Hungary

For the first time in 12 years: the Hungarian handball team plays in the semi-finals of the European Championship

Hungary’s women’s handball team has made a significant achievement by securing a spot in the semi-finals of the 2024 Women’s EHF EURO Championship, marking their first appearance in this stage of the tournament in 12 years.

This milestone was reached following a decisive 37-29 victory over Romania on December 8, 2024, which solidified their position after winning all six matches in the tournament thus far.

The Hungarian team showcased strong performances throughout the competition, including earlier victories against Sweden (32-25) and North Macedonia (29-19), demonstrating their dominance in the group stage.

Their consistent play has been attributed to effective teamwork and strategic adjustments made by coach Vladimir Golovin, who emphasized the importance of maintaining composure and focus during matches. Golovin said to EHF: “We are really happy that after the sixth game in this tournament we already know that we are in the semi-finals. We worked a lot, really hard, in the past few years, and we are really proud of the team and of the girls. Of course, we would like to thank the fans because the atmosphere was fantastic tonight and they pushed us.”

After the qualification, the national captain told NSO:

“It’s the same game as the others. Everyone knows what their job is, nothing is given for free to anyone, if we want something we have to get it. External factors obviously influence the team, but the main thing is that in those forty times twenty metres up on the pitch everyone just concentrates on what they have to do and we have managed to do that not only now but in all the matches so far. They know what they want, what they have to do to achieve it. Of course, you can’t always succeed, it’s not a machine, it’s not players, it’s people, but they keep supporting each other whatever happens. Nothing works without concentration, and we need that in the next game, and then the next one. France is the next task, the girls will get the video footage of them late at night, they will watch it in the morning and study it. On Monday afternoon we have a training session, we do video, we prepare as we have done so far, but we only deal with the French. I know that everyone is calculating who from the other semi-final group will make it to the semi-finals, but nothing is certain at the moment, it might only be the last round on Wednesday that decides whether it’s Denmark or Norway, but we’re not looking that far ahead.”

As they prepare for the semi-finals, Hungary will face Montenegro in Debrecen. The team has expressed gratitude to their fans for their support and looks forward to continuing their successful run in the championship.

Group I. Standing
1. MAGYARORSZÁG 4 4 – – 126–95 +31 8
2. Franciaország 4 4 – – 127–97 +30 8
3. Montenegró 4 2 – 2 100–110 –10 4
4. Románia 4 1 – 3 104–117 –13 2
5. Svédország 4 1 – 3 108–113 –5 2
6. Lengyelország 4 – – 4 96–129 –33 0

read also: Incredible! Veszprém wins IHF Men’s Club World Championship – PHOTOS

EU Presidency: Hungarian Agriculture Minister points to importance of farmer-friendly policy after 2027

Agriculture Minister István Nagy highlighted the importance of a farmer-focused, farmer-friendly common agricultural policy in the period after 2027 ahead of a meeting of his European Union peers in Brussels on Monday.

Nagy, who is chairing the Agriculture and Fisheries Council as Hungary holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU, said the text approved by the Council acknowledged the need to boost farming productivity, while ensuring living standards for farmers, stabilising markets and guaranteeing affordable prices for consumers.

He said a discussion of fishing opportunities in the Mediterranean and Black Seas would takes place at the meeting, adding that quotas established on the basis of scientific results were “extraordinarily low”.

Reports will also be delivered on a forest monitoring framework, biomass-based development and the BIOEAST initiative for cooperation on food security and agricultural sustainability in Central and Eastern Europe, he said. The ministers will also hear the results of a European apiculture sector conference, he added.

The two-day Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting will be the last during Hungary’s EU presidency.

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Two Hungarians featured on Europol’s most wanted list

Europol launched its 2024 Most Wanted campaign with two Hungarian nationals on the list, the Police Investigative Office said on the police.hu website on Monday.

Europol’s most wanted list – media campaign

The annual media campaign organised by Europol and the European Network of Fugitive Active Search Teams (ENFAST) this year focuses on killers, police.hu said.

One of the Hungarians is wanted for attempted manslaughter and the other for manslaughter.

Engelbert Balogh is wanted for stabbing a man in the stomach in the heat of an argument in 2022, the statement said.

Crime Attempted: Murder
Sex: Male
Approximate height: 172 cm
Eye colour: Brown
Identifiers Arm(s) – Tattoo(s) Picture Hand(s) – Tattoo(s) Mark
Date of birth: December 3, 1993 (31 years)
Nationality: Hungarian
Ethnic origin: European
Spoken languages: German, Hungarian
State of case: Ongoing investigation
published on November 22, 2024, last modified on November 22, 2024

On the evening of 5 October 2022, the 31-year-old man was in Tatabánya, in the basement storage room of a staircase of a residential building in the Sárberk housing estate, with his friends: two men and two women. During the night, he got into an argument with one of the men and stabbed the victim in the abdomen with a knife during the disagreement. The man was taken to hospital in a life-threatening condition, and his life was saved only thanks to rapid medical intervention. Engelbert Balogh is charged with attempted murder. However, the young man has escaped prosecution and is hiding from the authorities. It is also possible that he is abroad, and the police have issued him both European and international arrest warrants.

