Ryanair, Europe No. 1 airline has revealed its most popular Summer ’23 destinations for Hungarian holidaymakers as the airline grows to carry over 300 million passengers by 2034.
This summer Ryanair is operating +450 weekly flights across 56 routes to/from Hungary and the airline is now inspiring travel trends by revealing some of its top Summer ’23 destinations. The most popular destinations for Hungarians this year include Italy (21%), the UK (18%), and Spain (10%) where Ryanair is seeing a high level of demand this summer.
To book your last-minute summer getaway and secure your seat with Europe’s no. 1 airline, Ryanair has launched a special seat sale with fares from €29.99 available only at Ryanair.com.
Ryanair’s Country Manager CEE & Baltics, Alicja Wójcik-Gołębiowska, said:
“Summer is finally here and there’s no better way to relax than by escaping to an amazing destination at unbeatable prices. For all those Hungarians who haven’t booked a Summer getaway yet, now is the time to visit one of the marvellous beach destinations in or fly to a European capital for an exciting city break. To book your last-minute summer getaway and secure your seat, Ryanair has launched a special seat sale with fares from €29.99 available only at Ryanair.com.”
Key findings:
Families are most likely to choose Italy (19%), the UK (15%) and Greece (13%) and they prefer trips between 3 to 7 days (73%).
Single adults are more likely to choose the UK (24%), Italy (17%) and Spain (7%) and are also more likely to choose shorter trips of up to 3 days (60%).
The most popular trips with passengers are up to 3 days with 50% of all bookings being short getaways.
The Hungarian men’s water polo team defeated the defending champion Spain 12-11 to reach the final of the Fukuoka World Aquatics Championships and qualify for next year’s Paris Olympics.
The Hungarians have thus maintained their unbeaten record against Spain in major world competitions (Olympics, World Cup, European Championship) since 1998.
In the last minute of the tie, Spain had a man advantage but missed a shot. With a few seconds left, Krisztián Manhercz fired a shot from an acute angle and the ball went under the arm of the Spanish goalkeeper and crossed the goal line at the last moment.
Zsolt Varga’s team will face the Greek team, who are the Olympic champions, in the final on Saturday.
Men’s water polo tournament, semi-final:
Hungary-Spain 12-11 (3-3, 1-3, 3-2, 5-3)
The Irish low-cost airline, Ryanair, is to launch a new flight from Hungary’s Budapest Airport. The first plane will take off on 29 October. Furthermore, an international airline plans to come to Budapest soon.
According to Budflyer, a Hungarian travel news Facebook page, Ryanair will launch a new flight connecting Budapest’s Ferenc Liszt International Airport and Tenerife-South (TFS). Ryanair will serve passengers with two flights per week in the winter season. This flight will be the third connecting the Canary Islands with Hungary. Ryanair operates flights to Gran Canaria and Lanzarote. HERE is our article about Hungarians cleaning up the Canary Islands.
A comment writer said the new Ryanair flight will create competition for Wizz Air. The Hungarian low-cost airline operates a flight twice a week (Monday and Friday) to Tenerife. Another would have chosen Fuerteventura instead of Tenerife as the next Ryanair destination from Budapest.
International airline plans to come to Budapest
Meanwhile, an international airline plans to extend its operation to Hungary and Budapest. Royal Air Maroc (RAM), Marocco’s national airline, would announce ambitious plans to increase its fleet and destinations. RAM would like to have 200 planes by 2037 and an annual passenger capacity of 31.6 million instead of the 7.3 million. Marocco’s national airline would like to become a global player, Budflyer wrote.
RAM would like to establish a direct air connection with the capitals of the V4 countries, including Budapest. That will happen some time between 2027 and 2037, and the planned new destinations are Budapest, Prague, Warsaw and Bucharest in our region.
Budflyer wrote that to date, neither Wizz Air nor Ryanair have tried to reopen flights to Agadir and Marrakesh on the Hungarian market, or even to launch a new flight to Casablanca, despite great demand. HERE is an interview with the Moroccan ambassador to Budapest.
NATO fighter jets will take part in military drills in East Hungary. Therefore, authorities warned residents to be prepared for increased sound pollution. The drill is part of the Neptun Strike and will concern the following cities and villages: Mezőkövesd, Eger, Tiszafüred, Debrecen, Karcag, Gyöngyös and Jászberény.
According to 24.hu, the military drill is organised between 1 PM and 4 PM on Friday and will concern US, Spanish and Hungarian jets. Hungary is “indispensable” and “has a crucial role” in NATO’s recently adopted deterrence and defence plan, Defence Minister Kristof Szalay-Bobrovniczky said in a video published on Facebook on Wednesday. Speaking after the NATO summit in Vilnius, the minister said Hungary was spending 2 percent of its GDP on defence, adding that the ratio would be maintained in 2024. He noted Hungary’s contribution to international NATO missions as well as to efforts aimed at reinforcing the organisation’s eastern flank.
