Europe

Daily COVID-19 updates on March 18

Countries around the world were rolling out more measures to combat the growing threat of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours as the novel coronavirus has killed at least 7,400 people worldwide.

The global death toll from COVID-19 increased by 475 to 7,426 in the past 24 hours as of 10:00 CET (0900 GMT) Tuesday, according to the daily situation report released by the World Health Organization (WHO).

As the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, WHO is committed to working together with the travel, transport and tourism sectors on emergency preparedness and response, according to the report.

The report showed a total of 179,112 confirmed cases of COVID-19 were reported as of Tuesday morning, an increase of 11,526 infections compared to the previous day, among which 11,487 new cases were reported outside China.

Also, eight additional countries and regions reported their first confirmed cases, while 88 countries and regions have seen local transmission of COVID-19.

In the European region, now the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, 8,507 more cases were reported as of Tuesday morning, bringing the cumulative number of infections to 64,189, including 3,108 deaths.

European leaders voted Tuesday to endorse a temporary restriction on travels to the European Union territory for at least 30 days in a bid to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

The number of new coronavirus cases in Italy, the European country hardest hit by the virus, jumped dramatically on Tuesday, with more than 3,500 new cases, pushing the cumulative total to over 30,000, according to new data released by the Civil Protection Department.

The number of deaths in Italy reached 2,503 and that of the recovered individuals rose to 2,941, compared to 2,158 and 2,749, respectively, a day earlier.

Minister of University and Research Gaetano Manfredi on Tuesday proposed letting this year’s crop of medical school graduates rush into the field as much as nine months ahead of schedule, and to allow them to shorten residencies and to skip mandatory exams usually required before they go into the field.

The number of COVID-19 cases in the United States topped 6,000 by 19:00 local time (2300 GMT) Tuesday, according to the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University. A total of 105 deaths have been reported across the country.

The United Nations (UN) on Tuesday said it is helping countries and communities respond to and prepare against the coronavirus, including Libya where it seeks a halt in the fighting for delivery of humanitarian aid.

Some countries affected by the COVID-19 pandemic are already in crisis due to conflicts, natural disasters and climate change, said Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

“They are home to millions of people who already need our emergency assistance.”

The United Nations and its humanitarian partners are determined that crucial, life-saving work for the world’s most vulnerable communities must be sustained, said Haq.

Read alsoCoronavirus – Hungarian tourism facing its most serious crisis ever!

March 18, 2020

Germany to close borders with five countries from Monday

Germany will close its borders with France, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark and Luxembourg from Monday morning due to the coronavirus crisis, Interior Minister Horst Seehofer announced at a press conference in Berlin on Sunday evening.

Temporary border controls will come into effect on 8 a.m. on Monday, with exceptions for goods traffic and commuters for work. Travelers without a valid reason are not allowed to travel in and out, Seehofer said.

The spread of the coronavirus is fast and aggressive, Seehofer noted, adding that the peak of the development has not been reached in Germany. The new measures are meant to break the chain of transmission, he said.

Data from Germany’s disease control agency showed that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country climbed to 4,838 as of Sunday afternoon, 1,043 more from the previous day. The death toll rose to 12.

For that matter, a total of 152,428 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus disease have been reported globally as of Sunday morning, World Health Organization (WHO) spokesperson Fadela Chaib told Xinhua.

Among confirmed infections, 5,720 patients have died, with the number of affected countries and regions rising to 141, Chaib said.

As the virus spreads increasingly worldwide, WHO has characterized COVID-19 as a “pandemic,” noting Europe has become the epicenter of the disease.

“By calling COVID-19 a pandemic, WHO’s advice to countries and individuals doesn’t change,” the spokesperson said, stressing a comprehensive, blended approach of both containment and mitigation of COVID-19 should continue.

“To fight this new virus, there is a great need for countries to take immediate actions and scale up response to treat, detect and reduce transmission to save people’s lives,” said Chaib.

She called on countries to ready emergency response systems, increase detection and care for patients, ensure hospitals have sufficient space, supplies and personnel, and develop life-saving medical interventions.

March 15, 2020

With rising COVID-19 deaths, Europe becomes epicenter of pandemic

The chief of World Health Organization (WHO) said Friday in Geneva that Europe has now become the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, with more reported cases and deaths than the rest of the world combined, apart from China.

At a daily briefing, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that more cases are being reported every day in Europe than in China at the height of its epidemic.

Calling it “a tragic milestone” that 5,000 people died of COVID-19 worldwide, as more than 132,000 cases have been reported to WHO from 123 countries and regions, he urged all to take a comprehensive approach to contain the spreading virus.

“Any country that looks at the experience of other countries with large epidemics and thinks ‘that won’t happen to us’ is making a deadly mistake,” he warned.

MORE DEATHS

On Friday, Italy, the worst hit country in Europe, reported 250 new deaths from the coronavirus, bringing the country’s death toll to 1,266.

A total of 14,955 people have tested positive for the coronavirus since the epidemic first emerged in northern Italy on Feb. 21.

France said 18 people diagnosed with the coronavirus died on Friday, bringing its death toll to 79, while the confirmed cases rose to 3,661 on Friday from 2,876 on Thursday.

Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said the government has decided to lower the size limit for gatherings to 100 people from the previous 1,000, in order to “slow down” the spread of the virus and the ban will apply throughout the national territory.

In Spain, the number of coronavirus cases had risen from around 3,200 on Thursday to 4,334 on Friday, with 122 deaths. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Friday placed the country on a “state of alert”.

The number of deaths in the Netherlands rose from five to ten in one day, while the number of people who tested positive for the virus increased by 190 to 804 on Friday.

Switzerland decided on Friday to close schools and ban public and private gatherings involving more than 100 people as its COVID-19 cases rose to 1,009, and death toll at nine.

Denmark announced that it would be closing its borders starting from 12:00 noon Saturday as 801 people have been infected. Until April 13, any non-resident without a valid reason for entering will be banned entry.

In Austria, as those infected topped 500, all non-essential businesses nationwide will be closed from Monday, while the closing hours of all restaurants, bars and cafes will be at 3 p.m. staring from next week. From Monday there will be flight bans for France, Spain and Switzerland.

Ireland and Luxembourg reported their first COVID-19 death respectively.

Finland confirmed 51 new cases, including one in the Finnish Defence Forces, bringing the country’s total to 161, approaching the threshold to define the outbreak as an epidemic.

In Slovenia, the number of confirmed cases rose to 141 by 2 pm on Friday, while three new cases had been confirmed in Lithuania, making the total number to six.

DRASTIC MEASURES

With the fast spread of COVID-19, European countries were joining Italy in adopting intensified measures to curb the disease, including closing schools, declaring national emergency and closing borders.

Two German states — Saarland and Bavaria — on Friday announced closures of all schools and day-care facilities for children.

The number of confirmed cases in Germany amounted to 3,062 as of Friday afternoon, according to Robert Koch Institute, the disease control authority. So far, five people in Germany have died from the disease, all of them older than 67.

The Bulgarian National Assembly, the country’s parliament, declared a nationwide state of emergency Friday, taking effect immediately and be in force for one month.

Nurseries, kindergartens, schools, universities and other educational organizations are closed and all kinds of mass events suspended.

From next Monday, Czech citizens and foreigners with permanent residence in the country will be banned from travelling abroad, while foreigners are also not allowed entry. A mandatory two-week quarantine will be imposed on Czech nationals and residents returning from 15 high risk countries, mostly in Europe.

On Friday, the biggest theme park of the Netherlands, Efteling, decided to close its doors until March 31. Universities are closed and switch to online lectures. The Dutch government has called on people to work from home as much as possible.

Greek authorities on Friday further expanded closure measures by ordering the shutdown of museums, archaeological sites, restaurants, coffee shops, bars, shopping malls and libraries nationwide, as confirmed cases climbed to 190 from 117 a day earlier.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Friday night that Budapest will close all the schools as of Monday, March 16. Hungary reported three new cases on Friday, bringing the total to 19.

Poland declared a state of emergency on Friday, ceasing all cross-border road, air and rail passenger traffic as of Sunday. The measures apply for at least 10 days, with a possible extension of another 20 days.

Non-Polish nationals will be barred entry after Saturday, while Polish nationals are allowed to enter by road and chartered flights, on the condition of a 14-day home quarantine immediately after return. Domestic traffic is to stay uninterrupted.

Malls, restaurants, clubs, bars and casinos are also closed while gatherings of over 50 people banned.

In Luxembourg City, all schools are closed. All events with the participation of over 100 people are cancelled and large gatherings should be also avoided.

Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) announced on Friday that all visitors will be subjected to a mandatory 14-day quarantine, starting from Monday March 16.

March 14, 2020

Italy imposes drastic new measures, quarantines 16 million people

Italy is closing theaters, cinemas and museums across the country as the COVID-19 outbreak continues to spread, according to a decree signed Sunday by Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte.

The drastic new measures will be in place until April 3 and will affect some 16 million people in the country’s north, including the Lombardy region and about 14 provinces in neighboring regions.

People will be barred from entering or leaving northern Italy without work-related or health-related reasons, or unless there are emergencies, Conte told the media.

Italy on Saturday saw its biggest daily increase in coronavirus cases of more than 1,200 since the outbreak began in the north of the country on Feb. 21, taking the total number of infections to 5,883.

The death toll from the virus in Italy has risen to 233 and the northern regions of Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna and Veneto account for 92 percent of recorded deaths.

March 8, 2020

Coronavirus cases rise in Europe as WHO says figure outside China hit 20,000

European countries saw the number of coronavirus cases climb on Saturday as the World Heath Organization (WHO) announced that the figure outside China already hit 20,000.

A total of 21,114 confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported by 93 countries and regions outside China as of 10:00 CET Saturday, an increase of 3,633 infections from the previous day, according to the WHO daily situation report released Saturday evening.

COUNTRIES HARDEST HIT

Italy, France and Germany were the hardest hit as their numbers of new infections soared around 1,000, 300, and 150 respectively in the day.

Italy’s health authorities on Saturday urged people to strictly follow the rules imposed to contain the spread of the coronavirus as its accumulated cases reached 5,883, including 233 deaths and 589 recoveries. The rise in new cases was 1,145 while new fatalities stood at 36.

