Slovakia

CEE ministers press EC for steps to manage Ukraine grain glut

harvest tractor agriculture grain

Central and eastern European agriculture ministers have once again turned to the European Commission for support in managing the impact of market disturbances caused by the flood of grain imports from Ukraine, Minister of Agriculture István Nagy said on Monday.

In their letter to EC Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis and European Agriculture Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski, the agriculture ministers of Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia gave an outline of the market losses their countries’ agricultural products suffered due to Ukrainian grain imports, Nagy said in a statement.

He said the flood of cheap Ukrainian grain was forcing central and eastern European farmers out of their traditional export markets. The minister said that in addition to high production costs, price and revenue risks and adverse weather conditions, the influx of Ukrainian grain caused extra concern for farmers in the region.

Nagy said that because these five countries were key contributors to Europe’s food security given their grain exports, Brussels had a duty to take steps to protect their markets and give them the opportunity to exploit their export potential. One way of doing this, he added, was to introduce tariffs on the “most sensitive agricultural products”.

The minister said he and his counterparts were calling on the EC to prepare a report on how Ukraine’s agricultural production regulations comply with EU regulations.

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PM Orbán’s new Central European ally comes to Budapest next week

PM Orbán's new Central European ally comes to Budapest next week

Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó met the leaders of Slovakia’s ethnic Hungarian Alliance party, in preparation for Prime Minister Robert Fico’s visit to Budapest next week.

Szijjártó said on Facebook that he and Alliance leader Krisztian Forro had reviewed the most important issues for ethnic Hungarians living in Slovakia.

The foreign minister said that the Hungarian government was looking forward to the visit, and pledged to give emphasis at the talks to “crucial” development projects in southern Slovakia where a large number of Hungarians live.

“We are ready to increase the number of border crossings between the two countries so that the border should connect rather than separate people,” he said. Hopefully, “empty railways will fill up again, and there will be joint bus routes and new bridges,” Szijjártó said.

Read also:

  • Attention! Major change coming to the Hungarian-Slovakian border in weeks – Read more HERE
  • Orbán-Zelenskyy summit can pave the way for Orbán’s strongmanship in the EU – Details in THIS article

PHOTOS: New Ipoly-bridge inaugurated

New Ipoly-bridge to Slovakia

Hungary continues to be committed to opening as many border crossings with Slovakia as possible, Péter Szijjártó, the foreign minister, said on Friday, on completion of a new bridge spanning the River Ipoly between Drégelypalánk, in northern Hungary, and Slovakia’s Ipelske Predmostie (Ipolyhídvég).

The new bridge costing 2.9 billion forints (EUR 7.6m) was, the minister said, “a milestone” in Hungary’s national strategy programme, adding that building cooperation, especially with neighbouring countries, had been a key government priority since 2010.

Hungary has the longest common border with Slovakia, Szijjártó noted, adding that the 654km border section had only offered 22 crossing points back in 2010.

Following an agreement signed by the two countries in 2014, that number has doubled, Szijjártó said, calling these developments “a success story achieved by Hungary and Slovakia”.

New Ipoly bridge inaugurated
Photo: MTI

Hungary, he said, was ready to continue building further bridges, roads, and railway lines connecting it to Slovakia. The government, he added, was looking forward to an upcoming official visit by Slovak PM Robert Fico next Tuesday, which would offer an opportunity for further talks on the subject.

Meanwhile, Szijjártó said Slovakia was Hungary’s third largest trading partner, with bilateral trade turnover exceeding a record 17 billion euros in 2022.

River Ipoly washed away the road
Photo: MTI

The new bridge replaces a 15th century that was destroyed in the second world war.

Read also:

  • New Danube bridge to be built in Hungary – Details, videos, photos in THIS article
  • Budapest’s long-forgotten bridge right next to the Parliament – Check out the details HERE

Here are some more photos:

Refuelling in Hungary? Fuel is cheaper in almost all neighbouring countries

MOL fuel station

In January, Mol will increase the price of fuel in two instalments by a total of HUF 41, to take account of the increased excise duty. According to a report by Világgazdaság, even with the first increase introduced on 1 January (which is HUF 20), it is already more expensive to fill up in Hungary than in practically any other neighbouring country.

As we reported before, Mol will implement the increase in excise duty on fuel in two steps, with the HUF 20 change on 1 January followed by a HUF 21 price change on 15 January. After that, domestic petrol and diesel prices will be among the highest in the region. According to the report of Világgazdaság, even now, after the first price increase, fuel prices are already higher in Hungary than in most neighbouring countries.

According to Holtankoljak, the lowest price of petrol in Hungary on 4 January was HUF 523 (EUR 1.38) per litre, and HUF 555 (EUR 1.46) for diesel. The average prices are HUF 561 (EUR 1.48) and HUF 599 (EUR 1.58). In the middle of the month, these retail prices will rise by a further HUF 21 per litre.

Refuelling in Croatia

In Croatia, the government reduced the excise duty on fuel and capped the profit margin for traders last spring, effectively making fuel an officially priced product. Currently, a litre of standard fuel of both types costs EUR 1.4.

Thanks to the price cap, Hungarians living near the border have been regular visitors to Croatian petrol stations for some time, Világgazdaság writes. On an average tank of fuel, you can save up to HUF 3-4000 (EUR 8-11) there.

Even cheaper elsewhere

However, fuel prices are even cheaper in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Thus, while Hungarians fill up in Croatia, Croatians go to their neighbour. There, a litre of petrol costs HUF 450 (EUR 1.19) and the same amount of diesel costs HUF 460 (EUR 1.21).

