Government Office takes Budapest Municipality to court over alleged unlawful operation

The Budapest municipality has been operating unlawfully for months and has failed to elect a deputy mayor, even though the government office of Budapest has demanded that it do so, Botond Sára, the government commissioner for Budapest, said on Tuesday, adding that the office is turning to the courts over the matter.

“If the mayor and the assembly fail in such a simple objective,” then the budget issue would be even more problematic, Sára said in a video on Facebook. Should it be adopted in its current form on Wednesday, the budget would also be unlawful, he said.

Sára said that Gergely Karácsony, the city’s mayor, had admitted that Budapest was close to insolvency and its operations were at risk.

Since City Hall missed the government office’s deadline for electing a deputy mayor and restoring lawful operations, the government office is turning to the courts, Sára said.

“Regarding the budget, we’ll see what the city assembly decides on Wednesday. We will take every necessary step to avoid putting the functionality of the city at risk, because the safety and comfort of Budapest citizens is our priority,” Sára said.

As we wrote earlier, Budapest City Assembly postpones the deputy mayor vote amid political tensions; details are HERE.

 

read also – Orbán cabinet: Budapest ‘can’t get out of paying taxes’

It’s over: European Commission has decided on Hungarian funds

European Commission has said Hungarian law changes aimed at addressing risks of conflicts of interest regarding “public interest trust” boards were insufficient to warrant the lifting of EU budget conditionality measures.
The measures recommended by the commission “to protect the EU budget from breaches of the principles of the rule of law in Hungary” were adopted on December 15, 2022, by the European Council, the EC noted in a statement.”These breaches related to the areas of public procurement, prosecutorial action, conflict of interest, the fight against corruption and the public interest trusts,” the statement noted.”Hungary formally notified the commission about specific legislative amendments regarding public interest trusts and entities maintained by them” on Dec 2, and asked the commission to propose to the council that the measures be adapted or lifted.The commission said Hungary’s changes to the law did not “adequately address the outstanding concerns on conflicts of interests” regarding the boards, so the measures should remain in place. It added that “adaptations that would be needed to remedy the situation sufficiently” had been outlined to the government.

“Hungary can at any time adopt and notify new remedies to demonstrate to the Commission that the measures adopted by the Council should be adapted or lifted,” the statement said.

Read also:

Tax benefits change, 3rd-country guest workers will earn less in 2025 in Hungary!

Péter Magyar: ‘Fake national security review’ distracts as health and economy in ruins in Hungary

5 Hungarian customs that are difficult for foreigners to get used to

Adjusting to life in Hungary can be a challenge for many foreigners, particularly when it comes to understanding Hungarian customs that may seem unfamiliar. From unique social etiquette to distinct culinary traditions, these customs play a significant role in daily life and interactions. Here, we explore five Hungarian customs that foreigners might find challenging to get used to.

A language that just does not make sense

Hungarian is a complex language that poses challenges due to its intricate grammar, extensive vocabulary, and unique pronunciation. This complexity can make it difficult for non-native speakers to achieve fluency, often leading to frustration and misunderstandings when communicating in everyday situations. The Hungarian language is unique primarily because of its origins in the Finno-Ugric branch of the Uralic language family. Therefore it may be tricky to find similarities between Hungarian and your mother language.

hungarian language
Photo: Youtube

Different name order

In Hungary, the name order is distinctively different from many Western cultures, as Hungarian custom dictates that the family name precedes the given name. For example, János Kovács is Kovács János in Hungary. This naming convention can lead to confusion for foreigners who are accustomed to the Western format of given names first. However, most Hungarians keep this in mind and swap their names when introducing themselves to others.

Formal and informal

The distinction between formal and informal speech is another aspect of Hungarian customs that may be challenging for newcomers. Hungarians typically use formal titles and last names when addressing someone they do not know well or in professional settings, while friends and family may use first names or nicknames. This shift in language formality can be subtle yet significant in social interactions. In addition, Hungarians use formal speech, similar to using v-form in Romance languages. Thus, formal speaking goes beyond addressing someone by formal titles, it has its own grammatical rules as well.

Toasting rituals

Toasting rituals are an important part of Hungarian dining etiquette. When raising a glass, it is customary to make eye contact and say “egészségedre,” which means “to your health.” Interestingly, it is considered bad luck to clink glasses with beer; this tradition highlights the cultural significance placed on specific customs during social gatherings. This Hungarian custom has a historical background, about which you can learn more HERE.

toasting in Hungary
Photo: depositphotos.com

Showering before bathing

Hungarian baths are an integral part of the country’s cultural heritage, reflecting centuries of tradition and social customs. The practice of bathing in thermal waters dates back to Roman times, and today, Hungary is renowned for its numerous thermal baths, many of which are located in Budapest. In public baths, a Hungarian custom requires patrons to shower before entering the bathing areas. This practice is rooted in hygiene and respect for communal spaces, ensuring that everyone enjoys a clean and pleasant environment while relaxing in the thermal waters that Hungary is famous for.

széchenyi thermal bath
The Széchenyi Thermal Bath.
Source: szechenyibath.hu

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Featured image: depositphotos.com

Hungarian foreign minister lambasts EU ‘hypocrisy’ on Georgia

Duna Aréna, Katinka Hosszú, swimming, FINA, competition

The European Union “has set the world record in hypocrisy” on the matter of Georgia, but Hungary and Slovakia have vetoed proposed sanctions against certain law enforcement leaders of the country, Péter Szijjártó, the minister of foreign affairs and trade, said in Brussels on Monday.