Concerning the war in Ukraine, Szalay-Bobrovniczky said the Hungarian government “shares NATO’s position and will not supply lethal equipment, will not participate or drift into the war and will avoid its escalation.” He noted that Ukraine had not received an invitation to join NATO, adding that “neither the situation is suitable nor Ukraine is ready to become a member”. The Hungarian government maintains its position that an immediate ceasefire and peace talks are needed, Szalay-Bobrovniczky said.
Hungary has made significant achievements in the fight against climate change in recent years, Energy Minister Csaba Lantos told an informal meeting of EU energy and environment ministers in Valladolid on Tuesday.
Hungary has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions per unit of GDP by nearly 28 percent since 2010, the energy ministry cited Lantos as saying. Meanwhile, the share of renewable energy sources in electricity consumption rose to almost 14 percent from 7.7 percent between 2010 and 2021, he said. The minister pointed out, however, that the ongoing war in Ukraine had endangered energy security and pushed global energy market prices to historic highs. Hungary responded to these challenges by focusing on supply security, affordable energy prices and utility price caps, he said.
Hungary is committed to meeting its climate goals and preserving its environmental assets as evidenced by its review of its National Energy and Climate Plan, the ministry said. Lantos at the meeting reaffirmed the Hungarian government’s commitment to the EU’s 2050 climate neutrality strategy, but said it did not support Brussels significantly accelerating the climate goals and the phasing out of fossil fuels.
Tuesday’s meeting was held in preparation for the UN’s upcoming COP28 global climate conference.
The Spanish national airline Ibera has published its winter schedule for 2023-2024. It shows that the flag carrier of Spain will operate daily flights between Madrid and Budapest.
Stunning increase in offers
The Spanish national airline has announced its winter schedule for the period 28 October 2023 to 30 March 2024. Iberia, which has been expanding its long-haul network lately, will offer more than 300 flights between its Madrid-based hub and Latin America. This is a 14 percent increase compared to 2019.
Colombia, Peru, Chile, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Brazil and Venezuela are also included among the new destinations. The airline offers a record number of more than two million seats for the winter season, airportal.hu reports.
Iberia also offers record capacity to Paris, Milan and Rome, while there are more than 90 flights a week to the United States. The Spanish national airline’s main innovation will be a new route to Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland in Finland, according to turizmus.com.
Serving Budapest-Madrid route seven days a week
According to the airline’s announcement, the Madrid-Budapest route will be extended by two extra flights per week compared to the pre-pandemic offer. From October, Iberia will operate a direct flight between Madrid and Budapest every day of the week.
Flights depart Madrid at 11.45 AM local time and arrive in Budapest a few minutes before 3 PM. Return flights take off from Liszt Ferenc airport at 3.35 PM and land in the Spanish capital five minutes before 7 PM.
Iberia had planned to double the number of flights in 2019 to six a week, but this was thwarted by COVID-19.
Bounce, which offers luggage storage options in cities around the world, has sought out the best, safest and most affordable destinations for solo travellers. Hungary is also in the top ten of this year’s Bounce Solo Travel Index.
Bounce offers luggage storage in cities around the world. The company has now looked for the best, safest and most affordable destinations for solo travellers. The survey looked at leisure and restaurant options, public transport, food and accommodation prices. It also took into account the number of accommodation options, crime and safety indicators and the weather (average annual temperature and rainfall), turizmus.com reports.
European countries performed particularly well in the 2023 Solo Travel Index, but there are also Asian destinations in the top 10. Most importantly, Hungary is also in the top 10 best destinations for people travelling alone.
The country is a fascinating destination, a melting pot of cultures, traditions and customs, according to a compilation reviewed by Reisereporter.
9. Singapore
The Asian country is known for, among other things, its versatile high-end cuisine, bustling street markets and exciting restaurant scene. It is well worth exploring.
With the same score, 6.01 out of 10, the two countries actually share 7th and 8th place. Hungary is in the top ten thanks to its cultural cities and spa resorts (Budapest, Veszprém, Hévíz, Eger, Hajdúszoboszló), cheap public transport, food and accommodation. Our recommendation: luggage storage in Budapest
6. Greece
One of the reasons why the destination is so popular with solo travellers is the sheer number of attractions, with 185 for every 100,000 people. In addition, the low cost of accommodation is another reason why it tops the ranking.
5. Iceland
The “Land of Fire and Ice” is known for its breathtaking landscapes, natural wonders and many film locations. Iceland has the most attractions per 100,000 inhabitants (583) of all the destinations surveyed.
4. Portugal
The country’s low prices for restaurants and hotels, among other things, have secured it fourth place: these services cost almost half as much in Portugal as in Iceland.
The country has jumped six places in the ranking since the 2021 assessment. According to Bounce, Slovenia is as beautiful as Austria or Switzerland, but without the tourist crowds. It is also much cheaper, with a night in a hostel costing around EUR 22. It should also be pointed out that Slovenia is one of the safest of all the countries surveyed.
The island country’s high average annual temperature (around 20 degrees Celsius) and low average rainfall make it an ideal destination. Malta is known for its historic attractions and dreamy beaches, and the capital Valletta is particularly worth a trip.