The new rules included a ban to all cultural events, including those in cinema and theaters, unless they could guarantee “the compliance with the interpersonal safety distance of at least one meter.”

The same safety measures were also recommended to all people in their daily social life.
France confirmed on Saturday a total of 949 cases of coronavirus infection, up 336 from the previous day, and 16 deaths, according to Health General Director Jerome Salomon.

“The virus is actively spreading in certain areas that we are monitoring closely,” Salomon said, adding that France remained at “Stage 2”, or the pre-epidemic level, in the country’s epidemic alert system, which meant that the virus is not yet actively spreading all over the country.

Since Feb. 28, all gatherings which expected to draw 5,000 people in confined spaces as well as certain events in an open environment have been banned across France. Some 150 schools were shut down, involving 45,000 students and 3,000 teachers.

Local authorities especially of two heavily affected regions — l’Oise in northern France and Haut-Rhin near German borders — have ordered the closure of all educational institutions for 15 days starting from March 9.

According to Minister of Education Jean-Michel Blanquer, 155,000 students are involved in l’Oise and 127,000 in Haut-Rhin, all of whom will be able to follow “class at home”.
At the daily briefing, Salomon once again urged people, notably the children, to limit visits to elderly people, who are most vulnerable to a coronavirus infection.

He also reiterated the need to respect “simple and effective barrier gestures,” including frequent hand washing, using one-time tissues, coughing or sneezing into the elbow, avoiding handshakes and hugs.

In Germany, the German news agency dpa reported that the country’s total cases went up to around 800 on Saturday.

OTHER COUNTRIES

The Netherlands and Belgium both reported 60 new confirmed cases on Saturday, bringing their total to 188 and 169 respectively.

Austria now has 79 cases after reporting 16 new cases on Saturday, while Greece saw its number clime to 66, including 21 new cases.

The Republic of Moldova confirmed its first case while the United States European Command announced the first positive case of a U.S. service member in Europe, after a navy sailor stationed in Naples, Italy tested positive for the virus.

In Luxembourg, the Ministry of Health reported its 4th case on Saturday, which has an epidemiological link with northern Italy.

Finland reported four new cases on Saturday, bringing the country’s total to 19, while the confirmed cases in Estonia rose to ten.

Slovenia issued a decree on Saturday banning all public indoor events for 500-plus visitors, as its confirmed coronavirus cases increased by four to 12.

Romania reported three new cases on Saturday, and the country’s total rose to 12. As of noon Saturday, 16 people are currently in institutional quarantine in Romania nationwide, and 12,927 are monitored at home.

Poland reported its sixth case on Saturday, and Hungary its 5th. Malta confirmed two new cases, who were parents of a 12-year-old Italian girl, its first case.

The Portuguese government announced on Saturday the closure of some schools and institutions due to the coronavirus outbreak, while recommending the postponement of social events, as its cases rose to 21.

Ireland added one case on Saturday, bringing the total to 19, including two healthcare workers.

March 8, 2020

See-ya! A guide for greeting Hungarians

Greetings and introductions are tricky business, especially when done across borders. Even within a culture, there are several rules that need to be followed when first meeting someone. And as the resident confused person, I went ahead and tried to unconfuse myself by asking people how they like to be greeted when meeting for the first time and subsequently after.

The answers, as expected, were fairly nuanced in the sense that greetings are more individual than cultural. Personally, I, for example, hate being touched unnecessarily, so I avoid all physical contact when meeting people as much as I can help it, but that cannot be said about my whole culture since I am only one person out of a billion.

However, that is not to say that there are not certain stereotypes that you can adhere to when greeting people. If you are hanging around French people, they expect kisses, while with Germans, a handshake would probably suffice.

Read alsoMini language lesson #1: Hungarian greetings and slang

Interestingly, Hungarians do not necessarily fit into either of those categories. They lie somewhere in the middle, and if I had to, I would call them solid huggers, not opposed to handshakes, probably okay with kisses, but will strongly judge you after if you are not close enough, and by close I mean known them for a substantial amount of time.

Therefore, I would call Hungarians more like Switzerland, in the sense that they are neutral and not by how people in Switzerland greet each other as my knowledge on that topic is fairly limited. But it is essential to find the correct balance when it comes to Hungarians, especially if you are trying to make friends, and only kiss or hug if they initiate first. That is probably your best bet as Hungarians, although kind, tend to have distant personalities, so it is probably better not to get too friendly too soon.

I know it sounds like an over-complicated mess of something that probably should be the easiest thing in the world, and it might be, but take it from someone who hyperventilates while ordering food, it can be very daunting. There are intricacies in every culture that can be oftentimes overwhelming and hard to manoeuvre, especially making that first move. Therefore, greeting someone the right way is a great start. No pun intended.