Szijjártó told a press conference after a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council that the EU “has Georgia in its crosshairs” because a “pro-peace, patriotic, conservative party” had won the elections, rather than liberal forces. According to a ministry statement, Szijjártó rejected the EU’s “brutal political attack”, saying that the Georgian Dream party had governed for 12 years, “during which the average income has tripled and GDP and the volume of external investments have doubled.” The ruling party in Georgia had performed well and earned the trust of voters, he said. “Nobody in Brussels has the right to question the will of the Georgian people.” The minister said the reports of police brutality at demonstrations in Tbilisi were “one-sided”, and there had been “violent elements” among the demonstrators as well.

According to his Georgian counterpart, some 40 police officers were injured as a result, he said.

The EU “can’t impose sanctions on a country because they decided to push back accession talks to 2028,” he said.

read also: Orbán cabinet: Hungary congratulates Georgian Dream party on election win

“There was a puffed-up, resentful, frustrated approach to Georgia, which I refused to support.” Regarding the situation in Syria, Szijjártó said the country must not be allowed to become a hotbed of terrorism or extremist ideologies, and migration waves in the direction of Europe must be prevented. Further, the persecution of Christians must be stopped, he added.

“Hungary continues to provide aid for Christian communities so they can stay in their homeland and preserve their rights … So far we have provided humanitarian support worth some 30 million euros for Syrian communities, and we will continue to do so,” Szijjártó said.

read also: Georgia Shines as Guest of Honour at the 33rd Budapest Wine Festival

Hungary’s business landscape: embracing the cryptocurrency revolution

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Hungary, a country with a rich economic history and strategic position in Central Europe, has been experiencing a fascinating evolution in its business sector as cryptocurrency adoption gains momentum. BTC/USDT trading is becoming increasingly prevalent. From traditional enterprises to innovative startups, Hungarian businesses are increasingly exploring the possibilities offered by digital currencies and blockchain technology.

Traditional Business Environment in Hungary

Hungary’s business environment has traditionally been characterized by a strong manufacturing sector, particularly in automotive and electronics. The country’s strategic location, skilled workforce, and membership in the European Union have made it an attractive destination for foreign investment. Budapest, the capital city, serves as the nation’s economic hub, housing numerous multinational corporations and fostering a growing startup ecosystem.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) form the backbone of the Hungarian economy, representing approximately 99% of all businesses. These companies have historically relied on traditional banking systems and the Hungarian Forint (HUF) for their operations. However, the landscape is gradually shifting as digital transformation takes hold.

The Rise of Cryptocurrency in Hungarian Business

The Hungarian cryptocurrency scene has been developing steadily, with businesses showing increasing interest in digital currencies. The country’s approach to cryptocurrency regulation has been relatively balanced, neither overly restrictive nor completely hands-off. This regulatory environment has created a space where businesses can experiment with cryptocurrency integration while maintaining compliance with existing financial laws.

Several Hungarian businesses, particularly in the technology sector, have begun accepting cryptocurrency payments. This trend started with tech-savvy startups but has gradually expanded to include more traditional companies, from restaurants to real estate agencies. Bitcoin remains the most widely accepted cryptocurrency, though other digital currencies are gaining traction.

Regulatory Framework and Business Compliance

The Hungarian government and the Magyar Nemzeti Bank (Hungarian National Bank) have taken a measured approach to cryptocurrency regulation. While cryptocurrencies are not considered legal tender, they are recognized as digital assets. This classification has provided businesses with some clarity regarding their cryptocurrency operations.

Businesses dealing with cryptocurrency must register with the Hungarian authorities and comply with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations. This regulatory framework has helped legitimate businesses operate with confidence while protecting consumers and maintaining market integrity.

Impact on Different Business Sectors

E-commerce and Retail

Hungarian e-commerce businesses have been among the early adopters of cryptocurrency payments. Online retailers appreciate the reduced transaction fees and the ability to attract international customers who prefer paying with digital currencies.

Technology and Software Development

Hungary’s growing technology sector has embraced cryptocurrency not just as a payment method but as a focus for innovation. Several Hungarian tech companies specialize in blockchain development and cryptocurrency-related services, contributing to the country’s digital economy.