With beautiful beaches, coves, islands and unspoilt national parks, the country offers a wealth of outdoor activities to tempt solo travellers. Croatia has 17 restaurants per 100,000 inhabitants and accommodation is very affordable, with hostels costing an average of €13 a night. The country’s high safety rating (75.4 out of 100) and low crime rate (24.6 out of 100) make it one of the safest destinations in the ranking.
The handling of migration challenges will form an important part of the EU presidency of Spain, Belgium and Hungary starting in July, Judit Varga, the minister of justice, said on Tuesday in Luxembourg. Also the issues of human trafficking, security policy, demography, and anti-Semitism will form key planks of the trio programme, she said.
It has been clear during preparations for the trio presidency that the three member states have put “a very good working plan on the table” in the interest of preserving Europe’s global competitiveness and in terms of security policy while coping with emerging challenges, Varga said as she arrived at the meeting of the EU ministers responsible for EU affairs.
The future of cohesion policy is also a major policy area, she said, and Hungary will emphasise the principle of “upward convergence” whereby less developed countries can catch up with developed ones.
Varga said that Hungary was cooperating with its partners continuously, adding that Hungary assuming the presidency next year would coincide with the anniversary of the Hungarian government’s being in office since 2010, which Varga called “political and government stability and continuity”.
Bad news came out about Poland and Hungary’s antisemite sentiments. According to a recent survey of ten European countries, more than a third of the population in Hungary and Poland hold explicitly anti-Jewish views.
According to a survey by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) in ten European countries, a significant percentage of the population agrees with certain anti-Semitic views and stereotypes, The Jerusalem Post reports. The ADL poll ran from November last year to January this year. It covered Belgium, the UK, France, the Netherlands, Poland, Hungary, Germany, Russia, Spain and Ukraine, rtl.hu writes.
The questions that helped determine the populations’ antisemitism
The questions covered eleven commonly held anti-Jewish views, such as the following:
Jews have too much power in business.
Jews are the cause of most wars in the world.
Jews are more loyal to Israel than to their homeland.
Respondents were asked to indicate their level of agreement with statements such as the above. If someone agreed to some extent with at least six of the 11 statements, they were classified as holding antisemitic views.
According to the survey, 37 percent of the population in Hungary hold anti-Semitic views.
What about the rest of the countries examined?
This figure is 35 percent in Poland, 29 percent in Ukraine, 26 percent in Russia and Spain. It is 24 percent in Belgium, 17 percent in France, 12 percent in Germany and 10 percent in the UK. According to the ADL, the Netherlands has the lowest level of antisemitism at just 8 percent.
The survey data show that while the proportion of people who hold antisemitic views is relatively high in Poland and Ukraine, around one third, the situation has improved since the last survey in 2019. Antisemitism fell from 48 to 35 percent in Poland and from 46 to 29 percent in Ukraine. In Hungary, antisemitism has fallen by a smaller amount, from 42 to 37 percent. Thus, the five-percent drop has seen Hungary jump to the top.
Spain’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and warm climate have made it a popular choice for international property buyers. If you are Hungarian and considering purchasing a property in Spain, you are joining a growing number of foreigners who have discovered the benefits of investing in Spanish real estate.
We aim to provide you with a comprehensive guide on buying property in Spain as a Hungarian buyer, covering key considerations, legal requirements, and practical tips to ensure a smooth and successful purchase.
Research and Location Selection
Before diving into the Spanish property market, it’s essential to conduct thorough research and identify the ideal location for your investment. Spain offers diverse regions with unique features, such as the bustling cities of Barcelona and Madrid, the sun-soaked beaches of Costa del Sol, and the serene countryside of Andalusia.
Consider your preferences, lifestyle, and objectives when choosing the right location that suits your needs and budget.
Engage Professional Assistance
Navigating the Spanish property market can be complex, especially for foreign buyers. Engaging the services of a reputable local real estate agent, lawyer, and translator is highly recommended.
A reliable agent can provide valuable insights, assist with property searches, and negotiate on your behalf. A competent lawyer will guide you through the legal aspects, ensuring compliance with Spanish regulations.
Financial Considerations
Understanding the financial aspects of buying property in Spain is crucial. As a Hungarian buyer, you will need to consider the following:
Budgeting: Determine your budget, including the purchase price, associated costs (taxes, notary fees, etc.), and ongoing expenses (property maintenance, utilities, etc.).
Financing: Explore your financing options, whether through personal savings, Hungarian banks, or Spanish lenders. Ensure you understand the terms and conditions, interest rates, and any potential currency exchange risks.
Taxes and Fees: Familiarize yourself with the applicable taxes and fees, such as the property transfer tax (ITP), value-added tax (VAT), notary fees, and registry fees. Consult with a tax advisor to understand your tax obligations in both Hungary and Spain.
Legal Requirements:
It’s essential to comply with legal requirements during the purchasing process to protect your investment. Consider the following key steps:
NIE Number: As a foreigner, you will need to obtain a Spanish tax identification number (NIE). This unique identifier is required for various legal and financial transactions.
Due Diligence: Conduct thorough due diligence on the property, including verifying ownership, checking for liens or encumbrances, and reviewing planning permissions and licenses.