Fuel in Slovenia

At about the same time as Croatia, the Slovenian government also intervened in fuel prices, using almost the same model as Zagreb, Világgazdaság reports. In Slovenia, petrol costs HUF 520 (EUR 1.37) per litre, and diesel costs HUF 560 (EUR 1.48). As a result, Hungarian cars are becoming more common at Slovenian petrol stations.

According to Világgazdaság, regional fuel prices are as follows:

Regional fuel prices

Prices in HUF (EUR)

Petrol Diesel
Croatia 532 (1.40) 532 (1.40)
Bosnia and Herzegovina 450 (1.18) 460 (1.21)
Slovenia 520 (1.36) 560 (1.47)
Slovakia 589 (1.55) 570 (1.50)
Serbia 562 (1.47) 627 (1.65)
Romania 508 (1.33) 544 (1.43)

Source: Világgazdaság

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Attention! Major change coming to the Hungarian-Slovakian border in weeks

Border control

Slovakia has no plans to extend border controls at the Hungarian border beyond 22 January.

“Slovakia will not extend controls at the Hungarian border after 22 January,” Slovak Interior Minister Sutaj Estok told Slovak commercial television Markíza on Wednesday.

According to the Slovak Interior Minister, the current situation remains calm and stable, with no immediate concerns about illegal immigration.

Estok also noted that another wave of migration could arrive in the spring. Consequently, he expressed a desire for the police and military to take a break to prepare for potential challenges.

Slovakia introduced temporary border controls on the Slovak-Hungarian border on 5 October. One day after the Czech Republic, Austria and Poland did the same at the Slovak border, 24.hu reports.

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Breathtaking VIDEO: The 17th-century castle of Fülek reborn

The original 17th century castle of Fülek reborn

Ready for a time travel? Here is a video showing the romantic castle of Fülek in the 17th century. Fülek is currently in Slovakia, but the town has a Hungarian majority, and the Romantic castle ruin is open for visitors.

Pazirik Stúdió shared a breathtaking video on YouTube showing the castle of Fülek in the 17th century. They said on their Facebook page that they have been planning to recreate the castle for years using their financial sources.

The idea to create spectacular, interactive educational content came during the procession of relevant historical sources. Here is the video:

On their website, you can check out the most important buildings and sections of the castle and its neighbourhood. Furthermore, you can read about their history there in English. Click HERE to check that out.

The first written source of the Fülek castle is from 1242, one year after the Mongol invasion that almost destroyed Hungary. We wrote about the invasion in detail HERE.

Hungary’s leadership learned during the invasion that the Mongols could not conquer stone-walled fortresses. Therefore, Béla IV (1235-1270), the King of Hungary, supported the nobles to erect such fortresses on their lands. Of course, they were much more expensive than the previously built palisades and wooden structures. However, their defenders had a chance against the Eastern invaders, who returned in the coming decades.

Later, such castles could serve as a refuge for the enemies of the kings or even become the place of rebel nobles. That is what happened e.g. in 1483, when Mathias I won it back from the Perényi family with siege.

The Ottomans conquered it in 1554. It remained in their hands, bringing much sorrow to the neighbouring villages and Hungarian mining towns until 1593. Then, Miklós Pálffy took it back with 7,000 soldiers.

The 17th century was the golden age of the castle. Townsfolk built a monumental Lutheran church and a Lutheran secondary school. In 1670, a French engineer, Johann le Dentu, made a real-life miniature of the castle and the town.

In 1682, the Ottoman forces conquered it again and blew up the castle. Since it was never rebuilt, it remained a Romantic ruin.

In the 1970s, authorities started to rebuild some parts of the castle. One of them was the Bebek Tower, while the other the clock tower and the cannon sites. Some parts of the castle have been open to visitors since 1993.

The castle of Fülek
The castle today. Photo: Creative Commons CC BY-SA 3.0

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Orbán’s closest political advisor will help Trump win the presidency?

Donald Trump Viktor Orbán

Árpád Habony and Csaba Faragó, the foreign affairs director of Századvég have been operating Századvég in several countries, such as Serbia, Slovakia, Poland, and the United States. Political powers sympathetic to Viktor Orbán have increasingly relied on advice from Habony and his team in recent European elections. Where could you have heard of these advisors being involved before and what country seems to be the next on their list?

Slovakia and Fico

The organisation appeared in the Slovakian elections too. Habony first appeared last year around Peter Pellegrini’s party, Hlas. Hlas is the social democratic party and Peter Pellegrini is the speaker of the house. The intermediary was Matús Sutaj Estok, who has since become the Minister of Interior in Slovakia. However, with the growth of Fico’s party, Smer, the number of Fidesz associates also increased. Allegedly Századvég helped with the popularity ratig of Smer, writes Telex. This was done by conducting public surveys on which political messages work best.
According to sources “Hungarian collaboration with Smer remained strong even after Fico’s election victory.” You can read more about Slovak and Hungarian ties HERE.

Serbia

There are also mentions by 444, that Századvég actively participated in the Serbian elections. Mostly by Faragó helping the Vojvodina Hungarians’ Alliance, which is affiliated with Vučić’s party, in achieving good results.

The lost case of Poland

Although Habony’s team also worked on the Polish elections, the outcome was less favorable.
Not everywhere did Habony’s advice prove beneficial. After their advised party, the Law and Justice Party lost several politicians from the party blamed Habony Árpád and the consultants from Századvég for their loss of power. According to the international investigative organization, during the election period, they suggested to the party to choose aggressive and divisive political messages and to conduct a negative campaign against their opponent, Donald Tusk. Tusk, who is pro-Europe, won in the end and became the Prime Minister of Poland. We already wrote about it HERE.