Read alsoBudapest through the eyes of an American university student

March 1, 2020

Intriguing things you didn’t know about Budapest! – VIDEO

Do you know how Budapest got its name? The city that exists now is pretty young as cities go – it is 146 years old. Before that, there were three towns here – Buda, Obuda, and Pest – which were unified in 1873. Today, although unified in name, the city is divided into two halves by the River Danube. The western side of the Danube is known as Buda – quiet and residential – where you will find historic sites like the Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion. The Eastern side is known as Pest – it is lively and modern. It is the hub of Budapest’s economy and culture – home to the Hungarian parliament, some of Budapest’s most famous thermal baths, ruin bars, and everything in between.

SZÉCHENYI CHAIN BRIDGE

Széchenyi Chain Bridge is designed by Englishman William Tierney Clark. It was opened in 1849 and was the first permanent bridge across the Danube in all of Hungary. In World War II, it was destroyed by retreating German forces during the siege of Budapest, and only the towers remained. However, it was rebuilt, and it was opened again in 1949 – exactly 100 years after its inauguration.

FISHERMAN’S BASTION

Fisherman’s Bastion, built around the Mathias Church, is a Neo-Gothic terrace. It is called Fisherman’s Bastion because it looks over the Water Town, and, in medieval times, it mostly housed fishermen. Once completed in 1902, the bastion was put under the protection of the Fisherman’s Guild. The seven towers at the Bastion signify the seven Magyar tribes that settled in Hungary. The grand statue at the Bastion is of St. Stephen who became the first king of Hungary.

PARLIAMENT

The Parliament is the largest building in Hungary and the tallest in Budapest. Due to its architectural intricacies, the building is constantly undergoing construction to retain its beauty. It was inaugurated in 1896 on the 1000th anniversary of the country, but the architect that built the parliament went blind before the project was completed, and unfortunately, he never got to see the building.

Read alsoTOP Travel trends in 2020!! – PHOTOS

GREAT MARKET HALL

The Great Market Hall is the brainchild of the first Mayor of Budapest who was influenced by similar structures in Paris and London and believed that such markets were important in sustaining a rapidly growing population. It was built in 1897, and today, it is a busy hub for souvenir hunting tourists and local grocery shoppers looking for things like paprika, which is a staple ingredient in most Hungarian dishes, used for its colour and flavour. Hungarians eat half a kilogramme of paprika per person per year, which is way more than an average European.

SZÉCHENYI BATH

Budapest is known as the city of spas and boasts of over 100 spas. Széchenyi is the largest, oldest, most popular bath in Budapest. The water is considered to be medicinal, helpful in treating joint pains, arthritis, and post-traumatic injuries.

HŐSÖK TERE

Hősök Tere serves as a memorial for the seven Magyar tribes, St. Stephen, and the giant millennial monument that was built to commemorate the 1000-year anniversary of Hungary. It serves as a venue for events, and it is a meeting point and a tourist attraction today.

RUIN BARS

Szimpla Kert is the oldest ruin bar in the city. Ruin bars are a relatively recent addition to Budapest. They first popped in the early 2000s as a temporary location for bars. In fact, Szimpla Kert relocated to its current spot in 2004. The place is haphazardly decorated, characteristic of bars found in Brooklyn, London, or some parts of Berlin.

The city always has something new to offer, so step outside, take the wrong turn, and you are bound to stumble across something amazing.

For more information, check out the video:

Read alsoThe Times Expert Traveller’s guide to Budapest

March 1, 2020

Hungarian superstitions and how a foreigner sees them

Every culture has their fair share of conspiracy theories stemming from times long forgotten, a local legend if you will, practices that are still in place. As someone looking into a new culture, there are some that are new, some that have stayed the same, and some that are similar with slight changes.

The first superstition or conspiracy theory that I absolutely adore is that if you step on the back of someone’s shoe, you are going to be at their wedding – mostly because the idea that you will be important enough for someone to invite you to their special day is quite the validation. Moreover, it makes filtering out friends so much easier, and, well, at least you will get free food sometime in the future, which is as good a reason as any.

Now, my culture has nothing like this, probably because our guest lists for weddings already include everyone we have ever met – we do not need superstition to aid us in our wedding-hosting endeavours, we do it just fine all on our own.

Read alsoCrazy Christmas superstitions Hungarians believe in

Another one that I have come across a lot is making eye contact while clinking glasses or having to endure seven years of bad sex. A harsh consequence, to be sure. However, in our culture, we have a variation of this, where you should not put your drink down after saying cheers unless you have taken a sip of the drink first, or you should prepare for seven years of bad sex. I am not quite sure what the superstition and the consequence have to do with one another and how they are connected, but that is a conversation for another day and a completely different can of worms.

Rest assured, someone did point out to me recently that bad sex is still sex, so I guess there is a silver lining in every situation. So, the next time someone steps on your heel, just know that you are going to buy them dinner sometime in the future, and if you step on someone’s heel, do not apologise – say thank you because chances are, you are going to be at their wedding, saying ‘cheers, mate!’ – hopefully maintaining eye contact.

romance, couple, love, Valentine, Hungary

Read alsoHungarian traditions and superstitions on Saint Valentine’s Day

February 29, 2020

Is the air you breathe killing you? : In Budapest it might be

Air quality readings by ‘citizen scientists’ are revealing a far worse picture than that acknowledged by officials, reports Meta EEB. While official data already demonstrates that the concentrations of certain harmful substances in Budapest’s air regularly exceed air quality limit values, the measurements by Clean Air Action Group (CAAG) highlight a further problem ignored by officials: ultrafine particulate matter (UFPs).