Purchase Contract: Once you find the desired property, a purchase contract (contrato de arras) will be drafted, detailing the terms and conditions of the sale. Have your lawyer review the contract, to ensure your interests are protected.
Notary and Registry: The final step involves signing the deed before a notary public and registering the property in the Spanish Land Registry. Your lawyer will oversee these procedures, and ensure legal compliance.
Practical Considerations:
Beyond the legal and financial aspects, consider the following practical factors:
Healthcare and Insurance: Understand the Spanish healthcare system and consider private health insurance options to ensure adequate coverage.
Language and Culture: Familiarize yourself with the local language (Spanish) and customs to facilitate communication and integration into the Spanish community.
Property Management: If you plan to use the property as a second home or rental investment, consider hiring a local property management company to handle maintenance, rentals, and other logistical matters.
Overall, buying property in Spain as a Hungarian can be a rewarding endeavor. Conducting thorough research, engaging professional assistance, and understanding financial considerations are key to navigating the Spanish property market successfully. Choosing the right location, having reliable real estate and legal support, and complying with legal requirements will protect your investment. Additionally, considering practical factors like healthcare, language and culture, and property management can contribute to a smooth purchase in Spain.
You can confidently pursue your property purchase in Spain with the right approach and proper considerations. Thorough research, professional assistance, and an understanding of financial and legal aspects are crucial. Taking into account practical factors such as healthcare, language, and property management will further enhance your buying experience. You can maximize the chances of successful property acquisition in Spain as a Hungarian buyer by carefully considering these elements.
At this point, Spain Homes ® provides an excellent opportunity for Hungarian buyers looking to invest in property in Spain. Their property listings consist of thousands of apartments, villas, townhouses, commercial properties, lands for sale, and other assets. Their expert property team guides you through the whole property purchasing process, from finding your dream home to getting the title deed.
Invest in your dream of owning a property in Spain with confidence, knowing that Spain Homes ® has the expertise and reliable services to guide you through the Spanish property market. Contact us today to turn your dream into reality!
Hungary, Spain and Belgium will give the presidential trio of the European Council from July, and it is their responsibility to ensure a reliable, safe environment for EU farmers, and to provide solutions to the sector’s problems in the 18 months hence, Agriculture Minister István Nagy said on Monday in Madrid, after meeting his Spanish and Belgian counterparts.
In a system laid down in the Lisbon Treaty in 2009, member states holding the presidency work together closely in groups of three. The trios set long-term goals during the 18 months when they take turns to hold the EU presidency. The trio of Spain, Belgium and Hungary will take over in July 2023.
Spain will hold the rotating presidency from July 2023, Belgium will take over in January 2024, and Hungary in July 2024.
“In our programme, we wish to balance farmers’ competitiveness with preserving our created world so progress and environmental protection are both sustainable,” he said. He also highlighted the importance of protecting the inner markets, European food security and sovereignty.
The trio’s priority will be the progress of the EU and its citizens, and its focus points will be food security, the war in Ukraine and droughts in the EU, Nagy said.
Within that framework, Spain will focus on developing an agriculture resistent to climate change, and Belgium on animal health and innovation, the ministers said.
Nagy said that Hungary’s priority will be to highlight crisis management in talks on the Common Agricultural Policy after 2027. It will also focus on R+D+I in the sector to ensure food security, he said.
As the summer approaches, more airlines establish new flights at Budapest’s main air gate, the Liszt Ferenc International Airport. Below you may read about the latest announcement.
According to the Facebook page of the Budapest Airport, “the Spanish national carrier Iberia launched daily flights between Budapest and Madrid at the end of March. Discover the Spanish capital, roam the Royal Palace or the famous Prado Museum, and if you want to explore other places, the airline’s extensive domestic and international network will allow you to fly further afield within Europe, or even to South America.”
Here is their post, and HERE you may book your ticket from Budapest to Madrid.
We interviewed H. E. Ambassador Alfonso Dastis, the ambassador of Spain in Budapest. We talked about his first impressions of Hungary and the Hungarian language, the economic, cultural and touristic ties between the two countries and, of course, we did not miss the two countries’ world-famous gastronomic heritage and Ferenc Puskás, one of the world’s best footballers, who is respected in Madrid, too.
DNH: You have just arrived in our country. Can you tell us about the missions you have been involved in during your career?
H. E. Ambassador Alfonso Dastis: My career has concentrated almost exclusively on Europe, with the exception of a stint at the Spanish mission to the United Nation in New York. I have been Ambassador to the Netherlands, Permanent Representative of Spain to the European Union in Brussels and Ambassador to Italy before becoming Spanish Ambassador to Hungary. In Madrid I have held several high ranking positions, such as European advisor in the Prime Minister’s office, Director of Organization of the Spanish Presidency of the EU in 2002, Secretary General for European affairs at the Spanish foreign Ministry and finally Foreign Minister between 2016-2018.
DNH: Before your arrival, did you have any contacts or experiences with Hungary? Have you been here before?