Two Hungarians featured on Europol's most wanted list
Two Hungarians featured on Europol’s most wanted list: Engelbert Balogh

János Gál has been wanted since September 2024, on suspicion of having stabbed his wife and mother-in-law on September 11. His wife died, the statement said.

Crime: Murder, grievous bodily injury
Sex: Male
Approximate height: 175 cm
Eye colour: Brown
Identifiers Arm(s) – Tattoo(s) Abstract Design
Date of birth: March 25, 1982 (42 years)
Nationality: Hungarian
Ethnic origin: European
Spoken languages: Hungarian
State of case: Ongoing investigation
published on November 25, 2024, last modified on November 25, 2024

It is suspected that the 42-year-old man stabbed his wife and mother-in-law with a knife in Hajdúböszörmény on the evening of 11 September. The 32-year-old woman suffered injuries so severe that she could not be saved and died on the spot, while her 55-year-old mother was taken to hospital by paramedics. The perpetrator fled the scene, taking his wife and their child with him. The police found the 4-year-old boy unharmed at the home of an acquaintance of the man, but the father had escaped. He has not been found since. He may have fled abroad and is also wanted on European and international arrest warrants.

Help the police with information

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of either of them is asked to contact the police. And please also check the Europol Most Wanted page to see if you recognise any fugitives and remember seeing them. More than 50 wanted fugitives could be found anywhere in the world. Help the police and take a look at the photos! Don’t let those with blood on their hands go free!

read also: A former policewoman is on police wanted list in Hungary for refusing military service

Festive Hungarian Music in Delhi

Gopalan Rajamani, Guest Author

On December 2, 2024, the Liszt Institute – Hungarian Cultural Centre Delhi, in collaboration with the Neemrana Music Foundation, hosted an evening of ‘Festive Hungarian Music’.  It was an unforgettable evening of Hungarian music, filled with the harmony of timeless masterpieces by Zoltán Kodály, Franz Liszt, Frederic Chopin, Franz Lehár, Bála Bartók, Emmerich Kálmán and József Karai.

Festive Hungarian Music in Delhi

The Neemrana Music Foundation is a non-profit organisation that promotes Western classical music in India. Its mission is to disseminate lyrical and symphonic repertoires in India and mold young singers and musicians into professional artists.

The evening began with a warm speech by Dr. Marianne Erdő, the Director of the Liszt Institute in New Delhi, setting the stage for an inspiring journey into the world of Hungarian and classical music.

The Neemrana Music Foundation choir opened the event with Zoltán Kodály’s soul-warming “Esti dal,” which captivated the audience with its serene beauty. This was followed by a breathtaking solo performance of Franz Liszt’s “La Campanella” by the fantastic pianist Andrey Demidenko, which enthralled everyone.

The evening continued with moving performances, including Darapuri Sarthak and the choir’s  “A magyarok Istene”, and Cheryl Bains’ emotional performance of “Pace non trovo”. Every note resonated with emotion and passion, creating a magical atmosphere.

Under the masterful direction of Gabriella Boda Rechner, the collaboration with Neemrana Music Foundation uniquely combined Hungarian and Indian talents, enchanting the audience. Gabriella Boda-Rechner is an outstanding Hungarian choir conductor and one of the leading Kodály Method specialists internationally.

Cheryl Bains, from India, is an operatically trained Soprano and a classical-crossover artist. She is a graduate of the Manhattan School of Music, New York. Sarthak Darapuri, a well-trained Baritone, regaled the audience.

 

The Festive Hungarian Music event ended with József Karai’s “Ugrótánc” by the choir and piano by the ace Pianist Andrej Demidenko.

Read this article in HINDI here: दिल्ली में उत्सवी हंगेरियन संगीत

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Amrita Sher-Gil Cultural Centre marks 15 years of India-Hungary cultural ties – details and PHOTOS

Freedom Run 4.0: Celebrating Hungary’s Heroes in India – Photos

Budapest’s housing crisis in focus: What about the worsening situation in Debrecen?

Debrecen

As Hungary’s housing crisis dominates the headlines, the focus remains firmly on Budapest, where rental costs consume up to 60% of monthly incomes. However, the overlooked city of Debrecen faces its affordability struggles, with a house price-to-income ratio consistently worse than the capital’s for much of the past decade.