Next on the list is Uncle Sam?

The ocean is not an obstacle, when talking about Habony and his influence. There has been talk of Habony being employed by none other than Donald Trump in his upcoming campaign for reelection. Former U.S. ambassador to Budapest, David Cornstein actively lobbies for Donald Trump to employ Habony, who is working on this project with Századvég fervently, especially Gergely Losonci, political director of the organisation. Habony has recently visited Florida multiple times and met with Trump’s people, so it seems like their collaboration is nearing the inevitable.

Hungary-Slovakia ties in peak shape

Szijjártó Slovakia

Hungary-Slovakia relations are in peak shape, and both sides have a mutual interest in developing them further, Péter Szijjártó, the minister of foreign affairs and trade, said on Wednesday.

Addressing a joint press conference with Slovak counterpart Juraj Blanar, Szijjártó said his visit, barely weeks after the Bratislava government was formed, was a clear testament to the “great importance attached to enhancing relations on both sides of the Danube”.

Both governments, he said, were interested in developing good neighbourly ties with a view to finding similar responses to the serious challenges facing the world today.

Both, he added, wanted peace in Ukraine and no solution could be found on the battlefield.

Also, both countries wanted a strong and competitive European Union based on strong member states that could preserve their national sovereignty, Szijjártó said, adding that both supported integrating the Western Balkans and they were against the world being divided into blocs.

Regarding joint action against illegal migration, the minister said both countries insisted on deciding for themselves whom to allow in and whom they were willing to live with.

Szijjártó said “Brussels can be sure” both countries rejected mandatory resettlement quotas.

On the subject of security, he noted that the Hungarian and Czech air forces will protect Slovakia’s airspace from Jan 1, indicating “mutual trust greater than ever before”.

Regarding optimising the permeability of the 654km common border, he said since the 2014 agreement between the two countries’ premiers, Viktor Orbán and Robert Fico, multiple new links have been built. This year alone two bridges over the River Ipoly were inaugurated, while the next will be handed over on Jan 12. Both sides are ready to enter into a new agreement on infrastructure developments, he added.

Regarding energy security, Szijjártó said Hungary and Slovakia were fully behind nuclear energy and the energy mix was a sovereign matter.

Neither would agree to sanctions that imperiled their energy supply, he said, adding that Hungarian-Slovak teamwork in negotiating exemptions from the latest EU sanctions package had been noteworthy.

“We look forward with great excitement and anticipation to Prime Minister Robert Fico’s visit to Hungary,” he said, adding that this would likely take place early next year.

Blanar also hailed bilateral ties and expressed sharp protest against “any kind of mandatory EU resettlement quota” or fines for non-compliance. Slovakia, he added, would return to the flexible solidarity it had previously shown, helping to protect Hungary’s southern border by sending police officers there, for instance.

On the issue of the war in Ukraine, he said there was no military solution to the conflict, and Slovakia would “demand peace even more loudly”.

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Orbán cabinet: Hungary exempt from the provisions of the new EU sanctions package

Hungary has staved off threats endangering its energy supply, having obtained exemptions to provisions in the new European Union sanctions package, Péter Szijjártó, the foreign minister, said in Brussels on Monday.

In the press conference held during the break of the European Union Foreign Affairs Council, which discussed the twelfth sanctions package against Russia, Hungary quashed a deadline for ending the exemption it has enjoyed to buy Russian crude oil through the Druzhba Pipeline.

Without the pipeline, Hungary and Slovakia would not be supplied adequately since Croatian transit capacity was too limited, he said.

As well as defeating “this hostile step”, Hungary appeared to have secured the extension of the rule which expired on Dec 5 enabling Hungarian oil and gas company Mol to continue exporting refined Russian crude oil to the Czech and Croatian markets.

Szijjártó said the sanctions package would not be vetoed if the important economic interest of Hungary were not undermined.

“It appears that the European Commission has accepted this and the draft of the sanctions proposal will include it; we’ll see,” he said.

Further, all sanctions proposals relating to the nuclear industry were rejected, he said. Such proposals would have rendered the expansion of Hungary’s Paks nuclear power plant, which was crucial to the country’s energy security, impossible, he added.

Also, regarding financial transactions outside the European Union, the adoption of restrictions that would harm national interests were abandoned, he said, adding that the government did not support the addition of either Chinese or Turkish companies to the sanctions list.

As we wrote before, Szijjártó met with Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Skopje, details HERE.

Also interesting: Hungary buys a lot of green energy, joining forces with four other countries

PHOTOS: New Danube bridge opened between Hungary, Slovakia

Hungary and Slovakia on Friday opened a new bridge over the River Ipoly linking the border villages of Őrhalom and Vrbovka (Ipolyvarbó).

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said the bridge was co-financed by the European Union and cost HUF 2.5 billion (EUR 6.6 million) to build.

Whereas in 2010 Hungary and Slovakia had just 22 border crossing points, they now have 39, the minister said. The 40th border crossing will be opened early next year at Drégelypalánk, he said.

Hungary and Slovakia both attach strategic importance to having ways to cross the border legally, Szijjártó said, adding that this was especially true given that Hungary’s longest border section was the one it shared with Slovakia, its third most important trading partner.

As regards the formation of the new Slovak government, Szijjártó noted that in 2014 it had been the governments of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Slovakia’s Robert Fico that had signed the agreement on the construction of the bridges on the Ipoly being completed now.

New Ipoly bridge Slovakia Hungary
Photo: MTI

He said the latest bridge would shorten the travel time by car between Vrbovka and Őrhalom from at least half an hour to a few minutes.

Szijjártó said the bridge’s opening demonstrated the two countries’ “excellent utilisation” of European Union funds.