H. E. Ambassador Alfonso Dastis: I had been only to Budapest, which I had visited a couple of times, the first one in 1988, the second in 2011 during the Hungarian presidency of the EU.
The Speaker of the Hungarian Parlianent, László Kövér, and Ambassador Dastis. Photo: Embassy of Spain in Budapest
DNH: And now that you live here, what is your first impression of Budapest, Hungary and Hungarians?
H. E. Ambassador Alfonso Dastis: So far I have concentrated mostly in Budapest, which is truly a beautiful city. From the sites on hills on the Buda side to the monuments on Pest, there is a lot to explore and discover. I have also visited Debrecen, Miskolc and Veszprem, which is the cultural capital of Europe this year, but I intend to travel extensively throughout Hungary to experience the richness and diversity of this great country.
As for my experience with people: At first, you get the impression that Hungarians aren’t very talkative and they come across as reserved. Besides, communication can be difficult if you do not speak Hungarian because of the language barrier. But they are polite and respectful and when you get to know them, they are very friendly. And in above all, my institutional interlocutors, both at the national and local level, have always been very accessible, welcoming and willing to help.
President Novák with Ambassador Dastis. Photo: Embassy of Spain in Budapest
DNH: How would you describe Hungarian-Spanish intergovernmental relations? When was the last time there was a prime ministerial or ministerial meeting between the two countries? And is there a high-level meeting scheduled for this year?
H. E. Ambassador Alfonso Dastis: The year 2022 marked the 45th anniversary of the reestablishment of diplomatic relations between Spain and Hungary. Bilateral relations are traditionally good, without disputes, and are anchored in the common membership of the EU and NATO. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, Mr. Szijjártó paid three official visits to Spain between 2020 and 2021: In October 2020 and November 2021 he attended a meeting of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), in Barcelona. On June 28 he also attended the NATO Summit in Madrid, together with PM Orbán and the Minister of Defense, Mr. Szalay-Bobrovniczky. The last visit to Budapest of a Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs was that of Mr. Josep Borrell In December 2018. In July 2022, the Secretary General of the EU, María Lledó, visited Budapest, followed by a visit by the Secretary of State for the European Union, Pascual Navarro, in November. The latter two took place in the context of the preparation of the Trio of Presidencies of the Council of the European Union, that will be held by Spain, Belgium and Hungary between July 2023 and December 2024.
DNH: On the economic front, we know that there are many Spanish companies in Hungary. Which are the biggest ones?
As you see, they are concentrated mostly on the automotive sector, energy and infrastructure. There are also several hotel chains mainly in Budapest.
Ambassador Dastis and the Spanish King. Photo: Embassy of Spain in Budapest
DNH: And which Hungarian companies can make their mark in Spain? And which Hungarian goods have made a name for themselves in your country?
H. E. Ambassador Alfonso Dastis:
Gedeon Richter Ibérica SA, pharmaceutical products.
Vertis Iberica SA, metallurgical items.
Hungary exports to Spain amounted to 3 billion euros until November 2022. Mainly components for cars and other minor industrial items. From the import side Hungry received from Spain car components and other minor industrial and agricultural items (pork meat) for a total amount of 1.8 billion euros.
DNH: Spain is a long way from Russia and war, but it has been brave in standing up against aggression. How do you support Ukraine?
H. E. Ambassador Alfonso Dastis: Spain’s political, humanitarian and military support for Ukraine has been constant since the beginning of Russia’s invasion. Spain has taken in more than 130,000 Ukrainians, delivered several tons of humanitarian aid to Ukraine and neighbouring countries, and committed more than 31 million euros. Spain also contributes 2.5 billion euros to the European Peace Fund.
Between March and June 2022, Spanish airline company Iberia offered free seats for Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war on its direct flights Budapest-Madrid, allowing nearly 700 people, in coordination with the Embassy of Spain in Budapest and different charity organizations, mostly women and children, to be transferred to Spain. Militarily, Spain has concentrated on training Ukrainian soldiers, but has also provided some weapons, lately some Leopard Tanks.
DNH: The Iberian peninsula is much warmer than Hungary, but you still need gas. What about energy security?
H. E. Ambassador Alfonso Dastis: Spain’s role in addressing the energy crisis created by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is attracting attention in Europe. Spain is largely independent of Russian hydrocarbons: according to figures from Cores (the Spanish Corporation of Strategic Reserves of Oil Products) for January 2022, they make up just 2% of its oil and 6% of its gas imports. Since mid-2021, Spain has halved its imports, making a significant contribution to diversification in Europe.
The decommissioning of coal power plants and their replacement by gas, alongside contributions from nuclear and renewable energy are also among the country’s contributions to mitigating climate and geopolitical risk. Renewable energy in Spain is around 21.2% of energy consumption, this places it ahead of the four biggest players in the EU’s energy markets: Germany (19.3%), France (19.1%), Italy (20.4%) and Poland (16.1%). Spain now has the largest capacity for LNG regasification in Europe. It also has two gas pipelines with Algeria: the first (Medgaz) is operating at full capacity; the second (Gazoduc Maghreb Europe –GME–), via Morocco, was discontinued by Algeria in October 2021. Spanish energy companies are internationally established and stand out for their solidity and leadership in renewables and LNG.
