Austria

Romania preceded Hungary again: Hungarians second poorest in the EU

market újpest hungary price vegetable fruit food

Based on consumption per capita, Hungary is the second poorest country in the European Union preceded only by Bulgaria at the negative end of the list. Even Romania preceded Hungary in that respect and many other factors.

According to index.hu, consumption per capita is very different in the EU countries and regions. Eurostat said in their latest survey that the highest consumption per capita was in Luxemburg, Austria, and Germany compared to the EU’s average. According to their list, consumption is the second lowest in Hungary. Only Bulgarians are poorer than the Hungarians. Meanwhile, Hungary joined the EU almost 20 years ago, in 2004, and received lots of EU development money. Bulgaria joined the community only in 2007, together with Romania, but Romanians have become richer than the Hungarians in the last almost two decades.

Eurostat, the European Union’s statistics institution, measured actual individual consumption (AIC) in 2022 and data ranged between the 69% and 138% of the EU average. On the top of the list is Luxemburg. There, people consume 38% more than the average EU citizen. Austria and Germany follow the small Western European state with 18%.

In 2022, nine EU member states were above the EU average, the Eurostat report said.

Only Bulgaria performed worse than Hungary in this respect. The Bulgarians’ actual consumption is only 69% of the EU average, while that rate is only 71% in Hungary. The consumption of Bulgarians increased by 4% compared to 2021. Romanians are currently at 86% of the EU average.

Croatia and Latvia follow Hungary on the other end of the list with 76-76%.

Hungary struggled with the highest inflation in the European Union after the Orbán cabinet’s fourth landslide victory in 2022. Among the reasons, experts mention the increased government expenditures before the elections, the energy crisis, the war in Ukraine and the import-based Hungarian energy sector. Since salaries could not follow skyrocketing inflation, people in Hungary cut their consumption radically in the last few months.

Construction sector output flat in October

The output of Hungary’s construction sector in October edged up an annual 0.1%, after falling by 6.0% in the previous month, the Central Statistical Office (KSH) said on Friday. Output of the buildings segment grew by 2.0% while civil engineering output slipped by 2.6%.

In absolute terms, construction sector output was worth 660 billion forints in October. The buildings segment accounted for 61% of the total. Month on month, construction sector output rose by 1.0 pc, adjusted for seasonal and working-day effects. Construction sector output fell by 4.2% in January-October from the base period.

Read also:

  • Hungary struggles at the bottom in Europe’s happiness ranking – Read more HERE
  • Hungarian parliament adopts law on guest workers – Details in THIS article

Hungary struggles at the bottom in Europe’s happiness ranking

Budapest

In a survey conducted by Eurostat in 2022, Hungary emerged as the 22nd happiest country. The survey sheds light on the subjective well-being of EU countries, using a self-report method where individuals rate their life satisfaction on a scale of 1 to 10.

Factors influencing happiness

The results of recent Eurostat statistics published by the Independent prompt a closer examination of the factors influencing a country’s citizens’ life satisfaction. While Austria secures first place, Hungary’s position at the bottom sparks a conversation about the nation’s distinct circumstances. With an average score of 6.9, Hungary faces a happiness deficit compared to its EU counterparts, 24.hu reports. Austria claimed the top spot in the happiness rankings, boasting an average score of 7.9. Following closely behind is Romania, tied with Poland and Finland for second place, each with a score of 7.7. Notably, Bulgaria found itself at the bottom of the list with an average score of 5.6. Another notable change is Germany’s decline, dropping from 7.1 to 6.5 over the past year.

Income and satisfaction

The self-report method employed in the survey brings attention to the critical role of factors such as education, personal stability and financial well-being in shaping individuals’ perceptions of their lives. One intriguing aspect highlighted by the research is the positive correlation between satisfaction and low income in certain countries, such as Romania and Poland. This paradoxical finding emphasises the complexity of the relationship between subjective well-being and economic factors. It suggests that factors beyond financial stability contribute significantly to an individual’s overall happiness.