Real Estate

The real estate sector has seen interesting developments, with some agencies accepting cryptocurrency payments for property purchases. This trend has attracted international investors and demonstrated how traditional industries can adapt to digital currency innovation.

Cryptocurrency Trading and Exchange Businesses

Hungary has witnessed the emergence of several cryptocurrency exchanges and trading platforms. These businesses serve both local and international clients, providing interfaces between traditional financial systems and the cryptocurrency market. Local exchanges have worked to comply with Hungarian regulations while offering competitive services to their users.

Challenges and Obstacles

Despite the growing acceptance, Hungarian businesses face several challenges in cryptocurrency adoption:

Price volatility remains a significant concern, particularly for smaller businesses that may need more resources to handle rapid value fluctuations. To mitigate this risk, many companies partner with payment processors that offer immediate conversion to Hungarian Forint.

Technical barriers present another challenge, as many traditional businesses need more expertise to implement cryptocurrency payment systems properly. This has led to the rise of local service providers specializing in crypto payment integration and consulting.

Consumer awareness and trust continue to be obstacles, though educational initiatives by business associations and crypto companies are helping to address these issues.

Innovation and Startup Scene

Budapest’s startup ecosystem has become a hub for cryptocurrency and blockchain innovation. Several successful startups focusing on cryptocurrency solutions have emerged from the Hungarian capital, attracting both local and international investment.

These startups range from payment processing services to blockchain development companies, contributing to Hungary’s reputation as an emerging technology center in Central Europe. The government has shown support for this innovation through various startup-friendly policies and initiatives.

Future Prospects and Opportunities

The future of cryptocurrency in Hungarian business appears promising, with several factors supporting continued growth:

Increasing digital literacy and technological adoption among Hungarian consumers create a favorable environment for cryptocurrency-accepting businesses. The country’s strategic position within the EU provides opportunities for businesses to serve as bridges between traditional and digital finance systems.

The ongoing development of regulatory frameworks at both national and EU levels is expected to provide greater clarity for businesses operating in the cryptocurrency space. This could encourage more traditional companies to explore digital currency integration.

Educational Initiatives and Business Support

Various organizations in Hungary have emerged to support businesses in their cryptocurrency journey. These include:

  • Business associations offering cryptocurrency education and implementation guidance
  • Technical consultancies specializing in crypto payment integration
  • Legal firms with expertise in cryptocurrency compliance

These support systems are crucial in helping traditional businesses navigate the complexities of cryptocurrency adoption.

Conclusion

Hungary’s business sector is experiencing a significant transformation as cryptocurrency adoption continues to grow. The combination of a supportive regulatory environment, innovative startup ecosystem, and increasing acceptance among traditional businesses creates a unique landscape where digital currencies and conventional business practices coexist and evolve together.

While challenges remain, the progress made by Hungarian businesses in incorporating cryptocurrency into their operations demonstrates the potential for digital currencies to enhance and transform traditional business models. As the technology matures and regulatory frameworks become more refined, Hungary’s business sector is well-positioned to benefit from the ongoing digital currency revolution.

The country’s balanced approach to cryptocurrency regulation, combined with its strong technical expertise and strategic location, suggests that Hungarian businesses will continue to play an essential role in the evolution of cryptocurrency adoption in Central Europe and beyond.

Disclaimer: the author(s) of the sponsored article(s) are solely responsible for any opinions expressed or offers made. These opinions do not necessarily reflect the official position of Daily News Hungary, and the editorial staff cannot be held responsible for their veracity.

Hungarian MVM acquires the largest Romanian electricity company

State-owned Hungarian energy group MVM has agreed to acquire a majority stake in E.ON’s retail and customer solutions business in Romania, MVM said on Monday.

Under the agreement, MVM will acquire a 68pc stake in E.ON Energie Romania, which has close to 3.4m customers, and a 98pc stake in regional service provider E.ON Asist Complet. The transaction is expected to be closed in the first half of 2025, pending approvals from the competent authorities. The transaction value has not been disclosed.

MVM said the transaction could strengthen its regional positions and E.ON said that it would now be able to focus on key strategic areas, contributing to the energy transition in Europe.

read also: Pakistani unit of MOL celebrates 25th anniversary

Top Hungary news: influx of guest workers, killer might walk free, Budapest-Kyiv train service, fireworks will be banned – 16 December, 2024

We’ve rounded up the top Hungary news from today.

Featured Hungary news

The influx of guest workers in Hungary decreased significantly this year – details HERE

What is wrong with Hungarian legislation? 11-year-old Tamás Till’s killer might walk free

Great news for travellers: Budapest-Kyiv train service restored

400+ forever? Analysts predict a bleak future for the Hungarian forint

VIDEO

Tram slams into bus, driver thrown from vehicle – Shocking video

Politics

Orbán cabinet did everything to stop Ukraine getting aided arms shipments, but failed – details HERE

Poll results: Only three parties would enter Hungarian Parliament if election were held today

Péter Magyar: ‘Fake national security review’ distracts as health and economy in ruins in Hungary – details HERE

PM Orbán: ‘We are building strong countryside’

Business, economy

Hungarian government aims for transparency: The big EU Funds overhaul!