Everyone focuses on Budapest

As G7 writes, the housing crisis in Budapest has reached critical levels, with rental costs consuming 50–60% of monthly incomes, according to Hungary’s Ministry of National Economy. Responding to Airbnb’s call to protect hosts’ rights, the Ministry of National Economy attributed surging property and rental prices partly to Airbnb-driven investments.

budapest property real estate housing residential area university apartment hotel inflation
Budapest, Hungary. Source: depositphotos.com

To tackle affordability, the government unveiled plans to ban new short-term rentals in Budapest for two years starting in 2025, quadruple flat taxes on private accommodations, regulate rental fees, and revive the stalled Budapest Diákváros dormitory project. Critics argue the government’s sudden focus is politically motivated, with elections looming in 2026, and point to its prior neglect of the housing crisis. Meanwhile, opposition leaders, including Gergely Karácsony, face accusations of failing to fulfil earlier housing promises, adding to the contentious debate.

Debrecen remains overlooked

The Hungarian National Bank’s latest report on the housing market challenges the government’s focus on Budapest’s housing crisis, revealing nuanced data on affordability across Hungary. While Budapest has seen significant price increases in recent years, affordability has improved since 2021, with the capital’s housing market faring better than several European cities like Berlin and Sofia. Interestingly, Debrecen, often overlooked in government narratives, has a house price-to-income ratio that has consistently been worse than Budapest’s for much of the past decade. Additionally, while rents remain a concern in Budapest, the affordability of rental properties compares favourably internationally. This highlights the complexity of housing challenges across Hungary and raises questions about the government’s selective prioritisation of affordability issues.

Debrecen
Photo: depositphotos.com

Mind-blowing increases in 2025

Housing affordability in Hungary, including in Debrecen, faces potential challenges by 2025, with experts predicting property price increases of up to 20%, outpacing projected wage growth of 7–8%. This trend, highlighted by Habitat, underscores the need for systemic solutions rather than short-term fixes. The NGO advocates for targeted support measures, such as rent subsidies, municipal housing, and strengthening social rental systems, to address the disparity between rising housing costs and slower income growth. Without sustainable reforms, affordability issues will likely persist, affecting cities like Debrecen as much as Budapest.

Read also:

Featured image: depositphotos.com

Junior ruling KDNP re-elected Zsolt Semjén as leader

Zsolt Semjén was re-elected for five years as the leader of the junior ruling Christian Democratic People’s Party (KDNP) on Sunday in Budapest at the party’s national caucus meeting.

“If there is no strong KDNP, there is no strong Fidesz-KDNP alliance, and there is no victory in 2026,” Semjén said in a speech.

“If there is no Orbán government in Hungary, then the entire fight against the left-liberal, Brussels world will collapse, because we are the intellectual, central force of the Patriots and the sovereigntist, Christian line,” he added.

Zsolt Semjén KNDP
Photo: FB/Zsolt Semjén

He said KDNP as a party has been able to exist for 80 years because it stands on the spiritual foundations of the founding fathers and represents eternal truth in the everyday world.

On Sunday, János Latorcai was elected president of the national caucus, Csaba Latorcai executive vice president and Imre Vejkey party prosecutor.

Zsolt Semjén KDNP national caucus
Photo: FB/Zsolt Semjén

Read also:

  • BREAKING: Mystery Syrian plane landed at Budapest Airport, Assad seeking Trump’s help from Budapest? – read more HERE

Top Hungary news: Assad in Budapest, students’ paradise in South Pest, German pensioners – 8 December, 2024

We’ve rounded up the top Hungary news from today; check them out below!

Featured Hungary news

  • Mystery Syrian plane landed at Budapest Airport, Assad seeking Trump’s help from Budapest? – read the details in THIS article
  • Chuck Norris joins Hungarian charity drive Good to be Good
  • CNN: U.S. Supreme Court considers legal path for Holocaust survivors to reclaim stolen property in Hungary – read more about the issue HERE
  • Budapest is one of the best destinations for working remotely at Christmas – details HERE
Santa Run in Budapest Hungary news
Santa Run in Budapest. Photo: MTI

Society

Hungarian economy

Budapest is one of the best destinations for working remotely at Christmas

As the holiday season approaches, remote workers have a unique opportunity to blend work with festive travel. However, finding the perfect destination that offers both reliable connectivity and Christmas charm can be a challenge.

To help with this, we’ve ranked the 48 best Christmas destinations that beautifully marry work and holiday spirit. Our criteria include essential factors such as connectivity and work environment—think broadband speeds, co-working spaces, free Wi-Fi, and available work desks in accommodations—alongside affordability (like Airbnb costs and public transport), vibrant nightlife, cozy coffee shops and eateries, shopping options, a festive atmosphere, and overall safety. With this guide, you can discover your ideal Christmas getaway that fits your work needs and holiday spirit.”