Lessons from the rankings

Eurostat stated that the goal is “to capture trends in the subjective well-being of European citizens”. Additionally, the study discovered that 9% of adults were “uninterested and withdrawn”, and that up to 20% of adults were “overwhelmed by anxiety”. The findings showed that the EU average is 7.1 percent, a level reached by two-thirds of member states. The rankings offer valuable insights into the nuances of happiness across the EU. They prompt reflection on the interconnectedness of various elements contributing to life satisfaction.

Happiness rankings across the EU

Here is a snapshot of the happiness rankings of EU countries based on the survey:

  1. Austria: 7.9
  2. Romania: 7.7
  3. Poland: 7.7
  4. Finland: 7.7
  5. Belgium: 7.6
  6. Netherlands: 7.6
  7. Denmark: 7.5
  8. Slovenia: 7.5
  9. Czech Republic: 7.4
  10. Ireland: 7.4
  11. Malta: 7.4
  12. Sweden: 7.4
  13. Estonia: 7.2
  14. Italy: 7.2
  15. Cyprus: 7.2
  16. Luxembourg: 7.2
  17. Spain: 7.1
  18. Lithuania: 7.1
  19. France: 7.0
  20. Portugal: 7.0
  21. Slovakia: 7.0
  22. Hungary: 6.9
  23. Croatia: 6.8
  24. Latvia: 6.8
  25. Greece: 6.7
  26. Germany: 6.5
  27. Bulgaria: 5.6

Hungary in a global context

In a broader context, the World Happiness Report, published in March, reaffirmed Finland’s status as the happiest country in the world for the sixth consecutive year. Hungary, in contrast, found itself ranked 51st, indicating a disparity in global and regional happiness trends.

In conclusion, the happiness rankings offer a valuable glimpse into the well-being of EU nations, providing an opportunity for introspection and exploration of the complex factors influencing individual satisfaction and contentment.

Staggering: Vienna cheaper than Budapest

tourism Budapest Hungary Chain Bridge kató alpár

Life has become more expensive in Austria compared to 2022. Therefore, the Vienna Christmas Fair is more expensive than last year. But in Budapest, you have to pay more for food than in the Austrian capital. Meanwhile, the median salary in our Western neighbour was around EUR 2,000 in 2022, but in Hungary, that sum did not reach EUR 900.

According to telex.hu, a grill hot dog costs HUF 8,000 in Budapest (EUR 21), while it is only EUR 8 in Vienna. The local Christmas fair opened on 10 November on Rathausplatz, the city’s heart. Thus, nobody can say it is in the outer districts. Like in Budapest, advent markets are in the downtowns of both capitals.

In Budapest, it is unimaginable that average school students go to eat a lángos at the Vörösmarty Square Christmas market or the Advent Basilica. However, in Vienna, that is regular.

People in Vienna walk with mugs brought from home to drink hot chocolate or hot wine because you must pay EUR 3 for a glass and EUR 5 for a mug. There are no plastic plates, and you can buy only ‘bio’ graded foods. Restaurants serve hot dogs, lángos or French fries in paper. Stews are served in porcelaine, which you must give back after you eat.

Vienna Christmas market more affordable than its counterpart in Budapest

Prices went up a bit. A hot dog cost EUR 7 last year. This year, it is EUR 8. But not EUR 21 like in Budapest. Langos Royal, the local “traditional Hungarian lángos” is EUR 14.5, but in Hungary, you have to pay EUR 17.

Classical Viennese hot wine and punch are more expensive than their counterparts in Budapest. The average price is EUR 6 in the Austrian capital but just EUR 4.3 in Budapest.

The most expensive food in Vienna costs EUR 15.5. It is a potato salad with beef Wiener schnitzel. In Hungary, that is the stuffed cabbage for EUR 15. Interestingly, the most popular food is lángos, even in Vienna.

A Hungarian couple, Vivien and Ádám, said locals are not satisfied with the prices, and they estimated the average increase to be 20%. They work in the catering sector and said they could not afford to eat out in the Christmas market in Budapest every week like they do in Vienna.