Meanwhile, the minister said that after a time of “political hatred” between the two countries, cooperation between Hungary and Slovakia was now “a success story based on mutual respect”.

The two countries, he said, supported each other in key matters and contributed to each other’s economic growth and physical security.

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Visegrad Group interior ministers meet with the counterparts of Germany and Austria

Visegrad Group interior ministers meet with the counterparts of Germany and Austria

By defending its own borders Hungary is also protecting the public security of other EU countries, Sándor Pintér, the interior minister, said on Monday in Szeged, in southern Hungary, where Visegrad Group counterparts met with the interior ministers of Germany and Austria.

At the meeting, he briefed his counterparts on how Hungary is going about protecting the external Schengen borders as well as forms of international cooperation the country is now engaged in and future related plans, he told a joint press conference.

Whereas Hungary “is ready to cooperate and accept proposals”, it will not agree to the mandatory relocation of migrants, he said, adding that this was a matter of sovereignty.

Czechia’s Vit Rakusan said joint action was required to handle migration and protecting the external borders was a common interest.

Given pressure from the Western Balkan migration corridor, law enforcement cooperation with third countries would continue, he said, noting that Czech police have been involved in border protection since 2015, and Czechia plans to continue this assistance in 2024.

The ministers agreed to hold regular meetings to evaluate migration processes, he said, adding that controlling internal borders was far less preferable than protecting the external borders. A common European solution was needed, he said, but finding a compromise “is not straightforward”.

Germany’s Nancy Faeser the pressures of secondary migration had led many member states to introduce internal border controls, even though all EU countries preferred open borders within the EU.

She said joint action against people smuggling was required and Frontex must be strengthened.

Protecting human rights was “the basis of European cooperation”, she said, adding that this was especially so in the case of migration policy and the defence of the external borders.

Austria’s Gerhard Karner said his visit to Hungary had highlighted the importance of protecting the external borders, noting that Austrian, Czech and Slovak police officers were assisting these efforts effectively.

Slovakia’s Matus Sutaj-Estok said his country stood ready to provide help in protecting the bloc’s external borders, and the state of affairs was “favourable right now” thanks to “the action of the Serbian authorities and the weather” but preparations were needed to handle what would inevitably be renewed migration pressure in the spring.

Poland’s Bartosz Grodecki, the deputy interior minister, said the Schengen zone was a core value of the EU that must be maintained.

As we wrote a week ago, Hungary resumes residency sales for the wealthy, details HERE.

  • read also: Why do German pensioners flood Hungary? – VIDEO

Is a disaster coming? Shocking decline of Hungarians living beyond the borders

Hungarian children in folk clothes

The Hungarian population, not only within the borders of Hungary itself but also beyond, is facing a concerning decline. Regions such as Transylvania, Transcarpathia, Vojvodina and even Upper Hungary are witnessing a significant decrease in their Hungarian inhabitants.

Experts’ opinions

According to a report by 444, a conference addressing population decline in Central Europe saw insights shared by experts such as Irén Gábrity Molnár, László Józsa, Tamás Korhecz, Katalin Kovály, Patrik Tátrai, Péter Vataščin, and Valér Veres. The consensus among experts is that the declining Hungarian population extends beyond Hungary itself to Hungarians residing outside the country. In Transylvania, a striking trend emerged, with one-third of the Hungarian population disappearing over a span of 35 years. Transcarpathia witnesses a similar unsettling pattern, with only slightly over half of the population remaining compared to two decades ago. The 2022 census results in Vojvodina are deemed a demographic disaster. Even in Felvidék, where the situation is relatively better, the number of Hungarians is on the decline. This prompts the crucial question: Can the ongoing depopulation be halted?

Transylvania: vanishing identities

In Transylvania, a startling statistic emerges – one-third of the Hungarian population has vanished within a mere 35 years. The latest census data from Romania, however, is met with skepticism. According to Tamás Kiss, a researcher at the Institute for Minority Studies, methodological errors cast doubt on the accuracy of the figures. Kiss suggests that Romania has an interest in portraying inflated numbers, as the reality might lead to reduced EU funding. According to Valér Veres, the number of ethnic Hungarians is at 1.1 million, a figure steadily decreasing since the 1977 census, which counted 1.7 million Hungarians. Intriguingly, the loss of identity seems less significant in Hungarian-Swabian and Hungarian-Romanian relations but holds pronounced importance in Hungarian-Romanian relations. This phenomenon indicates a growing trend where native Hungarian speakers are increasingly identifying themselves as Romanian in census declarations.

Transcarpathia: the impact of external factors

The situation in Transcarpathia is complex, with external factors playing a significant role. The last census in Ukraine dates back to 2001, making it challenging to assess the current state accurately. However, since 2017, the estimated number of Hungarians has dropped, exacerbated by the Russian attack in February 2022. Katalin Kovály predicts a continued exodus, especially from Hungarian villages, due to the ongoing war.

Upper Hungary: resilience amidst decline

Hungary’s cross-border population is more resilient in Upper Hungary. Despite a decrease in Hungary’s overall population, the region has only experienced an 8% decline. Assimilation, rather than emigration or natural decrease, stands out as the main factor. Patrik Tátrai emphasises that, unlike in other regions, assimilation is more common among young men than women.

Vojvodina: Serbia’s alarming situation

While Romania faces a decline in the Hungarian population, Serbia, particularly Vojvodina, presents the most alarming scenario in the Carpathian Basin. The 2022 census indicates 184,000 Hungarians, a significant drop from nearly 500,000 in 1961. Emigration, natural decline, and assimilation are identified as the primary reasons for this distressing trend.