Budapest among your best options if you want to work remotely at Christmas

  • Croatia’s Dubrovnik emerges as the surprise winner, offering an optimal balance of strong connectivity, reasonable costs, and festive atmosphere.
  • Eastern European cities dominate the top 10, with Prague, Krakow and Budapest all securing high rankings due to their combination of affordability and holiday spirit.
Budapest Advent Bazilika hungary news
Photo: depositphotos.com
  • Despite high costs, traditional Christmas destinations like Edinburgh and Bruges still rank in the top 10 thanks to exceptional festive offerings.
  • Asian cities Kyoto and Hong Kong make appearances in the top 11, showcasing strong connectivity (Hong Kong) and fun and unique Christmas experiences (both).
  • Budget-friendly destinations tend to rank better, with seven of the top 10 cities offering below-average costs for accommodation and daily expenses.

Top Ranked Christmas Destinations for Remote Work

This map and the ranking shows the top Christmas travel destinations for working remotely, with one representing the best. If you’re curious, below the table is a breakdown of all the factors we took into account in each category when putting together our ranking.

best christmas destinations for those working remotely
Source: press release

Where Can You Stay Connected While Celebrating?

The highest-ranking holiday destinations for connectivity and work environment demonstrate that reliable internet and productive workspaces don’t have to come at the expense of Christmas spirit. London leads this category with its modern infrastructure and high number of coworking spaces and free WiFi spots for digital nomads.

New York City is in second place, also with strong scores in the coworking spaces and free WiFi categories in addition to having some of the best internet speeds. Las Vegas follow closely with its impressive broadband internet speeds.

Notable Mentions:

  • Most coworking spaces (per capita): London, Frankfurt, Colmar
  • Fastest internet speeds: Las Vegas, Hong Kong, New York City
  • Most free WiFi spots: Athens, London, New York City

What Are the Most Affordable Christmas Getaways for Remote Workers?

Eastern European cities dominate the affordability rankings, offering excellent value for accommodation, transportation and daily expenses. Budapest dominates the affordability category overall, but among the top three, Warsaw stands out for its reasonable Airbnb pricing.

All three — Budapest, Bratislava and Warsaw — are hard to beat in terms of internet costs, beer prices and public transportation costs, though Shanghai is the cheapest for the latter and Athens takes the gold for the best-priced beer.

Cost Highlights:

  • Most affordable Airbnbs: Hong Kong, Tallinn, Warsaw
  • Cheapest internet (60 mbps+): Krakow, Warsaw, Budapest
  • Best public transport costs: Shanghai, Warsaw, Budapest, Bratislava
tram budapest christmas
Advent tram in Budapest. Photo: MTI

Where Can You Enjoy the Most Fun This Christmas?

The “Fun” category considers not just traditional Christmas activities but year-round entertainment that remote workers can enjoy after hours, contributing to a healthy worklife balance. Dubrovnik got the best score thanks to its high number of eateries, coffee shops and nightclubs per capita.

Other cities with relatively small populations and a seemingly endless choice of things to do – Reykjavik and Bruges – take second and third place respectively. Kyoto also scores particularly well here, with its intriguing blend of natural beauty, historical charm and modern entertainment options.

Entertainment Highlights:

  • Most nightlife venues (per capita): Dubrovnik, New Orleans, Bruges
  • Most culinary options (per capita): Dubrovnik, Kyoto, Las Vegas
  • Most coffee shops (per capita): Dubrovnik, Kyoto, Edinburg

Which Cities Are the Best for Holiday Gift Shopping and Festive Experiences?

Traditional European Christmas destinations excel in this category, with their centuries-old Christmas markets and elaborate light displays. The top five contains several cities renowned for their dazzling Christmas markets and “winter wonderland” vibes, including London, Edinburgh, Vienna and Strasbourg.

Dubrovnik once again makes it into the top five with its abundance of shopping centers and gift shops per capita. This and the city’s affordability (it ranks at number six in the “cost” category) make it the ideal Christmas getaway for busy workers to catch up on last-minute shopping.

Shopping & Festive Highlights:

  • Most Christmas markets Google searches: Edinburgh, Vienna, Strasbourg, Prague
  • Most Christmas lights Google searches: London, New York City, Las Vegas
  • Most gift shops (per capita): Dubrovnik, Bruges, Reykjavik

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Cheap living or political refuge? Discover why German pensioners are moving to Hungary!

German pensioners adore Hungary

In recent years, an increasing number of German pensioners have decided to leave their home country and move to Hungary. This is due to economic and political dissatisfaction in German society, as well as the attraction of Hungary’s lower cost of living and political stability.

Hungary is an increasingly popular destination for German retirees, especially those seeking a lower cost of living and a more relaxed lifestyle. In 2022, there were more than 22,000 German citizens living in the country, a significant proportion of them belonging to the older generation. They are attracted not only by the cheap real estate and the pleasant climate but also by Hungary’s political climate, which appeals to them in particular with its anti-immigration rhetoric.