Major overhaul ahead: Hungary’s draft regulation on vehicle fees

Future president of Hungary’s National Bank reveals key objectives and his team

Society

Spending New Year’s Eve in Budapest? Fireworks will be banned in touristy district – MAP

Shocking video: tram slams into bus, driver thrown from vehicle

A few days ago, a tram and a bus collided in an accident in the XIV District of the capital. The collision left many people injured, including the bus driver, who was ejected from the vehicle. Now, a harrowing video of the incident has emerged.

As previously reported by Daily News Hungary, a serious accident occurred at the intersection of Nagy Lajos király útja and Telepes utca in Budapest. The collision caused the tram to derail and the bus to crash into a lamp post. Several passengers sustained injuries, including the bus driver, who was seriously hurt. Six people were transported to hospital by ambulance after the accident, some in life-threatening condition. Traffic in the area was paralysed for hours, and authorities are still investigating which driver was at fault.

A video capturing the violent crash was also recorded at the scene:

read also: 

Wizz Air flight’s emergency landing in Budapest; Hungarian guest workers’ horrific accident

Cyclist hit by car driven by elderly woman at Astoria – VIDEO

Péter Magyar: ‘Fake national security review’ distracts as health and economy in ruins in Hungary

Péter Magyar, the leader of the Tisza party, on Monday lambasted the government’s “bogus national security review” which he said was an attempt to divert attention from growing grocery prices, failing heating systems in hospitals and “the railway system falling apart”.

Magyar: no heating in the hospitals, unbearable inflation

Magyar said in a statement that many hospitals were without heating, and children’s wards were no warmer than 15 C. Meanwhile, the price of flour has grown by 40 percent in a year, that of chocolate by 30 percent and the price of dairy products by 20 percent, he said. He said the rail line between Veszprém and Ajka, in western Hungary, renovated six years ago, had become life-threatening and had to be closed down for six months. In other places, trains cannot travel faster than 10kmh, he added.

“Public services are falling apart, and the state is not functional,”

he added. Meanwhile, “ridiculously, [Prime Minister] Viktor Orbán and others are trying to divert attention from all that by the well-worn method of panic-mongering.” “The government ranting about the threat of terrorism and launching a national security review has in past years directly interfered with the elections of other countries, let two thousand people smugglers go from prisons, invited the former president of Iran to Hungary in secret, allowed heads of state and government with outstanding arrest warrants to stay in the country, rejected the International Criminal Court’s ruling regarding the prime minister of Israel, set free an Azeri axe murderer, directly supported dictators, and sent Hungarian soldiers into zones of civil war,” Magyar said.

Government reacts

Péter Takács, the interior ministry’s state secretary for health care, said in response to the accusation that heating was failing at hospitals. “Magyar started another day with lies and fake news”. Tisza said that the heating had failed at the children’s traumatology ward at Szent János Hospital, but the heating is working there, Takács said on Facebook. The heating system of the entire hospital was revamped this year at a cost of 2.8 billion forints (EUR 6.8m), he said, and the post-reconstruction works would soon be over, “so not even that will inconvenience the sick children”. “Péter Magyar is lying constantly; about hospitals and anything else, without ever considering the consequences,” Takács said.

Magyar responded on Facebook that Takács “has no idea what’s going on in Hungarian hospitals”. The Szent László hospital in Budapest “has no heating, the waiting area for specialist treatments is 16 C, children are lying in their coats in bed on the immunology ward, and the situation is no better at the dialysis and wards.” The hospital’s central heating unit broke down a month ago, and staff were told that repair work would start in January, and “might work again by February”, Magyar said.

The influx of guest workers in Hungary decreased significantly this year

The landscape for guest workers in Hungary is undergoing a significant shift as economic challenges and stricter regulations reshape labour demand. While the influx of foreign workers has slowed, key sectors like logistics and hospitality still rely heavily on overseas labour, highlighting the growing complexities of Hungary’s workforce dynamics.

Number of guest workers in Hungary faces a major shift

As Portfolio reports, the influx of guest workers in Hungary has shown a notable shift this year, as economic challenges have caused the steady rise in numbers to plateau. According to the Hungarian Central Statistical Office (KSH), nearly 100,000 foreign workers were recorded in autumn, reflecting a decrease in growth.

Magdolna Mihályi, managing owner of Jobtain HR Services Ltd., explained that while the import of foreign workers continues, it has slowed due to a 5% drop in industrial production compared to last year. Factors contributing to this slowdown include a recession in the automotive sector, reduced investment, and stricter government regulations on foreign labour assessments. Additionally, Hungarian labour reserves are being mobilised more actively, further influencing the demand for foreign workers.