Can this concerning decline be stopped?

The data paints a grim picture of the Hungarian population’s decline beyond Hungary’s borders. As experts debate the accuracy of census figures and assess the impact of various factors, the pressing question remains: Can this depopulation be stopped? The future may depend on effective policies, international cooperation, and a commitment to preserving the cultural tapestry of Hungarian communities dispersed across Central Europe. For further insights, explore the government’s initiative to bring Hungarians living abroad back home by reading our article HERE.

Lots of foreigners buy property in Hungary: these are the most popular places

Property prices are skyrocketing at lake Balaton 2

The Hungarian Central Bank’s recent data reveals a sustained high in foreign property purchases, with nearly 8,000 transactions in 2022 and over 3,200 in the first half of 2023. The allure of Hungary is particularly strong in the five downtown districts of Pest, boasting a foreign property ownership rate surpassing 20%, while in the West and South Transdanubia, it holds steady at a respectable 10%. The big spenders on Hungary’s property scene in 2022 were the Vietnamese, Chinese, and Russians, splashing out between HUF 60-70 million (EUR 157,000 – 183,000).

Foreigner are charmed by Hungary’s property market

According to bank360.hu, the rate of foreign property buyers significantly grew in Hungary in the last 18 months. In Q2 2023, 6% of real estate sales, a total of 1,800 transactions, involved international buyers. That rate was even higher in Q3 and Q4 2022: 6.6% and 6.5% respectively.

In 2022, Hungary witnessed a surge in foreign interest, exceeding pre-COVID peaks (7,300 in 2018; 4.5%). Nearly 8,000 foreign nationals bought property in Hungary. The weak forint was a major player in this trend, with foreigners spending an average of HUF 43.3 million (EUR 113,000) to secure their own piece of Hungarian real estate. This is a significant jump from the average of HUF 25.2 million in 2018, MNB reported.

While 2023 brought a dip in overall property transactions due to economic uncertainties, skyrocketing inflation and interest rates, foreign buyers bucked the trend, claiming a larger share. Between January and September of this year, there were 89.3 thousand transactions, which is a 28% decrease on an annual basis.

The most popular places among foreign buyers

The downtown districts of Budapest, especially the 5-9th districts, saw a notable increase, with foreigners comprising 8.7% of buyers, which marks a significant rise from last year’s 7.8%. The same trend persists in Somogy County, where the reason for the growing interest is Lake Balaton. Furthermore, Germans, Austrians and Dutch nationals like to invest even in West and South Transdanubian counties where property is cheap.

Most property buyers are Germans. Their number grew by 69% compared to 2022. Every second property buyers in Somogy and Zala counties were German nationals last year. Vietnamese, Chinese and Russians spend the most on an apartment: HUF 60-70 million, EUR 157,000 – 183,000. Interestingly, the French also paid good money for property. Their average was HUF 51 million (EUR 133 thousand).

Slovakia stands in second place. The majority of the Slovaks coming to Hungary are above 65 years old. In Dunakiliti, Abaújvár, Gönc and Hidasnémeti, small Hungarian villages near the border, the majority of the real estate purchases involved Slovakian nationals. Of course, they might of Hungarians origin who spent their active years in Slovakia.

24% of the Germans were pensioners, while only 3% of the Chinese buyers were above the retirement age. It concludes that West and Central Europeans come to Hungary to retire, while East Asians arrive as employees or business owners. The most sought-after towns outside Budapest were Rajka, Battonya, Győr, Mosonmagyaróvár (in proximity to the border) and Hévíz (close to Lake Balaton).

Read also:

  • Contradictory numbers: What’s happening with property prices in Hungary? – Read more HERE
  • Unstoppable decline in housing construction in Hungary – check out the details in THIS article

Hungarian castle hotels bagging prize after prize

Botaniq Castle of Tura

November has been a splendid month for Hungarian hotels, basking in the glow of numerous recent award ceremonies. Across the country, hotels are earning recognition for their exceptional contributions, and one standout is the Heritage Hotels of Europe, which appraises castle hotels throughout the continent.

Hungary is abound with castles, each brimming with historical richness and breathtaking views. It’s no surprise that hotels nestled within these architectural marvels rank among the finest in Europe.
This year marks the fourth edition of the Heritage Hotels of Europe awards, as reported by turizmus.com. The association was founded in 2017 with the goal to appreciate the legacy of these special hotels and express gratitude to those responsible for their preservation and splendour. It was brought into reality by the Austrian “Schlosshotels & Herrenhäuser”, the Slovak “Historic Hotels of Slovakia” and the Hungarian “Magyar Kastélyszállodás Szövetsége”. Together, these entities represent the castle hotels of Europe and form the Heritage Hotels of Europe association .

The award ceremony

Leopoldskron

The prestigious award ceremony unfolded at the iconic Schloss Leopoldskron Hotel. If the name rings a bell, you can credit it to the timeless classic “The Sound of Music,” filmed at the Leopoldskron Hotel in 1964, which won five Oscars. This storied venue played host to the event where finalists were honoured with their well-deserved accolades.
Choosing the location wisely, Heritage Hotels held the ceremony at a place that truly radiates glory — Schloss Leopoldskron. The experienced jury committee bestowed awards in seven distinct categories, spanning hotels from 12 different countries. Guest reviews and the overall guest experience were integral to the evaluation. The categories included Design, Wellness, Gastronomy, Hospitality, Culture, Romance and Host of the Year. Hungarian hotels shone across multiple categories.