German pensioners adore Hungary
Photo: depositphotos.com

Personal stories

According to Reuters, Andre Iwan’s relationship with Hungary dates back to the 1990s, when he bought land on the shores of Lake Balaton. The original plan was to spend their retirement here, but changes in Germany accelerated the move. The Iwan family’s decision is not unique; many feel that frustration with high taxes and immigration policies in Germany makes a comfortable retirement impossible.

Jürgen Wichert, another German retiree, also found a new home on the shores of Lake Balaton. He also emphasised the ideological aspects: he supports conservative policies and sympathises with leaders such as Viktor Orbán and Donald Trump. Wichert believes that Germany’s middle class needs to suffer an economic downturn for political change to take place. These personal experiences show that migration decisions are motivated not only by economic factors but also by political and ideological considerations.

Although more and more German retirees are moving to Hungary, the country’s younger generations are often moving in the opposite direction, to Western Europe in search of better opportunities. This dichotomy highlights the complexity of migration processes and the different economic situations in European countries.

budapest night life party europe hungary news
Photo: depositphotos.com

The political and media fallout

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s hardline anti-immigration policy is a major attraction for those in Germany who are unhappy with liberal politics there. The far-right media portray Hungary as a model of conservatism and order, which further increases interest in the country. However, experts point out that this idealised image does not always reflect reality, as Hungary has a crime rate similar to Germany’s and one of the lowest life satisfaction rates in Europe. In addition, the pandemic, economic turmoil and war have heightened fears and led people to seek stability in countries such as Hungary. Sociologists argue that this is less about objective security and more about the perception of finding order amid chaos.

For retirees like Andre Iwan and Jürgen Wichert, Hungary offers the prospect of a new start, where economic advantages, a favourable climate and political stability combine to create an attractive package. At the same time, these decisions raise deeper questions about identity, European values and immigration. For Hungary’s new residents, this country is not only a home, but also a symbol of the order and stability they seek, and a place where they hope to enjoy a fulfilling retirement.

Read also:

Featured image: depositphotos.com

Peace requires strength, Hungarian defence minister says in Bahrain

Conflicts across the world pose a great security challenge for Hungary, the defence minister said on Sunday, and noted the increased significance of dialogue.

Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky attended the 20th Regional Security Conference in Bahrain, where he presented the Hungarian position calling for a ceasefire and peace talks in the war in Ukraine.

The war must be stopped and peace achieved, the minister said. “Peace requires strength; we keep working on it,” he added.

Read also:

  • CNN: U.S. Supreme Court considers legal path for Holocaust survivors to reclaim stolen property in Hungary

Another unstaffed 24/7 smart shop may open in 2025 in Szeged

Szeged may see Hungary’s second unstaffed 24/7 smart shop in 2025 if Coop can carry out its plans, János Kelemen, the CEO and President of the company, told Délmagyar. The first unstaffed Hungarian grocery store opened at the Fény utca market and is run by the Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta. Therefore, it does not generate a profit. Consequently, the Szeged grocery store can become Hungary’s first profitable unstaffed shop.

Unstaffed 24/7 smart shop may open in 2025

According to Telex, the Coop unit in Szeged’s Szent István Square can become Hungary’s second unstaffed grocery store, which may be ready in 2025. The store has been revamped, and after its reopening, customers noticed that traditional cashier’s desks have been removed to give space for self-service desks. For now, those are staffed so customers can pay there just like they usually do. However, that may change soon.

János Kelemen, the CEO and President of Coop said that they would like to open the first unstaffed Coop unit by early 2025 in Szeged. Sharing more details on the issue would be unresponsible, he added.

Telex wrote that the unstaffed Coop grocery stores could be open 24/7, but the company did not share any information concerning the exact technology they would operate.

In the Czech Republic, the first unstaffed Coop units were opened in 2022. Customers can shop there with a face-recognising app and cannot pay with cash. However, the system allows you to shop even on Sunday night or early morning on Friday since they are always open.

Lukáš Němčík said that 24/7 unstaffed grocery stores are especially popular in rural areas because they allow locals to purchase the essentials without driving to a supermarket. In case of emergency, customers can call the remote security officer.

Another unstaffed smart store in Budapest

According to an RTL Klub report, Hungary’s first unstaffed grocery shop opened at Budapest’s Fény utca market. The operator is the Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta, and they sell the products of the charity service employees who work in the poorest Hungarian villages.

The charity service does not regard their grocery store as a business branch. Instead, they believe it is helping poorer families and buyers as well. Tamás Romhányi, the communications director of the charity, said their Fény utca market store does not generate profit.