What is fueling the change?

Magdolna Mihályi of Jobtain HR Services Ltd. highlighted several factors behind the trend described above, including a sharp decline in investments, a recession in the automotive sector, and stricter government regulations on foreign labour assessments. Similarly, József Nógrádi, Commercial Director of Trenkwalder, noted a 25% drop in the inflow of foreign workers compared to last year, attributing it to European economic stagnation and tighter Hungarian policies. With domestic worker recruitment on the rise and existing guest workers filling critical roles, demand for foreign labour has fallen by 30% compared to the previous year. Stricter regulations have also improved transparency and eliminated exploitative practices, contributing to a more regulated labour market.

Struggling sectors

The demand for guest workers in Hungary is shifting as economic conditions vary across industries. While the automotive and construction sectors face redundancies, logistics, transport, and food continue to attract workers, particularly from the Philippines, Vietnam, India, and Indonesia. Despite efforts to mobilise domestic workers, labour shortages persist in hospitality, IT services, and waste processing. Experts note that Hungary’s declining working-age population and nearly full employment make foreign labour indispensable, though future demand depends on economic recovery and government policies. With strict regulations, the number of guest workers in Hungary is expected to stabilise around 150,000.

Hungary's dairy farm industry dominated by Phillipine, Indian, and Sikh guest workers
Photo: depositphotos.com

Read also:

Featured image: depositphotos.com

400+ forever? Analysts predict a bleak future for the Hungarian forint

Analysts do not expect the euro exchange rate to return to levels below 400 forints in the longer term, and trends suggest that it could reach a level of around 415-420 forints by the end of 2025.

According to Economx, the weak forint has a significant impact on consumer confidence, which is exacerbated by high inflation and expensive food prices. Although inflation is expected to moderate to 3.8% in 2024, households will continue to face declining purchasing power. This trend reflects the steady weakening of the forint in recent years, mainly due to high inflation, low consumer confidence and external economic and political uncertainties. The weak forint is also leading to further increases in the prices of imported goods, putting sustained pressure on household spending.

forint currency economy money
Photo: depositphotos.com

Inflation, which exceeded 20% in 2023, may fall to 3.8% in 2024, but price levels will remain persistently high. The weakening of the forint will further increase the cost of imported goods, including energy and food, which could generate further inflationary pressures. This will slow the recovery of purchasing power and undermine the stability of the forint.

The fall of Premium Hungarian Government Securities

The fall in the yields of Premium Hungarian Government Securities may also have an indirect impact on the forint. Retail investors may shift their money into other assets, such as government bonds issued in foreign currencies or foreign investments. This could reduce demand for the forint, causing further weakening. The central government debt management agency may try to introduce more attractive interest rate conditions, but higher yields on government bonds in the market could still provide strong competition.

The forint’s link to the equity market and the global economic situation

The undervaluation of the Hungarian equity market offers investors new opportunities, but the shift here does not necessarily strengthen the forint. Indeed, the increase in demand for equities is mainly driven by domestic investment, while inflows of foreign capital remain uncertain. The position of OTP, Mol and Richter shares, especially given their exposure to the Russian market, remains vulnerable to international economic influences.

Global economic trends, such as the policies of Donald Trump’s second presidential term, may indirectly influence the forint exchange rate. The US-China tariff war and protectionist US economic policies could put pressure on emerging markets, including Hungary. Problems in the European automotive industry could also affect Hungarian export performance, which could further reduce the stability of the Hungarian forint.

Trump Orbán
Photo: FB/Orbán

The outlook for the Hungarian forint is weakening in the years ahead, mainly influenced by domestic economic problems, challenges in the international environment and household investment decisions. Persistent exchange rate depreciation and inflationary pressures will further complicate the achievement of economic stability, while global trends and policy decisions will pose new risks. Coordinated action between fiscal and economic policies and the mitigation of external and internal risks would be key to improving the position of the Hungarian forint.

Read also:

Featured image: depositphotos.com

The tech surge: emerging technologies and innovations to watch out for 

Technology is ever-changing – especially in the modern day. So, let’s dive into what is known as the ‘Tech Surge’ that is sweeping the nation, and two of the key technological innovations to have emerged from the phenomena.

Post-Quantum Cyber Security

ai-generated it information technology

Random number generators (RNGs) are the unsung heroes behind cryptographic solutions. These systems generate a nonsequential string of numbers, letters or characters, which are then used as the encryption keys. This technology works similar to how you’d roll a dice or drop a ball into a Plinko machine – you don’t know what the outcome will be. For example, when you play Plinko Casino you will drop a ball in one of 8 to fourteen possible places. On the way down, it will hit pegs at random, until it lands in a random box with a multiplier value. Here, RNGs control the direction and the trajectory of the ball, and therefore, the end result. As each element is not predetermined and entirely random, this ensures the gameplay is fair and authentic.