Read also:

  • Budapest-Vienna railway connection to be restored with many changes – Read more HERE
  • Congratulations! This Hungarian Christmas fair is Europe’s most beautiful – Details in THIS article

Budapest-Vienna railway connection to be restored with many changes

Budapest-Vienna railway connection train rail travel

Trains will run on the entire railway line from 10 December again between Budapest and the Austrian capital. Thanks to the reconstruction project, the trains will be able to commute with 140 km/h, Zsolt Hegyi, MÁV-Start’s deputy CEO, said.

According to InfoRádió, the main railway line between Győr and Budapest will be completed this Sunday. The work lasted three months and it caused multiple difficulties for the passengers. Fewer international trains could commute to German and Austrian cities from the Hungarian capital and Austria separated the Hungarian railway system from the European due to the many delays.

However, by Sunday, the entire line between Szárliget and Biatorbágy, 30 kilometres, will be renewed. That means 60 kilometres of railway tracks. The subcontractors replaced more than 100 thousand sleepers and 100 thousand tonnes of basement.

Higher speed between Budapest and Vienna

From Sunday, you will not have to travel on replacement buses, trains will commute on the entire line, the deputy CEO highlighted. From 10 December, the original timetable will enter into effect again. Mr Hegyi added that they would increase railway speed gradually from 100 km/h to 140 km/h. Therefore, until January, passengers should expect one-minute delays.

Furthermore, international trains will not end their journey in Vienna but will run to Munich, Zürich and other destinations like before. He said that ten Railjet trains commute each day between Budapest and Vienna, five-five on the two directions. From Sunday, all international trains will run on the entire track.

Currently, the problem is not in Hungary concerning keeping the schedule on the railway line but in Germany and Austria. That is because of the heavy snowing that hit our Western neighbour and Bavaria. Mr Hegyi said that the railway reconstruction would allow safe and swift travels between the two capitals for decades. The Budapest-Vienna line is Hungary’s busiest.

Dining carriages on the railway line

According to turizmus.com, apart from the higher speed, passengers will experience another positive change on the popular railway line. Dining cars will commute again on the line. The Hungarian State Railway suspended that service after the coronavirus pandemic broke out in spring 2020. Thanks to the development, passengers will be able to dine on all daytime trains commuting to Vienna from Budapest. That concerns Hortobágy (Záhony–Budapest–Vienna), Liszt Ferenc, Csárdás, Semmelweis, and Lehár (Budapest-Vienna) EuroCity trains. Furthermore, a dining car will be attached to the Tisza-Szamos EuroCity (Vienna–Budapest–Nagybánya/Baia Mare) and fast train Dacia (Budapest-Vienna).

That means you will be able to eat and drink on all international trains commuting from Budapest to the Austrian capital from Monday.

Trains will offer traditional Hungarian dishes like goulash soup, chicken paprikash or START Burger. Of course, vegetarians will also be able to choose from the menu.

Trains will start in every two hours to Vienna from Budapest. There will also be bike transport carriages and disabled people will also be able to use this opportunity. In Vienna, you may continue your journey towards Linz, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Graz or Klagenfurt. Furthermore, you may travel to Mariazell, Bad Ischl, Hallstatt, Zell am See and Bad Gastein as well.

Read also:

  • Another kick into Schengen: border control prolonged at this Hungarian border – Read more HERE
  • Hungary covered in thick snow, in some places it reaches 30 cm – Details and photos in THIS article

Hungarian name on Austria’s newest university building – UPDATED

Hungarian name on Austria's newest university building

The new building of an Austrian university has been named after Ágnes Heller, a world-known Hungarian philosopher.

According to index.hu, the Leopold Franzens University’s (Innsbruck) building has an auditorium with 600 seats, office and reading rooms. The inauguration took place on Friday, and the new place will host faculties of arts, culture studies and education sciences.

The designer was Peter Sandbichler, and the new wing cost EUR 81 million.

Heller was a Doctor Honoris Causa of the university and died in 2019.

The Austrian education minister, Martin Polaschek, highlighted at the inauguration ceremony that Innsbruck (and Tirol) are education centres in Austria, and the new building provides the most modern education infrastructure for the students.