Our prize winners

Botaniq Castle

In the Heritage and Hospitality category, touted as the most complex award, the silver medal was bestowed upon Hungary’s Prónay Castle in Alsópetény for its top-notch service and most coordinated staff. The third-place accolade in this category went to the equally impressive Andrássy Manor & Spa Hotel in Tarcal. Notably, the Andrássy Manor stood out by competing in multiple categories, achieving third place in both Hospitality and Wellness.

But the Hungarian success story doesn’t end there. In the Gastronomy category, the Andrássy Manor secured second place, sharing the podium with another Hungarian gem, the Gróf Degenfeld Castle Hotel in Tarcal. Adding a cherry on top, the Heritage and Design category was triumphantly claimed by the Botaniq Castle in Tura, near Gödöllő. The recent renovation of this castle, showcasing a splendid Neo-Renaissance and Neo-Baroque style, left both the professional jury and guests dazzled.

Successes in Budapest

And there’s more to celebrate in Budapest! Jet2Holidays, a prominent UK tour operator, bestowed its Quality Awards upon hotels in the Hungarian capital, writes turizmus.com. These accolades, the “Quality Awards 2022”, which are marks of trustworthiness determined by guest rankings, were bestowed upon four Budapest nominees out of a total of 60 hotels. The Zeina hotel chain dominated, with the Continental Hotel, the Prestige Hotel and the Boutique Hotel all securing the prestigious accolade. Rounding off the quartet, the Hotel Moments Budapest also earned its place among the trustworthy establishments.

  • Read more about prize winner Hungarian hotels HERE.
  • Read about the new hotel in Budapest HERE.

What are Hungarian spies doing in Bratislava?

Hungarian spies in Slovakia

The Slovak foreign and security apparatus is puzzled by the sheer number of Hungarian spies in their country. It is especially unusual considering both countries are member states of the European Union. The Slovak counterintelligence is rather confused as to why the spies are there in the first place.

The big picture

When we look at the big picture and place together the pieces of the jigsaw, things still look rather odd. However, the recent reelection of Fico appears to be the main link that connects everything.

Firstly, during the election Viktor Orbán championed Fico vehemently and supported him thoroughly on almost every forums. The Hungarian government- affiliated media, which most Hungarian Slovaks get their information from, has always been openly pro-Fico. Another question is how Hungary may spread misinformation through these channels, which is also a surprising new element of the story. Read more about Hungary’s stance on ethnic Hungarians abroad HERE.

In the midst of the Slovak election campaigns, the Hungarian ambassador in Slovakia held a meeting with the Russian ambassador delegated to Bratislava. It’s worth noting that no other European Member State Ambassador met up with him. Another part of the story that should be mentioned is Hungary’s advocacy for a pro-Russian shift within the Visegrád Group, a stance temporarily set aside during the election period in both Poland and Slovakia. However, the ambassador emphasised the need to collaborate with Russia, as reported by a Slovak government official.

Following Fico’s successful election, he not only secured victory at the polls but also received a handshake and a friendly hug from Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó, who later sent a small army of intelligence officers to Slovakia.

Learn more about Slovakian foreign policies HERE.

What’s the end goal?

The reason behind deploying so many spies remains a mystery. The government’s intentions are unclear, and speculation abounds. According to a former Hungarian intel officer, this phenomenon is not justified by the political scene there, particularly given Slovakia’s strong status as an ally after Fico’s reelection. If the spies are indeed tasked with gathering information, he deems Bratislava an ill-suited location, suggesting Vienna as a more strategic choice for networking and information-sharing among fellow operatives.

He highlighted, “We only send these undercover officers to Slovakia because there’s a political request by the Orbán government.”

Why don’t the Slovaks do something?

In light of these developments, the question arises: Why haven’t the Slovaks taken action? The Slovak counterintelligence has identified the spies, some of whom hold high-ranking positions in Hungarian state-run institutions. The Slovak apparatus is confounded with the situation, since it is rather unusual for allies to send an armada of spies into their ally’s capital. Moreover, expulsions is out of question between allied nations.

Thus, the main question still lingers: What is Hungary’s plan for deploying such a large contingent of spies within the capital of an allied nation?

Neighbouring country hermetically closed Schengen border!

Slovakia Hungary border Robert Fico

Slovakia elected a new government a couple of weeks ago, and Robert Fico, the leader of the Direction – Social Democracy (Smer), who secured victory in the elections with promises of stricter border control, appears committed to his political agenda. He has begun implementing hermetically sealed Schengen borders on the Hungarian border. He claims this is in response to the constant flow of migrants into Slovakia.

According to parameter.sk, Fico’s new Interior Minister, Matúš Šutaj Eštok, intends to attempt the seemingly impossible by imposing strict border closures on the Hungarian-Slovakian border. A local Hungarian online news outlet suggests that Fico himself may detain some illegal migrants at the Hungarian-Slovakian border this week as part of a well-conceived PR campaign.

Previously, Fico talked about security concerns in the wake of the recent Israel-Palestine conflict in the Middle East. He believes that this armed conflict will lead to an unstoppable wave of illegal migration to Europe, which must be intercepted, at least at the Slovakian borders.

Much like PM Viktor Orbán in 2018, Fico’s election campaign focused on illegal migration and how he would protect the Slovakian people from it. Paraméter wrote that the 650-kilometre-long border could not be entirely sealed, even if the entire army and police were stationed there. The news outlet also pointed out that even if authorities expelled illegal migrants to Hungary, they would likely return, similar to the situation in Northern Serbia, where armed gangs frequently challenge local authorities and each other in areas inhabited by indigenous Hungarian communities. The Hungarian government has not issued a statement yet regarding the potential closure of the Hungarian-Slovakian border.