Data collected in Budapest by CAAG suggests that air pollution in the city is far more harmful than that recorded by official measuring stations. The death rate from air pollution in Hungary is said to be the second-highest in the world, coming just behind China: about 10,000 people die prematurely in the country each year because of diseases linked to poor air quality. Although Budapest’s air can contain a vast number of UFPs, their mass is so vanishingly small that official figures, which assess air pollution by measuring the weight of pollutants contained in one cubic metre, do not capture the magnitude of the problem.

According to measurements to date, in environments with a relatively clean urban air, the average number of UFPs is around 3,000 per cubic centimetre, while on busy Budapest roads this figure is usually 30,000 to 60,000 – ten to twenty times higher. In one case it even rose as high as 470,000. The new device also shows the average diameter of the particles measured, a feat beyond the capabilities of our previous device. Along busy roads, average particle diameter ranged between 40 and 60 nanometres. The mass of these particles’ is so small that even a concentration of 500,000 particles per cubic centimetre would not result in a breach of air quality limit values in an official measuring station.

Read alsoIs the air you breathe killing you? : In Budapest it might be

Depending on their composition, ultrafine particles can also damage the brain. While airborne magnetite particles in the brain may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, some carcinogenic particles are associated with an increased risk of brain cancer. Another study has shown that UFPs can even infiltrate the placenta of pregnant women and harm the foetus.

Collecting evidence about the amount of ultrafine particles we breathe is the key to adopt adequate measures to cut air pollution and protect our health and environment. The CAAG is ready to assist local authorities to ensure that UFPs monitoring becomes a priority.

budapest_smog_fog_autumn_kató_alpár_daily_news_hungary polluted

Read alsoPoor air quality caused by dust particles reported from several cities

February 28, 2020

New Hungarian film commissioner’s policy to take on Hollywood

Csabal Káel who was appointed commissioner in September, eight months after the death of former film commissioner Andy Vajna, the Hungarian-born producer who after a legendary stint in Hollywood in the 1980s and ‘90s returned to his native country, as reported by Variety. The new commissioner seems to be determined to follow in his footsteps and build the already existing foundation, overseeing ambitious plans to integrate the Hungarian film and TV industries while boosting the capacity of what is already the second-biggest production hub in Europe, behind the U.K.

An essential first step was taken at the start of the year when the Hungarian National Film Institute was restructured so that decisions related to the production of films, TV series, and VOD content are all made under the same roof. The new system nearly doubles the amount of funding available to Hungarian producers, while also offering greater flexibility than the previous system. Under the new structure, for example, a project conceived for the big screen could be developed as a TV series instead.

The film institute is also developing a VOD platform that could solve some of the thorny issues of distribution in a market of just 10 million. Káel hopes such changes will also have a knock-on effect that stimulates more co-productions around the region. “For us, it’s all a local market,” he said, citing common cultural and historical bonds among neighbouring countries. “Not only Hungary but Central Europe.”

Read alsoHungarian film commissioner to Hollywood Reporter: ‘We have to take Central European stories more seriously’

No less important are plans to improve the capacity to service foreign productions in what’s been dubbed “Hollywood on the Danube.” Káel said that 0.15% of Hungary’s GDP comes from service work in the film and TV industries, noting that it’s “one of the highest proportions in Europe.”

That service work has come at a price, however, with Budapest studio space booked year-round. One way the new commissioner is responding to sky-high demand from large international productions is the expansion of the Mafilm Studio complex on the outskirts of Budapest, with two new soundstages expected to open in the next three years.

Another challenge will be remaining competitive in a region that has seen competitors like Poland and Romania introduces cash rebates as high as 45%. While Káel expressed an interest in raising Hungary’s 30% rebate, however, negotiations with the government are still ongoing.

However, it is part of a broader effort to ensure that Hungary can continue to enjoy a creative flourishing that in recent years has produced such visionary works as Ildikó Enyedi’s Academy Award nominee “Body and Soul” and Laszlo Nemes’ foreign-language Oscar winner “Son of Saul.”

On the agenda in the year ahead is the new commissioner’s first visit to Hollywood. Káel cited a rich tradition dating back to the days of trailblazers like Fox Studios founder William Fox and Paramount Pictures founder Adolph Zukor, both Hungarian immigrants. “It’s a good opportunity to develop our [relationship],” he said.

Read alsoGovernment film industry commissioner’s TV channel to expand progamme offering

February 26, 2020

Hungarian train among top 10 in Europe

Keleti railway station Budapest train MÁV

A Hungarian train has scored a spot in the top 10 for best sleeper trains in Europe.

The Budapest to Bucharest trains have been put on The Guardian‘s list of 10 of the best sleeper trains.

The train, which leaves in the early evening hours from Keleti station in Budapest goes to Bucharest. The train ride is over 16 hours, so naturally, people will need to sleep, and the train does not arrive in Gara de Nord until just afternoon. According to The Guardian, the sleeping arrangements on the trains are quite suitable. They also add that there may only be a restaurant car after passing the Romanian border.