Read also:

  • Holocaust-survivor professor: “Jobbik was never a neo-Nazi party” – Read more HERE

Here are some photos of the new building:

Significant delays and cancellations concerning international trains in Hungary

International trains Hungary

The amount of snow falling in the last few days was so huge that many international trains commute with significant delays in Hungary. Fortunately, we cannot blame the Hungarian State Railways for the situation. The international trains were delayed because of the heavy snowfall in Austria and Germany.

We wrote HERE that in some places, even 20 cm of snow fell in Hungary’s Western regions, but that is nothing compared to what happened in Austria and South Germany, especially Bavaria. We also reported how the Austrian State Railways (ÖBB) disconnected the international trains coming from Hungary because of their regular and significant delays. The reason for that was the renovation of the Vienna-Budapest railway line.

However, the current delays are not the fault of MÁV or other Hungarian institutions or companies. According to the Hungarian State Railways, considerable delays, cancellations and carriage modifications can took place concerning trains coming from the West.

That comes after an intensive snowfall in Austria and Germany, especially around Munich. As a result, regional and international trains suffer significant delays, and some cannot even start their journey.

Winter in Austria:

The routes concerned are Railjet, Eurocity, and Euronight trains coming from Munich, Salzburg or Zürich to Budapest via Hegyeshalom and Győr. Furthermore, the extraordinary weather also affects the Hungarian counterparts from Budapest.

ÖBB recommended all passengers to delay their journeys. The German State Railways (Deutsche Bahn – DB) did the same concerning all travels around Munich.

Passengers in trouble in Budapest can get help in the customers’ centre in Budapest’s Keleti railway station. For example, you may get tips for accommodation in the capital provided your train was cancelled or delayed.

The timetable was modified due to the extraordinary weather conditions. For example, Kálmán Imre EuroNight (EN 463) will not commute from Salzburg to Budapest today. Moreover, Wiener Walzer Euronight (467 and 465) will not come from Zürich on 3 December. Swiss and Austrian authorities will attach a night carriage to the trains because all hotels are full.

Here is a video about how much snow fell in Munich, baulking air traffic from and to the airport:

Read also:

  • Significant changes to international trains in MÁV’s new timetable – Read more HERE
  • Belgrade–Budapest railway constrution in huge trouble? Xi Jinping rejected Orbán – Details in THIS article

Austrians are flocking to Hungary to get cheap driving lessons

Driving licence

As it appears, Austrians have been flooding Hungarian towns close to the Hungarian–Austrian border in order to get cheaper driving lessons. Sopron’s driving schools are well-equipped to handle the influx, employing numerous German-speaking instructors. However, is it really worth coming all the way to Hungary? The answer might surprise you.

“Driving tourism”

Austrians and Hungarians on either side of the border have been living is a symbiosis for long decades. While many Hungarians commute to work to Austria, Austrians frequently cross into Hungary for groceries or a visit to the hairdresser. Sopron, in particular, attracts many Austrians due to its proximity to the border and its status as a relatively large town in the region. Blikk reported that many Austrians are now flocking to Sopron to get their driving licences there, giving rise to “driving tourism”. Remarkably, Sopron already boasts over ten driving schools, a significant number considering the town’s size and population.

Overcrowded town

Interestingly, these driving schools are not run by locals but by individuals from nearby towns. Among the various advantages, the most significant draw for Austrians is the favourable pricing offered by Hungarian driving schools. Surprisingly, it costs half as much to undergo a course and pass an exam here than in Austria. In response for the high demand, Sopron has seen an increase in German-speaking instructors. Locals express frustration at the difficulty of securing driving lesson appointments, with instructors so overbooked that finding an available slot is largely a matter of luck.

Requirements for driving lessons in Hungary

The administrator of one driving school revealed that there are quite a few requirements for taking driving lessons in Hungary. Austrians must present a certified primary school certificate, an ID card, proof of medical eligibility as well as an address card. The latter is perhaps the hardest thing to obtain as driving test applicants must demonstrate at least six months of residence in Hungary. Fortunately, temporary residence suffices, negating the need for permanent relocation.

Are these licences valid in Austria?