Spain is among the EU Member States with the greatest long-term potential and export capacity for green hydrogen and renewables, but we need to improve interconnections with the rest of Europe. The Commission’s REPowerEU also echoes Spain’s urgent call for electricity interconnections.
DNH: Spain is a very attractive place for Hungarians. Can you tell us how many Hungarian tourists have gone to your country? And which are the most popular tourist destinations?
In 2022, we have beaten all the records, reaching out the figure of 377.365 visitors from Hungary (44% higher than 2021’s figures and 20% higher than 2019’s). So far in 2023 we still haven’t got the number of visitors but the forecast is hopeful that the trend of a growing number of visitors will continue.
Country of residence
Hungary
Year
Number of visitors
% variation
2016
200.828
2017
273.410
36,14%
2018
287.204
5,05%
2019
316.414
10,17%
2020
83.152
-73,72%
2021
120.224
44,58%
2022
377.365
213,88%
DNH: And which are the most popular tourist destinations?
H. E. Ambassador Alfonso Dastis: Catalonia is at the top of the ranking of the most popular Spanish destinations among Hungarian people (roughly 190.000 visitors), followed by Balearic islands (up to 80.000 visitors in 2022) and Madrid (30.000 people). Also the Canary islands, Andalucía and Region of Valencia are very popular destinations for the Hungarian lovers of Spain.
I am sure Hungary is also a popular destination for Spanish tourists. Can you give us some details about this? (favourite destinations, statistics etc)
Indeed. You only have to stroll along the streets of Budapest and listen to how much Spanish is spoken to realize how popular Hungary and specially Budapest is popular with Spanish tourists. According to the website of the National Statistics Office (KSH), in 2022 some 261,000 people visited Hungary from Spain. The average stay was 4.4 days and the average amount spent was 35,000 HUF per day.
97.6% of them visited Budapest and the Central Danube Region, the figure for Budapest alone is 96.8%. None of the other Hungarian regions received a percentage greater than 1%. It is worth mentioning that, according to the Statistics Office, the effects of the pandemic have not yet disappeared.
DNH: In cultural terms, there is a lot of work being done both by the Spanish Embassy and by the Cervantes Institute. What major events have there been recently and what events can we expect this year?
H. E. Ambassador Alfonso Dastis: Hungarians love culture and they are very well educated, so the cultural scene is very rich and there is a lot of potential for cultural cooperation. The first cultural event that I was able to inaugurate upon my arrival in Hungary was the Spanish Film Week, which the Embassy of Spain has been organizing for more than a decade and is one of the most anticipated cultural events both by Hungarian moviegoers and the community. Spanish-speaking from the capital. In order to keep the public’s expectations high, we do everything possible to bring to Hungary the most recent, most awarded and most successful Spanish film productions in Spain and abroad.
As regards 2023, as we have been doing year after year, the cultural proposals of the Embassy of Spain will continue the effort of interrelation, seeking the meeting point with the local, aspiring to establish links between the cultural manifestations of both countries. , with special attention to the values that guide our foreign policy and with a particular focus on the three significant events that will considerably influence the development of bilateral cultural relations: Veszprém ECOC 2023, the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the EU and the 150th anniversary of the creation of the Hungarian capital with the unification of Buda and Pest. We are in negotiations with institutions and cultural managers from Spain and Hungary with the aim of planning a varied cultural program with a considerable presence of Spain in all areas.
One point that I would like to emphasize is the interest of Hungarians, specially the younger ones, in learning Spanish. For us, our language is a very important asset for cooperation, so on top of the role that the Cervantes Institute is playing, we try to promote the teaching of Spanish at all educational levels and we are very happy with the cooperation received from the Hungarian authorities. In particular, in secondary education, there are seven bilingual Institutes across the Country and I am amazed at how mature and serious the students are, so that augurs very well for the deepening of our cooperation and common knowledge in the future.
DNH: Spanish cuisine is world famous, just think of tapas or paella. How much do you like Hungarian cuisine? What are three Hungarian dishes you would like every Spaniard to try?
As for the food, I must confess that I find it a bit too rich for my taste and I miss fish, which we eat a lot in Spain. If I had to recommend three dishes, I would choose of course the Goulash soup, the goose liver and something sweet like the somlói galuska.
DNH: Finally, a bit of football. Puskás is highly respected in both countries. I understand that there is a street named after the greatest Hungarian footballer and a statue of him in Madrid. Who is Puskás for the Spanish?
H. E. Ambassador Alfonso Dastis: Puskás was very popular in Spain and especially in Madrid, where he was much loved. He was known as Pancho, which is an affectionate nickname for those who are called Francisco, or as Little cannon Puskás, due to the speed and force with which he shot the ball with his left leg. He won three European Cups and five Spanish Championships with Real Madrid. In memory of his passage through Madrid there is a street named after him.
According to recent Eurostat figures, the Hungarian capital is ahead of the Austrian one in terms of living standards. However, Warsaw is ahead of us when it comes to the quality of life of citizens.