Read alsoNew double-decker trains transfer Hungarian passengers from this spring

Read alsoHungarian train among top 10 in Europe

The other trains on the list are:

Brussels to Vienna, 14-hour journeys twice a week.
Helsinki to Rovaniemi, an almost 12-hour ride.
London Paddington to Penzance, a five-to-eight-hour ride, depending on a number of stops.
Madrid to Lisbon, the second shortest journey, with just 9 and a half hours of travelling.
Milan to Palermo, at least a 14-hour ride, but could take up to 22 hours based on the route.
Nice to Moscow, a two-day adventure.
Paris to Rome, another 14-hour-long train ride.
Stockholm to Narvik, which can take 18 to 20 and a half hours.
Zurich to Hamburg, another Nightjet train, like Brussels to Vienna, but this one is only 12 hours long.

February 25, 2020

Etiquette guide for new people in Hungary

The new semester has begun, and along came new people to the country. And as someone who was once new in town, I completely understand that this kind of change can be hard to deal with, especially since you are alone trying to manoeuvre a completely different environment.

In these cases, I often thank my dear friends and lifesavers, Google Maps and Google Translate. Now, both of these apps cannot be trusted blindly because they are not foolproof, but 90% of the time these are pretty reliable. But, please, do not use Google Translate to make conversation – that is my only advice.

If you are seeking to make friends and are having a hard time, you might want to hit up spots set up by Erasmus Life on their Facebook page or you can check out whatever events are happening in the city. There is also an international meeting point party every week, I am not sure about the location, though, because the previous one closed down. But for parties, Facebook is your go-to option. You can definitely hit up Morrisons for a lively pre-drinking spot at any given point.

Another foolproof way to make friends if you are specifically aiming for Hungarians is to ask for cigarettes. They are genuinely generous with their cigarettes and are bound to make conversation with you because they are, again, sociable people. Or just get in an elevator with them (Shameless Plug) because they are bound to talk to you then.

Read alsoThe Hungarian need for conversation in elevators

When it comes to conversation, it is better to learn some basic Hungarian words. Old people tend to not speak a lot of English, and they might come off as strong, but they are genuinely some of the nicest people, and they only mean the best. However, you might not want to try the grandfather’s homemade palinka if you want to not have a hangover later. Please also refrain from coming between an old lady and her flowers because no one can save you from her wrath.

Hungarians are generally nice people, very amiable and easy to talk to. I have realised that a lot of people here are very conscious of how they speak English, which is why it can be hard as a new person to adjust, but if you just seek them out and keep an open mind and not be judgmental, Hungarians are some of the most amazing people in the world. So, go out, talk to people and live your best life. I believe in you.

Read alsoEtiquette and Customs in Hungary Vol.2.

February 24, 2020

Budapest: The ideal Millennial vacation spot

Budapest has been often ignored and pushed to one side when it comes to counting European travel destinations. However, it is now being recognised as one of the most exciting cities in Europe and a great holiday spot. In fact, Budapest has been a hotspot for millennials, attracting young backpackers, long-weekenders, and hipster festival-goers alike. Kafka Desk calls Budapest a mismatch of contradictions: dramatic baroque architecture and contemporary concrete, calming thermal baths and vibrant nightlife, peaceful green parks and bustling food halls… It is not difficult to see why visitors fall in love with this treasure of a city.

Here are four reasons why millennials love Budapest:

It is ridiculously cheap to eat and drink

Millennials are nefariously famous for being interested in the wrong things. We have a bad reputation for having wrong priorities; we would rather buy avocados than a house. All joking aside, our generation is extremely conscious and confused about our financial situation – simultaneously split between saving up and wanting to explore the world. The affordability of Budapest means that cash-strapped millennials can do both, making it the perfect holiday destination for this generation.

In particular, the Hungarian capital is known for having the cheapest drinks in Europe, with the price of an average beer coming in at £0.88, and a glass of wine costing £0.91.

There is a huge array of extravagant sights & fun activities

One of this year’s biggest travel trends is the “all-amusive” holiday, which is when a holiday destination offers all of a tourist’s favourite activities and sights close together, and Budapest checks all the boxes. If it is awe-inspiring sights you are after, the city contains all sorts of amazing attractions and architecture, from the glorious gothic Parliament building to the historic Heroes’ Square, as well as the ornate St. Stephen’s Basilica and the Danube Promenade.

There are countless things to do as well: walking city tours, river cruises, museum trips, escape rooms, opera viewings, and much, much more…

Read alsoFour things to do in Hungary

The nightlife is pretty great, too

Budapest has a buzzing nightlife scene, and there is so much to do and see. There is something for everyone from romantic cosy dinner spots and intimate bars to casinos and ruin bars. All of these cater to whatever kind of vacation you are on.

The Turkish Baths give you a chance to pamper and heal

We all need a bit of R&R… and the Turkish Baths of Budapest are perfect for just that. Budapest boasts of dozens of amazing Turkish baths that are powered by the thermal springs that surround the city. Thought to have healing powers, the baths have been used by locals for centuries to relax and de-stress.