Whilst these RNG sequences are nigh-on impossible to crack on a traditional computer, quantum computing is skyrocketing, both in terms of innovation and demand. Bearing in mind how much quicker quantum computers can crack complex algorithms and problems, and the rate of their advancement, this has led many countries in Europe to work towards quantum-proof cryptography and security solutions. And, the world’s pioneering quantum-proof solution was developed by Hungary’s own Arenim Group. Their communications platform, KvantPhone is purposefully built to withstand the threat of quantum-based cyber security threats using AES-256-GCM encryption, NIST-recommended post-quantum cryptography ciphers, X25519 Diffie-Hellman key exchange, Kyber 1024 key encapsulation, and both Ed25519 and Dilithum5 algorithms. This provides consumers with a communications system that is secure and high quality. 

AI Ecosystem Innovation

brain

It goes without saying that the development of AI is going at the speed of sound. With this in mind, the Hungarian Minister of National Economy, Márton Nagy, underscored the importance of comprehensive and consistent regulations for AI systems in a keynote address at the China Hi-Tech Fair (CHTF). The regulations are set to be in place across the EU by 2026, and in conjunction with that, Hungary has announced the plan to open a dedicated AI Office by the end of summer 2025, supported by the Ministry of National Economy. This aims to enhance Hungary’s competitiveness as a key player in the international AI market. 

In addition to this, Nagy asserted that all players in the AI ecosystem should be able to reap its benefits – not just large corporations, with this in mind, Hungary is continuing its investments into high-performance computing infrastructure with the Levente supercomputer. This is said to have quantum connectivity – a far cry away from the Komondor supercomputer that was seen in 2022. In addition, the Levente is thought to have four times the capacity of the Komondor, which boasted a performance of 6.2 petaflops. 

As you can see, Hungary has asserted itself as a pioneer in the tech ecosystem, continuing to invest in emerging technologies. All that’s left to do now is wait and see what the future – and its innovations – might hold. 

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Great news for travellers: Budapest-Kyiv train service restored

The Transcarpathia (Kárpátalja) international high-speed train, consisting of Ukrainian sleeper cars, will now operate nightly between Budapest and Kyiv, MÁV announced on Monday on its website.

The train will cover a distance of nearly 1,200 kilometres via Lviv, Mukachevo (Munkács), and Debrecen. The train from Budapest to Kyiv departs at 22:40 and arrives the following evening at 19:11. Conversely, the train from Kyiv to Budapest departs at 10:16 in the morning and arrives at 6:00 the next morning. The journey time is 20.5 hours—five hours longer than before the outbreak of the war, when the journey took approximately 15 hours.

For the entire journey between Budapest and Kyiv, second-class tickets are available for €48.10, with sleeping berths costing an additional €10, depending on the type of berth.

The first train departed Kyiv on Sunday morning and arrived in the Hungarian capital on Monday morning. In a video shared on her social media page, the speaker expressed MÁV’s pride in contributing to the cooperation between Ukraine, the Ukrainian people, Hungary, and the Hungarian people.

Budapest-Kyiv Train Service Restored
Budapest-Kyiv Train Service Restored. Photo: MTI

 

 

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Sign up and get a $12.00 sign-up bonus!

After completing the registration, I was immediately delighted to receive a $12.00 sign-up bonus in my account. Signing up to earn income quickly felt like a small but reassuring gesture that I was on the right track. There were clear instructions to guide me through each step. I quickly selected the most profitable mining contract and just like that, I was on my way to earning my share of Bitcoin. 

DDB Miner’s market-leading advantages

Main features:

  1. Join the DDB Miner platform for the first time and you will get an immediate bonus of $12.00. Sign in every day to get an additional 4.17% daily income. (*Click here to register*)
  2. Strong profitability, allowing you to quickly earn your own funds
  3. Easy to use, whether you have mining experience or talent, you can learn it in the fastest time!
  4. Users can use the platform to generate more than 6 other currencies.
  5. The company’s affiliate program allows you to refer friends and get up to $22,000 in referral bonuses.
  6. McAfee® security. Cloudflare® security. 100% uptime guarantee and excellent 24/7 technical support.

Use the DDB Miner mobile app to check your earnings at any time

Another highlight for me was their mobile app. I downloaded it directly from Google Play and Apple App Store, which made it very convenient to check my earnings or manage my mining contracts at any time. Having everything in one place, right on my phone, means I can always monitor my account and make adjustments no matter where I am.