New Eurostat data released on living standards
Every year, Eurostat, a Directorate-General of the European Commission, publishes detailed economic data to compare living standards in different EU regions. The latest figures, showing the second year of COVID, 2021, have just been released, novekedes.hu reports.
Budapest has a huge dominance in the Hungarian economy. The situation in this respect has remained unchanged for almost a hundred years, novekedes.hu writes. The gap between the capital and the countryside is widening. This is regularly reflected in Eurostat’s annual reports.
Eurostat also converts GDP data into a fictitious currency called PPS (Purchasing Power Standard). This is necessary because there are often large price differences between countries. Novekedes.hu mentions the differences between a McDonald’s menu or a brake change in Germany and in Bulgaria.
In terms of PPS, Budapest has been ahead of cities like Vienna, Berlin and Madrid for years now. We are not the only ones doing so well. Cities in Central and Eastern Europe are also performing quite nicely. So much so that Prague is at the top of the rankings, not far behind Luxembourg, Brussels and Dublin. In our region, economies are typically capital-centric. Rural regions are generally disconnected. In contrast, people in Germany, for example, live above the EU average in almost all regions.
A new improvement compared to last year is that Budapest has now overtaken Bratislava. The rural figures are less flattering for our country though. Although some rural regions are now less behind the EU average than a year earlier, the gap is still wide. At EU level, the negative top list is dominated mainly by the Bulgarian regions, novekedes.hu concludes.
Péter Szilágyi, state secretary at the Prime Minister’s office, opened a travelling exhibition of the works of artists living in the Hungarian diaspora, in Madrid on Wednesday.
Referring to the Hungarian motifs in the exhibits, Szilágyi said in his opening address that they reflected “the pride of the artists in their national heritage”. The exhibition shows that “a shared culture, history, traditions and art connect us all no matter which part of the world we may live in”, the state secretary said. “I believe that the message of today’s exhibition is that we are not lost in the world and that the unity of our nation is stronger today than ever before,” he stressed.
The over 40 paintings, drawings, sculptures and photos on display have been selected from among 300 entries from Canada, the US, Brazil, Chile, Australia, and other countries. The collection was shown before in Germany, Serbia, Romania, and in Hungary.
The majority of the collection, which includes prints, paintings, sculptures and photographs, deals with themes of nature, religion and belonging to Hungary. The travelling exhibition is accompanied by a bilingual catalogue presenting the careers and works of Hungarian artists living in the diaspora, Magyar Hírlap reports.
The works will be on display for a month at the OCCO Art Gallery in the Spanish capital, in collaboration with the Hungarian Embassy in Madrid. On this occasion, the exhibition is complemented by a painting entitled Médos negra by Madrid-based artist Zoltán Fodor-Lengyel.
The Hungarian low-cost airline, Wizz Air, is to close two flights from Hungary, one departing from Budapest, while the other from the Debrecen International Airport. Furthermore, the latter is a well-functioning holiday flight.
Göteborg and Mallorca out
Okosutas.hu, a Hungarian travel news website, found out that Wizz Air is to close two Hungarian flights soon. The first one departs from Budapest and lands in Göteborg, Sweden. The company closed that route among the firsts when the COVID pandemic started in March 2020. Moreover, Wizz Air reopened it among the last ones in 2021. However, it seems that the flight’s utilisation remained low.
In January and February, Wizz Air did not fly between the Hungarian capital and the Swedish city. However, days earlier, spring flights also disappeared from the airline’s booking system. The last flight took off in mid-January. But people aiming to travel from Budapest to Göteborg with a budget airline can choose Ryanair.
The other cancelled flight of Wizz Air is much more painful, okosutas.hu believes. The moment the airline started its flight from Debrecen to Antalya, Türkiye, they dropped their regular one to Mallorca, Spain. You can still reach the jaw-dropping destination on the Balearic Islands from Budapest by Wizz Air and Ryanair. However, the route is expensive from the capital, while from Debrecen it was considerably cheaper. And you can travel to Debrecen from Budapest in only two hours by train.
Hvg360, the paid version of the famous Hungarian online and offline news outlet, HVG, compared Ryanair and Wizz Air, considering multiple factors. Since the content is available only to subscribers, we cannot share the factors why an airline can sell cheaper tickets, whether the plane number or the type is more important regarding profitability. The article also details why Ryanair and Wizz Air claim they are market leaders in Hungary and gives answers on whether Wizz Air will be bought or will acquire other airlines.
However, the following information is accessible. First, there are more differences between the two companies than one might think at first glance. Secondly, as Gábor Bukta, a shares analyst of Concorde, explained, Wizz Air suffered a considerable disadvantage due to an erratic decision of its management during the COVID pandemic. As a result, the Hungarian low-cost airline bought fuel for a much higher price than their Irish competitor. That is why Michael O’Leary, the CEO of the latter, said at his Budapest press conference that the operation of Wizz Air was more costly than that of Ryanair.
The balance will be reestablished this spring, Mr Bukta added. Afterwards, only two factors will matter in their contest: the utilisation rate of their planes and the profitability of the operation scheme.