The top three Turkish Baths in Budapest to try as a tourist are Gellert, Szechenyi, and Rudas – so grab a towel and your flip-flops and head off for an afternoon of relaxation and fun.

Read alsoBudapest: The ideal Millennial vacation spot

February 23, 2020

Check out Hungarian Football star Sándor Kocsis’s best moments

Even though he is often forgotten, having to live in the shadow of Ferenc Puskas, Sandor Kocsis has held his own fairly decently, scoring goal after goal on the international stage and winning a fine haul of trophies during his later years with Barcelona. He was, after all, one of the leading lights in Hungary’s legendary team from the 1950s. Here are some of his finest moments as collected by 90 min.

Winning an Olympic Gold at the 1952 Summer Games

The final winning goals against the Swedes in the 1952 Olympic Games may have come from Puskas Ferenc and Zoltan Czibor, but it was Kocsis’s goals that powered the Mighty Magyars to the gold medals. The striker scored doubles against Turkey and Sweden, securing Hungary’s place in the final with his goals against the Swedes.

Starring in the 7-1 England Drubbing

After having lost tragically at Wembley in 1953, with a score of 6-3, the English FA asked for a rematch this time to be held in Budapest. However, instead of redeeming themselves, they lost worse than before at 7-1. Kocsis and Puskas both scored twice, alongside strikes from Mihaly Lantos, Nandor Hidegkuti, and Jozsef Toth, with Ivor Broadis scoring England’s consolation.

Pete Kornel Gogolak Hungarian American Football Player New York Giants

Read alsoHungarian soccer player changed how American football is played

Two World Cup Hat Tricks in Three Days

Kocsis belongs to an elite group consisting of just 4 people who have scored two hat tricks in World Cup matches. Other members are Just Fontaine, Gerd Muller, and Gabriel Batistuta. However, what makes Kocsis’ record more interesting is that he scored his 7 goals in a span of three days. On 17 June 1954, he thumped three past South Korea. On 20 June 1954, he knocked in four against West Germany in an emphatic 8-3 victory. Even though Hungary lost to West Germany in the final, with the score being 3-2, Kocsis finished the tournament with a whopping 11 goals.

Back to Back La Liga Titles

Even though he retired in 1956, he and Zoltan Czibor were convinced by Laszlo Kubala to join Catalan Giants Barcelona. In a team that featured Blaugrana legends like Antoni Ramallets and Luis Suarez, Kocsis helped Barça to two league titles on the trot, though his involvement as far as appearances go was minimal.

He retired in 1968, having scored 164 goals in 240 appearances for Barcelona, also winning two Fairs Cups and two Copa Del Rey titles.

Read alsoStatue of football great Sándor Kocsis unveiled at Groupama Aréna

February 21, 2020

Survey: Hungarians have least debt relative to income in Europe

Hungarians have the lowest amounts of debt relative to their incomes in a European comparison, but many still experience difficulty with paying their bills, according to a fresh survey by receivables management company Intrum.

Of the Visegrád Group countries, Hungary registered the highest score on Intrum’s financial wellbeing barometer with 6.24 points. Slovakia scored 6.19, the Czech Republic 6.16 and Poland 5.54 points on the barometer which factors in the ability to pay bills on time, credit freedom, saving for the future and financial literacy.

Read alsoFinance minister: Hungary aims to maintain fiscal discipline, reduce debt

Hungary’s relatively high score can be attributed primarily to the low volume of retail lending stock.

Hungary had the highest level of credit freedom out of all European countries.

Károly Deszpot, director of sales and business development at Intrum, said more than three-quarters of Hungarian respondents said they had not taken out any loans over the past six months, factoring in maxed-out credit cards.

The last couple of years saw an increase in the retail lending stock, mainly due to rising property prices and bigger mortgages, he said.

Read alsoThe debt of Hungarian hospitals has greatly increased

As regards the barometer’s other pillars, almost 40 percent of the survey’s Hungarian respondents said they had been late with bill payments on at least one occasion over the past six months.

Hungarians’ ability to manage their savings is slightly below the European average, while the country is ranked 12th in terms of financial literacy.

Germany registered the highest score (6.89) on the barometer, followed by Austria (6.77) and Sweden (6.72), with Greece registering the lowest score (5.30).

February 21, 2020

EU protected forests cut down in Hungary, WWF not happy

Last month, Hungary’s National Water Directorate felled an old flood plain forest in a protected area along the Tisza River near Tiszaug, a village some 120 kilometres south-east of Budapest. The EU protects parts of the area as a Natura 2000 site for providing a core breeding and resting place to rare and threatened species including black storks. Environmental group WWF has accused Hungarian authorities of illegally cutting down a forest protected by the European Union reports Euro News.

According to the WWF, flood plain forests — an area of land near the banks of a river prone to flooding — are among the most endangered habitat in Hungary with their surface having shrunk to less than 1% of what it was before river regulations came into force. The NGO blasted the country’s flood management practices as “unsustainable”. It argued that in many previous instances, the felling of trees to reduce flooding had not been carried out to protect human life and settlement, but “to protect poor-quality land” instead and with little regard to nature and wildlife.