Project Name Amount Days Daily interest rate Total income
BTC Free Computing Power 

[Daily Sign-in Rewards]

$12 1 4.17% $12.5
BTC Newbies

Experience Hashrate

$100 2 3% $106
LTC basic 

computing power

$500 5 1.25% $531.25
BTC – Advanced 

Computing Power

$5000 30 1.5% $7250
BTC – Advanced

Computing Power

$10000 50 1.7% $18500

(Different contracts have different hashrates, different investment amounts and different terms, and different returns. For more contracts, please click on the DDB Miner official website to view or click on the contract details to view)

Simple and fast withdrawal method: 5 minutes to the account

The DDB Miner team also makes it very simple to withdraw funds. Daily earnings can be deposited into your designated account at any time, and the entire withdrawal process takes only 5 minutes – no waiting, no stress. We use advanced security protocols such as McAfee® SECURE and Cloudflare® SECURE to ensure that anyone’s funds are always safe. Know that most funds are stored in offline cold wallets, which is hard to find on other platforms

Share your money-making experience and earn more income

When I made money, I was so happy that I started to introduce DDB Miner to my family and friends. When they started using it, they praised it highly. Of course, I could also get bonuses if I invited them to join me.This is the affiliate reward, which allows me to earn 3% to 4.5% commission from everyone I recommend. Now my family and friends around me are all easily earning enough income in DDB Miner and have achieved financial freedom!

The company has received numerous reviews from all over the world!

Register now and make money immediately. Those who are new to the industry but have already seen results say: DDB Miner is a rare good thing. Download the app, sign up with one click, and start earning your own passive income right away. It’s simple, transparent, safe and efficient, and most importantly, everyone can use it for free, and it won’t let you down.

Conclusion:

If you are interested in DDB Miner or want to know more, you can directly click:  https://oxminer.com/

You can also search for “DDB Miner” in the Google App Store (click to download) or Apple Store to easily download the DDB Miner app to manage your account anytime, anywhere.

Disclaimer: the author(s) of the sponsored article(s) are solely responsible for any opinions expressed or offers made. These opinions do not necessarily reflect the official position of Daily News Hungary, and the editorial staff cannot be held responsible for their veracity.

Orbán cabinet did everything to stop Ukraine getting aided arms shipments, but failed

The Hungarian government has refused to contribute 6.5 billion euros of compensation to European Union member states that have shipped arms to Ukraine, Péter Szijjártó, the foreign minister, said in Brussels on Monday.

Szijjártó told a press conference after a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council that Hungary raised the sole veto to the payment of approximately 6.5 billion euros from the European Peace Facility to member states that have supplied weapons to Ukraine, thereby withholding around 77 million euros of Hungarian money. He added that neither Hungary supplied weapons nor contributed to the arms shipment. But if the other EU member states “want to do so voluntarily, Hungary will not stand in their way”, he said.

He added that Hungary will not give a nod to relocating an EU training mission coordination unit to Kyiv or the deployment of EU advisors to Kyiv to coordinate the reform of the Ukrainian security sector. Szijjártó said deploying people to Kyiv for the purposes of training, coordination, and advice as part of an EU program was “extremely risky” and risked escalation. Regarding the 15th sanctions package against Russia, which allows Hungarian oil and gas company MOL to export products derived from Russian crude oil, the minister called the exemption “important”. “As we managed to strip out the crazy ideas … we did not veto it in the end,” he said. Commenting on the attempt to put Patriarch Kirill on the sanctions list, he said punishing church leaders “should be avoided at all costs”, adding that all hopes for peace would be lost if lines of communication involving churches were cut.

read also: Hungary and Ukraine propose EUR 1 billion EU-funded infrastructure plan to boost connectivity

Also, he said the EU had tried to put Russia’s UN ambassador on the list, “which is strange as the UN is the last port of call for political consultations…” “We vetoed this and also signaled that we won’t at all support the sanctioning of the Russian Olympic Committee. Mixing sports and politics … is unacceptable.” Szijjártó said a new reality had emerged in the war in Ukraine owing to the election win of Donald Trump and to Russian military victories on the battlefield. Far from being “Putinist propaganda,” he added that even his Ukrainian counterpart had confirmed the facts on the ground. He said that, “sadly”, this new state of affairs had been ignored in Brussels as most EU member states were still pushing a “failed war strategy” and feeding the risk of escalation. Regarding a Christmas truce, he said no one at today’s council meeting had backed a ceasefire “that would save lives”. He added that some at the meeting had even spoken against the proposal of a truce. Szijjártó called his Polish counterpart’s suggestion that Ukrainian men of military age living in the EU should have their social support withdrawn “harsh”.

read also: A surge of Ukrainian refugees: the disappearing Hungarian identity in Transcarpathia

Hungarian government aims for transparency: The big EU Funds overhaul!

The Hungarian government is poised to introduce substantial reforms to the rules governing the implementation of Hungary’s Recovery and Resilience Plan, aiming to enhance the transparency of financial and administrative processes while improving access to EU funds. 