The new Slovak government and Mr Matus:

Slovakian army and police at the border

The Slovakian army and police closed the Hungarian-Slovakian green border at 7 pm yesterday. According to parameter.sk, the Slovakian authorities deployed drones, dogs, horses, thermal cameras, and military vehicles to the border. They even stationed a water cannon at the Rajka border crossing.

According to the Interior Minister, they plan to enhance border control in areas where the highest numbers of migrants have entered in recent months. Hungarian authorities have provided their Slovakian counterparts with this information. Additionally, army units will be dispatched to the border to assist the police. Neither Fico nor his Interior Minister have provided specific numbers, so the extent of the reinforcement remains uncertain.

Fico stressed their intention to discourage the organisers of illegal migration and demonstrate Slovakia’s ability to protect its territory from illegal migrants.

HERE we previously reported on the introduction of Slovakian border control several weeks ago. In THIS article, you can read about another Schengen country, Slovenia, which has taken similar measures.

 

BREAKING: Slovenia introduces border controls at Hungarian border

Border control

Due to the terrorist threats in major European cities, Slovenia has also decided to suspend the Schengen agreement and introduce border controls at the Hungarian and Croatian borders.

Border controls in Slovenia

Slovenian Interior Minister Bostjan Poklukar confirmed to N1 television that Slovenia will suspend the Schengen agreement. As a result, border controls will be introduced at the Hungarian and Croatian borders.

The Hungarian and Croatian interior ministers were informed of the announcement. The Slovenian government may approve the measure on Thursday, which will later be sent to the European Commission.

Like Italy, the measure is justified by the growing terrorist threat in Europe. “We see what happened in France and Belgium. Slovenia is no exception,” Poklukar warned. The start date for border controls is still in question, and talks are still ongoing with the EU Commission.

The Slovenian minister said that they are trying to guarantee Slovenia’s security and want to have the least problems for border crossers.

Terror threat in Europe

Recently, two people were killed and one injured in Brussels before a football match. The incident has raised the terror alert to its highest level since 2016. A teacher was stabbed to death in France over the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Shortly afterwards, bomb threats were made at the Louvre and Versailles.

The Counter-Terrorism Coordination Committee has also met in Hungary. In the Committee’s view, the information on terrorism and terrorist acts in the framework of operational and partner cooperation between law enforcement agencies does not justify a change of the medium terror level in Hungary, which has been in place since March 2016.

Slovakia has also introduced border controls due to illegal immigrants. The Hungarian-Slovak border is currently closed until 3 November, index.hu reports.

Is Slovakia good place to visit for sport events?

hockey slovakia

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You’re an adrenaline junkie, aren’t you? Or maybe a sports enthusiast? Either way, we’ve got the perfect destination for you – Slovakia.

This country isn’t just about its rich history and stunning landscapes. It’s also a hotspot for thrilling sports events.

From hockey games that’ll keep you on edge, to extreme sports that’ll get your blood pumping, Slovakia’s got it all.

Pack your gear, it’s time to explore Slovakia’s vibrant sports culture!

  • Slovakia’s Vibrant Sports Culture

While you mightn’t initially think of Slovakia as a hotbed for sports culture, you’d be surprised at just how vibrant and passionate the sporting scene truly is. This small but spirited nation is packed with sports enthusiasts who live and breathe football, ice hockey, tennis, and cycling. Be it the local pub or a crowded stadium; you’ll find the undying spirit of the game igniting the air.

Football, being the national sport, is an undeniable force here. Imagine yourself amidst the roaring crowd in a local football match, sharing the thrill of a goal scored. It’s not just about watching; it’s about being part of the collective euphoria. If You like sports betting You can check fortuna stavkova info.

But it’s not only about the mainstream sports. Slovakia has also carved out a niche in the world of extreme sports. The vast, untouched landscapes offer a sense of freedom that you can’t find elsewhere. Ever felt the rush of white-water rafting? Or the adrenaline surge from mountain biking? Slovakia opens up these opportunities to you. You can choose to be a spectator or jump right into the action.

In Slovakia, you’re not just observing the sports culture, you’re living it.

  • Top Sports Events in Slovakia

If you’re a sports enthusiast, you’ll be thrilled by the top sports events that Slovakia has to offer. The country’s passion for sports is infectious, and you’re bound to catch the fever.

Firstly, don’t miss the Ice Hockey World Championship, where the nation’s adoration for the sport truly shines. You’ll experience a unique atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else as the Slovak team battles it out on the ice.

Next up is the Slovak Marathon Championship. Witness the determination of the athletes as they race through Slovakia’s beautiful landscapes. You’re free to join, cheer, or just soak in the thrilling ambiance.

Slovakia is also home to the thrilling KIA Slovakia Open, a tennis tournament that draws players from around the world. The competition is fierce, and the action is non-stop.

Lastly, the Tour de Slovakia is a must for cycling fans. As the racers pedal their way across the country’s stunning vistas, you’ll get to experience the race’s energy and the country’s beauty in one fell swoop.

  • Popular Stadiums and Venues

After you’ve enjoyed these thrilling sports events, you’ll certainly want to explore some of Slovakia’s popular stadiums and venues. The country is flush with places that resonate with the vibrant energy of sportsmanship and celebrate the freedom to play.

  • Tehelné Pole Stadium: This is the largest football stadium in Slovakia, located in the capital city, Bratislava. You’ll feel the pulsing rhythm of the crowd and experience the vastness of its 22,500 seating capacity.
  • Steel Arena: Situated in Kosice, it’s the second largest ice hockey arena in Slovakia. It’s not just a venue, it’s a testament to the nation’s love for ice hockey. The electrifying vibe here will give you chills, literally and figuratively.
  1. National Tennis Centre: Nestled in Bratislava, it’s a haven for tennis lovers. The sound of tennis balls hitting the racket strings, the roar of the crowd, it’s all music to a sports enthusiast’s ears.