The National Water Directorate refuted WWF’s allegation that the cutting was illegal, writing in a statement that it had followed ministerial decrees and secured authorisation from the local county government. It added that cutting down mature trees is an established policy to rejuvenate forests and that it was carried out in January not to disturb the reproductive period of the rare species who call the area home.

Read alsoHungary’s oldest forest is chopped down

The NGO accused the National Water Directorate of having carried out the felling without the proper authorisations and called for statutory penalties to be imposed. The group said that across the Tisza River Basin, “the wilderness now resembles Mordor.”

“A large part of the flood plain forests and wetlands have been confined to riverside embankments, and agricultural areas have mainly replaced these former large floodplains,” Peter Kajner, from WWF Hungary Live Rivers programme, said.

Read alsoEU protected forests cut down in Hungary, WWF not happy

February 19, 2020

Székesfehérvár among top 10 tourist destinations of Hungary

According to a survey by tourism.com, Székesfehérvár ranks among the top 10 tourist destinations in Hungary, reports the mayor.eu. The list also mentions settlements such as Balatonfüred, Zalakaros, Hévíz, Debrecen, Eger and Veszprém and hence, Székesfehérvár seems to be in good company.

Tourism has taken a stride in the past ten years, having increased by 174%, aided by the stable and strong performance of the local economy. The Mayor of the city believes the 2013 St. Stephen’s Memorial Year to be the real breakthrough.

The renewed Main Street and the high-quality programs of the Royal Days Festival have given new impetus and space to cultural and community life. The momentum has continued since thanks to the easy accessibility, unique cityscape and rich historical heritage of Székesfehérvár.

Read alsoBig Cities in Hungary – 5 facts you may not know about Székesfehérvár – PHOTO GALLERY

“With large-scale developments, we have been able to give a boost not only to business and sports tourism but also mark major achievements in cultural tourism,” says Székesfehérvár mayor Dr András Cser-Palkovics, quoted by szekesfehervar.hu.

The cultural life of the city has significantly expanded in the past five years, in lieu of the two new institutions: the Alba Regia Symphony Orchestra and the Ballet Theater of Székesfehérvár. There are ongoing renovations in the convent building of the King Stephen’s Museum, under the Árpád House program and the museum will reopen in 2022 with the exhibition Kings and Saints – The Age of the Árpáds.

Moreover, great emphasis is placed on leisure with the rehabilitation of the Salt Lake Nature Reserve now completed.

The city also has a bunch of sporting events and festivals taking place in the summer. Like In May, the city will host the last Hungarian leg of the Giro d’Italia Road Bike Competition. And in August the Szekesfehervar Royal Days awaits its visitors with its colourful bustle and big dolls.

The survey was presented at the 28th Tourism Season Opening Gala in Budapest on 1 February 2020.

Read alsoSzékesfehérvár joins the contest for European Capital of Culture

February 14, 2020

Could she be the new Hungarian supermodel and actress star?

After being spotted kissing rapper G-Eazy at the Elton John AIDS Foundation viewing party, Livia Pillmann, who is a Hungarian model, is suddenly getting a lot of buzz reports Hollywood Life. Elton John famously hosts the viewing party during Oscar weekend.

There is heavy speculation that Livia Pillmann is dating G-Eazy, a rapper famous for songs like Him and I which features the singer Halsey, who also has Hungarian roots on her mother’s side and was dating him for over a year before he cheated. There is still confusion whether Pillmann and Eazy came together or separately, but they were definitely seen sharing a sweet kiss at the party.

While everyone waits for confirmation from the two parties, here are five facts about Livia:

Livia Pillman is a model and actress.

Born in Hungary, the model is signed to The Industry Agency in LA and has done all types of modelling from commercial to high fashion. She has also appeared in a hoard of fashion magazines including Elle Hungary, Glamour, Italian Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar España, as well as a commercial for Jeep. She also does a lot of swimwear shooting, as seen on her personal Instagram.

Read alsoWorld-famous Hollywood actresses with Hungarian ancestors! – PHOTOS

She appeared in a music video with Ty Dolla Sign.

Livia appeared in the music video for Dinah Jane’s hit single Bottled Up, alongside Ty Dolla sign and Marc E. Bassy who are both featured on the song. She also posted an Instagram picture with both of them.

Livia was linked to the actor Jesse Metcalfe.

After photos emerged showing the two getting cosy together in West Hollywood, there were rumours that she was dating the desperate housewives alum in late January 2020. They were spotted hugging and holding hands around the same time Jesse split from his fiancée, Cara Santana, who he was with for over a decade. Before Jesse and Livia were seen together, she shared a photo of them on December 22 from a photoshoot.

She is or was a student.

According to the bio page on Metro Models’ official website, the agency she is believed to have been signed to before industry, Livia studied alternative healing methods in India to understand how people think, act, and feel, to enable our full potential. The bio also states that she had acting course(s) in New York City.

When Livia is not modelling, she loves to stay active

She enjoys yoga and meditation, and is a Karma Healer and Teacher, according to Metro Models.

Jennifer Lawrence Éminence Hungarian cosmetics

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February 13, 2020