Orbán added.

The prime minister said Brussels was dragging its heels on its decision over EU recovery money, but the funds would arrive sooner or later. In the meantime, Hungary has raised a large amount of money, 4.5 billion euros, on the market with interest of below 1 percent, he said, adding this “good deal” would enable the country to implement developments needed for recovery. “Hungarian projects are up and running without a cent from Brussels,” he said.

Government: migrants gaining citizenship and the right to vote is unacceptable

Commenting on the introduction of a 15 percent global corporate tax, Orbán said he did not support international decisions that interfered in the tax policies of a sovereign state.

Regarding domestic politics, he said the Fidesz government was locked in a battle with its predecessor to prevent the “regime” of Ferenc Gyurcsány from making a return. He said voters had not forgotten that period of the former Socialist-liberal prime minister. “This is why we won three times in a row and that’s why we’ll win a fourth time.”

Drawing a parallel between the political forces allied against himself and those against Babis, he said central European countries all faced a similar situation, insisting that whenever the “big powers” turned against a government in central Europe, they promoted forces that sympathised with them and served their interests.

Minister: EU parliament committee has no power over Hungary

Orbán accused the “Soros Network” of backing forces, including the “Brussels bureaucracy”, that were protesting against Czech and Hungarian sovereignty. “Today Brussels favours servile governments,” he said, “not leaders who fight for the independence of their own country.”

Regarding the Czechs and Hungarians, he said the two peoples were different in that Hungarians were more akin to Christian spiritual traditions and national sentiment — and this was reflected in the bearing of their leaders. “No one can argue, however, that Andrej Babis is one of Europe’s greatest fighters,” he added.

On the topic of the German elections, Orbán said Germany was experiencing “something novel”, and the big question now was whether or not the election outcome would lead to a predictable, reliable Germany led by a great chancellor.

Read alsoParamilitary group planned to assassinate PM Orbán and opposition leaders! – VIDEO

October 3, 2021