These venues aren’t just for sports, they’re symbols of Slovakia’s rich sports culture. You’ll feel the spirit of freedom, competition, and camaraderie that fills these spaces. So, get out there and soak it all in!

  • Slovakia’s Love for Ice Hockey

You can’t talk about sports in Slovakia without mentioning their deep love for ice hockey.

This passion is evident in their popular ice hockey teams, the success of their national team, and the sport’s ingrained presence in their local culture.

  • Popular Ice Hockey Teams

In Slovakia, ice hockey isn’t just a sport, it’s a national passion and their teams, like the famed HC Slovan Bratislava, showcase some of the best talent in the world. This love for the game is evident in the way the crowd roars with each goal scored, in the way they proudly wear their team colors.

HC Slovan Bratislava is a team that has represented Slovakia in the KHL, winning many hearts with their impressive plays. They’ve become synonymous with excellence and have a dedicated fan base that supports them wholeheartedly.

Another notable team is HKM Zvolen, champions of the Slovak Extraliga. Their determination and relentless pursuit of victory are admirable. They have consistently shown their commitment to the sport and have earned the respect of both their opponents and fans.

HC ’05 Banská Bystrica is yet another team that embodies the spirit of the sport. They have achieved great success, winning three consecutive titles. Their teamwork, skill, and passion for the game have made them a force to be reckoned with.

In these teams, you witness freedom, passion, and unity, qualities that define the Slovak spirit. Their love for ice hockey isn’t just entertainment, it’s a celebration of their identity.

  • National Team Success

So, why does Slovakia’s love for ice hockey matter so much when considering it as a destination for sports events? Simply put, it’s because their passion translates into a vibrant, energetic atmosphere that’s infectious.

Slovakia’s national team has had significant success on the ice, boasting a well-decorated history in the sport. They’ve won numerous championships, and their games are always a hot ticket. You’ll find yourself swept up in the excitement, experiencing the freedom of their spirited fandom firsthand.

Plus, the infrastructure for ice hockey in Slovakia is top-notch, with great stadiums and facilities.

Whether you’re a die-hard sports fan or just love an electric atmosphere, Slovakia’s love for ice hockey will make your visit for a sports event unforgettable.

  • Hockey in Local Culture

Beyond the national team’s triumphs, the fervor for ice hockey permeates every level of Slovakian culture, making it an integral part of the local identity. You’ll find that the locals don’t just watch the sport; they live it.

Here are three ways this passion shines:

  1. Community Bonding: Ice hockey games aren’t just matches, they’re community events. People gather in homes, pubs, and town squares to cheer on their teams, creating a sense of unity and camaraderie.
  2. Generational Love: Parents pass down their love for the game to their children, nurturing a new generation of enthusiasts.
  3. National Pride: Hockey victories aren’t just sport triumphs; they’re a reflection of Slovakian strength, resilience, and spirit.

Indeed, if you’re seeking a place where sport is intertwined with freedom, passion, and community, Slovakia’s love for hockey offers a compelling reason to visit.

  • Extreme Sports Opportunities

You’ll find that Slovakia offers a vast array of extreme sports opportunities to satisfy your adrenaline cravings. Whether it’s the thrill of white water rafting down the roaring rivers, or the exhilaration of bungee jumping from towering heights, Slovakia has got you covered. The country’s varied terrain makes it an ideal playground for enthusiasts of all things extreme.

Why not test your nerve with paragliding over the stunning Tatras Mountains? Or perhaps you’d prefer to defy gravity through rock climbing in the Slovak Paradise National Park? The choice is yours, and freedom is the name of the game. Slovakia’s action-packed landscape is your canvas, just waiting for you to make your mark.

Winter doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. You can hit the slopes for some thrilling snowboarding or ice climbing. And if you’re really brave, you could even try your hand at ice diving.

In Slovakia, you’re not just a spectator, you’re a participant. You’re the one who sets the limits, the one who pushes boundaries. So, come to Slovakia and embrace the spirit of adventure. After all, life’s too short for boring sports.

  • Sports Festivals and Tournaments

In addition to the adrenaline-pumping activities, the numerous sports festivals and tournaments hosted by Slovakia can’t be ignored. Slovakia, with its unique blend of vibrant culture and keen sporting spirit, offers an exciting array of sports festivals that cater to your sense of adventure and freedom.

  • Slovakia Cup: This famed football tournament draws teams from across the globe. Imagine the thrill of witnessing a high-octane match, the crowd’s roar echoing in your ears.
  • Kosice Peace Marathon: The oldest marathon in Europe, it’s not just a race, it’s a testament to human endurance and spirit. Feel the joy of participating or cheering on runners in the scenic streets of Kosice.
  1. High Tatras Ice Hockey Tournament: The sheer energy of the game on the ice, the camaraderie among fans, the spirit of sportsmanship – it’s something you’ve got to experience.

These events aren’t just about watching sports. They’re about immersing yourself in the atmosphere, feeling the freedom that comes from being part of something greater.

  • Conclusion

So, you’re considering Slovakia for your next sports-themed vacation? You’re in for a treat!

Slovakia’s vibrant sports culture, thrilling sports events, and top-notch venues will keep you on your toes. Whether you’re a die-hard ice hockey fan or an extreme sports enthusiast, Slovakia has something for you.

And don’t forget the exciting sports festivals and tournaments. Trust us, Slovakia is a sports lover’s paradise you won’t want to miss.