Another unstaffed 24-7 smart shop may open in 2025 in Szeged
The first unstaffed shop in Hungary. Photo: PrtScr/RTL Klub

This shop is still one-of-a-kind in Hungary, and its operation teaches lessons to everybody planning to copy the initiative. The shop sells various products, from handmade cheese to syrups. You can shop there with the help of an app. If you take a product from the shelf, the system automatically adds it to your basket. If you put it down, the product will be deleted. You can pay with your phone or debit card.

Here are some more photos of the Budapest shop:

The charity service plans to open such stores in poorer and smaller villages in rural Hungary, where people can buy essentials locally.

Read also:

Accelerating EU free trade talks in interest of Hungarian economy

Accelerating EU free trade negotiations and better implementation of existing agreements is important for Hungary’s government, as a pillar of the country’s competitiveness is expanding its exports to non-EU countries, Katalin Bihari, a deputy state secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, said at a conference in Budapest on Friday.

Addressing the Market Access Day conference organised by the ministry, the European Commission and the Hungarian Export Promotion Agency (HEPA), Bihari said the EU’s free trade agreements could pave the way for Hungarian companies to reach dynamically growing markets in a predictable manner.

Denis Redonnet, the EC’s deputy director general for trade and chief trade enforcement officer, said the EU had free trade agreements with 76 countries at present. Those trade agreements cover around 70pc of Hungary’s exports to non-EU countries, he added.

The conference aimed to foster an exchange of information and experience for companies seeking to do business on non-EU markets.

Read also:

  • Instead of hosting a Chinese university campus, South Pest may become a students’ paradise – read more HERE

CNN: U.S. Supreme Court considers legal path for Holocaust survivors to reclaim stolen property in Hungary

US Supreme Court

The Supreme Court is weighing a pivotal case on whether Holocaust victims can sue Hungary in U.S. courts over property seized during World War II, sparking debate on sovereign immunity and the limits of international litigation.

Can the families sue Hungary?

As CNN reports, the Supreme Court has expressed scepticism over whether Holocaust victims and their families can sue Hungary in U.S. courts for property stolen during World War II. During a hearing on Tuesday, justices from across the ideological spectrum raised concerns that allowing such cases could open the floodgates to similar international litigation.

The case, which has been in contention for nearly 15 years, centres on whether an exception to the rule against suing foreign governments applies. The plaintiffs argue that Hungary seized their property during the Holocaust, later using the proceeds in U.S. transactions, thereby connecting the case to American jurisdiction. However, the justices appeared divided on the broader implications, with no clear consensus emerging from the session.

US Supreme Court
Photo: depositphotos.com

A labyrinth of questions and concerns

The Supreme Court deliberated on whether an exception to sovereign immunity permits Holocaust victims to sue Hungary in U.S. courts for property seized during World War II. Sovereign immunity typically protects nations from such lawsuits, but U.S. law includes an exception for cases involving expropriated property tied to the United States. The families argue that funds Hungary obtained from liquidating stolen property were partially spent in the U.S., warranting the exception. However, Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh expressed scepticism, questioning the scope of the exception and raising concerns about foreign policy repercussions. Kavanaugh noted that no other nation allows such lawsuits, emphasising the potential international ramifications of the ruling.

Tracing funds through decades of transactions?

The Supreme Court exhibited reservations across ideological lines regarding the lawsuit by Holocaust victims against Hungary for expropriated property. Justice Sonia Sotomayor questioned the plausibility of tracing funds through decades of transactions, describing it as a “fiction.” Justices Elena Kagan and Samuel Alito expressed concerns about allowing foreign nations to evade scrutiny by commingling stolen assets with general funds, with Kagan warning it could create a “roadmap” for impunity.

Alito downplayed fears of reciprocal lawsuits against the U.S., while Justice Brett Kavanaugh raised concerns about exposure to historical claims. The case, Hungary v. Simon, originally filed in 2010 and previously reviewed by the Supreme Court, has returned following a federal appeals court ruling in favour of the families. A final decision is expected next year.

Read also:

Featured image: depositphotos.com

5 top things to do when travelling in Hungary

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Things to Do in Hungary:

1. Taste Hungarian Cuisine

Tasting the local cuisine is one of the most authentic ways you can sample the culture in Hungary.

Whether you opt for goulash, chicken paprikash, or chimney cake, tasting these dishes is sure to give you a snapshot of how Hungarian food has captured people’s hearts across the nations.

If you want to try your hand at cooking Hungarian cuisine from home, you can browse bookshops like Waterstones for cookbooks to inspire you to become an amateur Hungarian chef.

Additionally, if you want to truly reflect the traditional methods of Hungarian cooking, you could invest in a goulash kettle that is traditionally used for cooking and serving goulash. Small things like this can really help to bring Hungarian culture alive into your home.

2. Study a Course

As you’re travelling and taking in the incredible views across Hungary, why not take the opportunity to study whilst you travel? 

If you opt for a distance learning degree, you will be able to work flexibly, prioritising your travel itinerary, so you can take in all the sights at your own pace. 