According to Portfolio, the proposed measures span a broad range of areas, including project financing structures and oversight mechanisms. These reforms are expected to have far-reaching implications for both the Recovery EU Funds and the Cohesion Framework.

hungarian forint euro pound money economy
Photo: depositphotos.com

One of the most important changes is that the Restoration Fund now also covers investments based on projects financed from the central budget. This innovation means that the measures covered by the Restoration Fund will also be subject to the strict rules, even if they are not directly financed by EU funds.

The proposal redefines the concept of financial instruments to bring them into line with the current EU legal framework. The new rules will allow the combined use of grants, which will increase flexibility in the use of EU funds. The funds concerned are the European Regional Development Fund, the Cohesion Fund and the European Social Fund Plus.

Control and transparency

The Internal Audit and Integrity Directorate will also have a broader range of tasks, with a greater role in identifying conflicts of interest and conducting risk-based audits. To support this process, the ARACHNE risk assessment tool will be introduced to help identify potential irregularities in a data-driven manner.

This is partly in response to the European Commission’s expectations to prevent financial fraud and detect irregularities quickly. The rules for setting market prices are also being revised to further increase transparency. For instance, if there are not enough bids in a public procurement procedure, the shortfall can be made through online bidding.

EU Funds European Union flag
Source: Pixabay

The role of EU Funds

The Regulation allows certain projects to be financed by the Cohesion Fund in the context of operational programmes for the period 2021-2027. This measure could be particularly important if there are obstacles to the absorption of RRF funds, as the deadline for the absorption of such funds is strictly limited to the summer of 2026.

The transfer of projects is subject to strict conditions to ensure that the original objectives and indicators are not compromised. This mechanism can provide a safety net to avoid loss of resources.

The proposal also clarifies a number of technical details. For example, the accuracy of data in the public accounts would be ensured through continuous information to the tax authorities, while the preparation of aid payments would be subject to stricter controls. Control procedures for advance payments would also be fine-tuned to reduce risks.

According to the rules, the new regulation will have a retroactive effect and will enter into force five days after it has been published. This means that the changes will also apply to pending cases.

The next steps

The draft regulation has been published for public consultation until the 17th of December. This will give stakeholders the opportunity to comment on the proposed changes. The government’s aim is to contribute to a faster and more efficient use of EU funds by clarifying the rules and increasing the flexibility of the legal framework while meeting the strict requirements of the EU.

The new rules will not only support more efficient implementation of current projects but will also help Hungary to be better prepared for future EU challenges and opportunities. The measures promise transparency, flexibility and optimal use of resources and EU funds.

Read also:

PM Orbán: ‘We are building strong countryside’

“We are building a strong countryside because without that there would be no strong Hungary,” Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said at the inauguration of a section of Route 53 bypassing Soltvadkert, in southern Hungary, on Monday.

Hungary’s government had decided as far back as 2010 that it would put an end to the internal migration seen in rural Hungary, and had set out to ensure that certain parts of the country do not have to prosper at the expense of others. “We set out to make the Hungarian countryside an attractive place where it is worth living because there are jobs and high quality services and everything is accessible within a reasonable time frame,” the prime minister said. “It isn’t right that Budapest’s level of development is at 158 percent of the European Union average, while all other regions are below the average.”

Route 53 bypassing Soltvadkert, in southern Hungary
Route 53 bypassing Soltvadkert, in southern Hungary. Photo: MTI

read also: Happiness statistics: Hungary ranks among the least happy nations – Here’s why!

Orbán said the town of Soltvadkert and Bács-Kiskun County were “winners of the government’s measures”. He said the employment rate in the county has risen to 74 percent from 56 percent since 2010 while the unemployment rate has fallen to 4 percent from 10 percent. Meanwhile, the average wage has risen to 490,000 forints from 160,000, he added. He said the region would play an even more important role in the future, noting the government’s plan to set up a new economic zone in the country’s southern regions. The government has earmarked 330 billion forints (EUR 806.5m) in next year’s budget for making the southern Hungarian countryside stronger, resilient and independent, Orbán said. He noted ongoing investment projects in Kecskemet, adding that bypasses are also being built next to Szeged and Baja, with another one planned for Pécs.

Orbán said that when he last visited Soltvadkert during the European Parliament election campaign in the spring, “there appeared to be no chance for peace” in neighbouring Ukraine. Hungary, he said, had been under “tremendous pressure” from the United States for its pro-peace position, “and the pro-war Brussels bureaucrats were also giving us a thrashing”. But over the past six months, the “pro-war, anti-migration and pro-family forces” have gained a majority in the Western world, he said. Hungary’s ruling parties secured a resounding victory in the EP elections, established the Patriots of Europe party, becoming essential players in the legislative body, and in the United States “our brother-in-arms” Donald Trump was elected president, Orbán said. He said the Hungarian economy was set for a “fantastic year” in 2025, saying Hungary would emerge stronger “from the shadow of the war that has been going on for three years now”.

read also: Tax benefits change, 3rd-country guest workers will earn less in 2025 in Hungary!