Striving to display the cheapest possible prices, a Hungarian news portal made a thorough comparison between the cost of grocery items in Scotland and Spain and the ones in Hungary, where the amount of money spent on foodstuff nearly doubled since 2015.
Szeretlekmagyarorszag.hu examined food prices in Scotland and Spain, from banana to egg and sugar to cola, and compared them to the costs of Hungarian grocery items.
Hungarians living in border settlements can save up to HUF 40,000 (EUR 101.9)a month by going shopping in neighbouring countries. The reason behind this is that annual food inflation in Hungary was 49 percent in December, compared to 29 percent in Slovakia and 23 percent in Romania, according to the World Bank.
Two Hungarians living abroad reported on the prices in Scotland and Spain. In the former, a cheap discount chain’s, and in the latter, a mid-range chain’s prices were observed.
Once the prices had been standardised – since the products are not standardised in terms of packaging, number of items, weight and currency – striking conclusions were drawn.
Is shopping cheaper in the West?
Let’s see the prices of the most basic foodstuff that can be found in every household, eggs.
Hungary – HUF 100 (EUR 0.25)/piece
Scotland – HUF 65 (EUR 0.15)/piece
Spain – HUF 50 (EUR 0.13)/piece
UHT milk was a product that was commonly missing from supermarket shelves, firstly, due to COVID-19, secondly because of the Russian-Ukrainian war and, thirdly, for the continuous inflation.
Hungary – HUF 370 (EUR 0.94)/1 l
Scotland – HUF 270 (EUR 0.69)/1 l
Granulated sugar is another staple that has become scarce as a result of panic puying. Due to the price freeze, although there are divergent views on that, the price of this foodstuff remained more or less stable for a long period of time.
Hungary – HUF 240 (EUR 0.61)/1 kg
Scotland – HUF 410 (EUR 1.04)/1 kg
Spain – HUF 520 (EUR 1.33)/1 kg
The price of dairy products, such as sour cream, kefir, cheese but also fruit yoghurt, has recently skyrocketed in Hungary.
Hungary – HUF 185 (EUR 0.47)/1 can
Scotland – HUF 60 (EUR 0.15)/1 can
Spain – HUF 120 (EUR 0.30)/1 box
It is debatable what percentage of meat content in a sausage is considered edible, but the cheapest one clearly contains the least meat. Nevertheless, even those products saw a sharp price hike.
Hungary – HUF 1,000 (EUR 2.55)/half kg
Scotland – HUF 1,100 (EUR 2.80)/half kg
Spain – HUF 510 (EUR 1.30)/half kg
Since the prices of all of its ingredients, such as eggs and flour, went up, the cost of spaghetti pasta also soared.
Hungary – HUF 420 (EUR 1.07)/half kg
Scotland – HUF 120 (EUR 0.30)/half kg
Spain – HUF 290 (EUR 0.74)/half kg
Coca-Cola is one of the things which can be considered relatively cheap in all three countries.
Hungary – HUF 610 (EUR 1.55)/2 l
Scotland – HUF 1,120 (EUR 2.85)/2 l
Spain – HUF 810 (EUR 2.06)/2 l
However, the price of bananas is double in Hungary compared to Scotland.
Hungary – HUF 670 (EUR 1.71)/1 kg
Scotland – HUF 305 (EUR 0.78)/1 kg
The rustic baguette also experienced a two-fold increase.
Hungary – HUF 1,440 (EUR 3.67)/1 kg
Spain – HUF 590 (EUR 1.50)/1 kg
Having said all that, a tray of wrapped chicken breast fillets costs more or less the same at home and in the Mediterranean country.
Hungary – HUF 2,000 (EUR 5.10)/1 kg
Spain – HUF 1,920 (EUR 4.89)/1 kg
Hungary hit by biggest price increases
Eurostat statistics show that food prices have risen more in less developed countries since 2015 than in countries with stronger economies. The data demonstrate that Hungary has beaten all other countries in the region when it comes to price increases, followed neck and neck by Slovakia and Romania, wrote piacesprofit.hu. Hungary’s agriculture used to be an area we could all be proud of in terms of competitiveness, but that’s a thing of the past.
In economically more advanced countries such as Croatia and Austria, food inflation is not even at EU levels, based on the harmonised index of consumer prices of the last 8 years. If we look at product prices rather than harmonised consumer prices, the increase has more than doubled since 2015 in Hungary.
Árpád János Potápi, the state secretary in charge of policies for Hungarian communities abroad, met with representatives of Hungarian organisations in Spain in Madrid at the weekend.
Potápi told MTI by phone that the representatives told him about their organisations’ activities and current situation. The representatives were updated on the government’s policies for Hungarian communities abroad, he added.
Suggestions were made to set up a Hungarian House in Madrid to host events by local Hungarian organisations and provide a venue for weekend education programmes, he said.
Potápi visited the Hungarian weekend school of the Madách Association during his visit. More than 100 families are members of the association, set up in 2014 to foster ties among the local Hungarian community and preserve Hungarian language skills.
Around 2,000 Hungarians live in Madrid, and 20,000 reside in Spain, Potápi said.