High quality providers like Signum Magnum College have a range of courses designed to fit around your daily commitments, whether you’re just starting out with an undergraduate degree, or progressing towards a doctorate. 

3. Visit Budapest

The capital city of Hungary, Budapest is known for its historical architecture, museums and art and extensive cultural history. 

Whether you decide to explore the Danube river on a sightseeing cruise, visit St Stephen’s Basilica, or experience a spa, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. 

Flowing through ten countries, the Danube is an important historical artefact of the Roman Empire and a site of cultural importance as the second largest river in Europe. Take a look for yourself to marvel at its spectacular scenery!

Budapest is also known for its nightlife so you can make the most of bar crawls through the city, with cheap delicious drinks and wonderful views, it’s the perfect place to let your hair down.

4. Explore Hungary’s Cultural History

Folklore is an important part of Hungarian culture, and you won’t need to look far to find folk tales. Additionally, spas are a huge part of the culture in Hungary, with readily available thermal springs that can be found across 80% of Hungary’s land. 

A huge part of utilising these thermal springs comes in the form of public baths, which are widely available, and are used for treating a variety of ailments, as well as for general therapeutic use.

The Rubik’s Cube was invented in Hungary in 1977, gaining widespread popularity and global fame, but more traditional Hungarian games include Ulti (a card game), and Button football.

5. Visit Some Natural Beauty Spots

As well as the thermal springs, Hungary is also host to some beautiful landscapes that are great for those who are a fan of the great outdoors. 

Take in the sights of Lake Balaton, the Aggtelek National Park, and the Hortobagy National Park with your favourite walking shoes and a hot drink of your choice.

Do you have any tips for travelling to Hungary? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

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Hungary’s public administration is an example to Congo, DRC minister said

Hungary’s public administration is an example to Congo, Guy Loando Mboyo, the DRC’s minister for regional planning, said in Budapest, adding that his country had learned much from studying the Hungarian model and sought to deepen cooperation.

Speaking on Thursday at the press conference with Csaba Latorcai, parliamentary state secretary of the public administration and regional development ministry, the minister noted that the vast territory of Congo only since 2007 had come under unified public administration system, and the country was keen to get Hungarian help in finalising DRC’s regional development plan.

He praised Hungary’s “single-window” one-stop-shop for the public to manage various documents such as IDs and passports, including a mobile version of the single window, as well as its motorway vignette and toll system. Whereas DRC already operates digital administration, only a small proportion of the population can use it, so it needs serious development, he added.

Mboyo also mentioned other areas of potential cooperation such as higher education scholarships, research development, the development and financing of independent regional development projects, environmental protection, and accessing special European Union funds for sustainable development.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is the beating heart of Africa

Latorcai said he presented to his counterpart Hungary’s Competitive Districts scheme and how regional development guidelines can be determined by involving regions in need, as well as government support for specific programmes that help them catch up and make them competitive.

Hungary, he added, was glad to share its experiences and cooperation would soon be extended to several areas of economic life.

“The Democratic Republic of the Congo is the beating heart of Africa,” he said, adding that the Hungarian government, as part of its policy of opening up to the South, wanted to get involved with DRC’s fast-growing economy, “which represents a huge potential for the whole of Europe”.

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Hungarian 4iG, OTP Bank performs well in Albania

National Economy Minister Márton Nagy met with a number of Albanian ministers and the governor of Albania’s central bank during a visit to Albania on Thursday, his minister said in statement on Friday.

Nagy met with Blendi Gonxhja, the minister for economy, culture and innovation; Petrit Malaj, the finance minister; Anila Denaj, the minister for agriculture and rural development; and Gent Sejko, the governor of the central bank.

The sides discussed bilateral economic ties, areas in which cooperation could be enhanced, and the state of Albania’s European Union integration.

Hungarian-Albanian ties are strong and there are over 20 state, intergovernmental or interministerial agreements between the two countries, the ministry said. Cooperation between the waterworks companies of Budapest and Tirana is “stable, fruitful and constructive”, it added.

Hungarian 4iG, OTP Bank performs well in Albania
Photo: MTI

The government offers 20 scholarships a year to Albanian students to enroll at Hungarian universities. The advancement of bilateral ties have also been supported by a direct Wizz Air flight between Budapest and Tirana launched with the support of the Hungarian government in 2021, the ministry said.

Last year, bilateral trade between Hungary and Albania reached EUR 130m. Hungarian-owned OTP Bank Albania is the country’s fifth-biggest credit institution in terms of total assets, while Hungary’s 4iG leads the mobile and fixed-line telecommunications markets.

Hungary backs the EU integration of Albania and the Western Balkans, Nagy said, adding that it was in the EU’s interest for those dynamically expanding economies to join as soon as possible.

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Instead of hosting a Chinese university campus, South Pest may become a students’ paradise

We reported on Monday that the National Athletics Centre in South Pest was opened to the public with multiple outdoor sports equipment that can serve and entertain kids, adults, athletes and the general public. Now, it seems both the Orbán cabinet and the leadership of the capital are committed to building the promised students’ city near it.

Chinese university campus planned to be built in South Pest

Years ago, it sparked serious public outcry and heated political debates that one of the world’s best universities, the Shanghai-based Fudan University, would open a campus in Budapest. Some politicians claimed the university would spread the Communist ideology in Budapest and Hungary, being a national security threat not only in Hungary but also in the European Union.

Furthermore, the government decided to provide land, teaching and research facilities for the new campus in Budapest’s 9th district and the 21st district, Csepel. What’s more, the location of the new campus would have been in the place of another government promise, the so-called students’ town, which aimed to ease the housing crisis hitting especially university students in Budapest.

Fudan Budapest south pest
A visual of the future students’ city. https://www.facebook.com/snohetta

Budapest resisted

The opposition-led Budapest municipal council did what it could. They renamed some streets in the future area to Free Hong Kong Road, Uyghur Martyrs’ Road, Dalai Lama Road, and Bishop Xie Shiguang Road, the last referring to a persecuted Chinese Catholic priest.

Moreover, the united opposition wanted to hold a referendum about the Chinese university, but the Supreme Court declined that in May 2022. Later, a similar drive for a Budapest referendum was halted because the Democratic Coalition ceased backing it.

No activity of the Fudan Foundation found

Now, it seems the problem could be solved soon. Despite Hungary having a foundation to run the local campus of Fudan University, the institution does not show signs of life. One of the opposition MPs, Márton Tompos, currently the President of the Momentum Movement, tried to gain more information about the Foundation’s activity after the institution failed to submit its report to the Hungarian National Assembly despite it being their legal obligation. However, MP Tompos could not speak to anybody at the foundation headquarters.

New foundation to construct students’ town, making South Pest a student paradise

The Hungarian Parliament may reshuffle the Fudan Foundation next Thursday to become a unit charged with supervising the building of the future students’ town in South Budapest. Gergely Gulyás, the Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office, said during a previous press conference that the Orbán cabinet would no longer like to build a campus for the Fudan University. Instead, they would like to construct a students’ town offering 10-12 thousand beds for higher education students, easing the housing crisis.

Alexandra Szentkirályi, the leader of the Fidesz group in the Budapest municipal assembly, is one of the strongest voices supporting the project. Krisztina Baranyi, the re-elected mayor of Ferencváros (9th district), the district where the students’ town will be, said they could start the construction project yesterday.

If the parliament accepts the relevant bill, the new foundation may receive additional property in Budapest’s 9th district. The new name of the institution will be Tudás-Tér Alapítvány.

If the new “town” is ready, the gate to the Csepel Island in South Pest will become a paradise for students.

Ministry launches public consultations on housing support for young Hungarians

The National Economy Ministry on Friday announced the start of public consultations on a measure to raise the threshold for non-wage benefits for housing with tax allowances. The measure would raise the threshold from an annual HUF 450,000 at present to HUF 150,000 a month or HUF 1,800,000 per year for employees under 35 from January 1, 2025.

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Orbán cabinet worried about the EU’s cybersecurity

EU cybersecurity agency ENISA must help to strengthen EU institutions and member states, especially given current cybersecurity challenges, Zoltán Kovács, the state secretary for international relations and communications, said before a transport, telecommunications and energy council meeting in Brussels on Friday.

Kovács noted that ministers are assessing ENISA’s role in “the dramatically changing European cybersecurity ecosystem” in light of fresh legislative developments, adding that a new leglislative framework for ENISA would help to address numerous challenges.

Member states will relate their experiences and expectations to the European Commission during the meeting, he said.

Also, the conclusions on the European Commission’s White Paper on the development of the European digital infrastructure aiming to improve the bloc’s logistics, infrastructure and security will be presented at the meeting.

He said the European Commission should take seriously the experiences and practices of EU member states rather than proposing ideas that are hard to implement.

Kovács said that whereas digital infrastructure was a security consideration as important as the cybersecurity agency itself, it was also a key component of competitiveness, a Hungarian EU presidency priority, as “all such infrastructure ensures that industries and institutions can enhance their competitiveness”.

Regarding the Digital Decade 2030 policy programme, Kovács said that ministers were scheduled today to hold a “substantive political debate”, and ideas on boosting competitiveness, efficiency and the challenges set out in the Budapest Declaration would be important aspects of the discussions.

Ministers will have an informal lunch with the deputy secretary-general of UN agency International Telecommunication Union to discuss future cooperation and how to strengthen Europe’s place in international telecommunications developments, “an area where clearly Europe must move forward in terms of competitiveness.”

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