In theory, EU countries accept each other’s driving licences without any issues. However, there have been a number of reports on cases where authorities refused to accept licences that were obtained in other countries. For instance, an Austrian woman’s Hungarian driving licence was rejected by the Austrian authorities. They claimed she lacked justification for obtaining it in Hungary. Moreover, her license was revoked, thus she had to restart the entire course in Austria.

Is it really worth it?

It is quite questionable whether it is really worth obtaining a driving licence in Hungary. Under the current Austrian law, you can use your EU driving licence in the country for a maximum of five years, after which they must be exchanged for an Austrian license, a process costing around HUF 23,000 (EUR 60), excluding the medical examination. Presently, a category B license in Austria costs approximately EUR 1,950, nearly double the Hungarian price of HUF 375,000 (EUR 994). Notably, this Hungarian cost does not cover additional lessons or exams in case of failure.

Read more articles about driving and transport:

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

Government sends home all foreign construction companies from Hungary

Government sends home all foreign construction companies from Hungary

This was not the first time that Hungary’s construction and transport minister, János Lázár, talked about sending home all foreign companies active in the sector. Yesterday, he highlighted again that it would be better for them to just sell their subsidiaries and leave Hungary. War on the horizon between the Orbán government, the firms and their home countries, especially Germany and Austria?

According to Blikk, a Hungarian tabloid, János Lázár, Hungary’s construction and transport minister, cleared at a yesterday press conference that foreign companies had no place in Hungary. He added the government had to end that the Hungarian economy works with foreign building materials and a high import rate in the construction sector.

He said that the construction sector was strategic in Hungary. He added that between 2010 and 2022, the government invested in the sector more than HUF 28,000 billion (EUR 73.6 billion based on today’s exchange rate), but 50% of the money went abroad.

French, Austrian, German construction companies in trouble

The time is over that Hungary struggles from a French, German, and Austrian conquest in the construction sector, he highlighted. Furthermore, he said it was in vain for German, Austrian and French construction companies to lobby in Western Europe or Hungary. They should sell their subsidiaries to the Hungarian state or businessmen, and leave the country once and for all.

He said that 50% of the building materials come from imports. Foreign companies take 80% of the raw materials from abroad. Provided they do not import, most of the raw materials are produced by foreign companies in Hungary. That has to be changed.

He cleared that in Hungary, Hungarian entrepreneurs should use Hungarian building materials. That is how the country can become powerful.

Read also:

  • Beautiful art nouveau hotel of Hungary is finally being renovated – Read more HERE
  • One of Hungary’s largest universities to expand with a new campus in the city centre – 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.

Hungarian minister also discussed EU enlargement and the situation in the Middle East in Vienna

Bóka János EU

János Bóka, the minister for European Union affairs, on Tuesday met Karoline Edtstadler, the Austrian Federal Minister for the EU and Constitution, in Vienna for bilateral talks on EU enlargement, strengthening competitiveness and the situation in the Middle East.

EU competitiveness will be the central focal point of the Hungarian presidency in the second half of 2024, Bóka told a press conference after the talks. All other priorities will be derived from that, and see Austria as a reliable partner in that aim, he said.

Regarding the bloc’s enlargement, Hungary’s stance had always been unequivocal, he said. “If the EU used its resourcefulness to advance the enlargement process rather than to hinder it, the countries of the Western Balkans would have become members long ago.”

On the matter of Ukraine’s accession, the member states must conduct an “open and honest” strategic debate before making the decision, he said.

Bóka said the debate would have to decide whether “accession talks with a country at war with a neighbouring nuclear power” would strengthen or weaken the EU. The member states will also have to determine the aim of the talks, “whether we want to spread peace or import war into the EU“.

The European solution to illegal migration should also be based on a consensus, possibly one rooted in an aim that “we, rather than people smugglers, should decide who we want to allow into the country”. The EU’s migration pact has failed to deliver results, he said.

Bóka said that member states had started to look for opportunities outside of the pact. The agreement between Austria, Hungary and Romania “has already yielded results”, he said.

In the Middle East, Hungary has an interest in freeing the hostages, including the Hungarian citizens, and in preventing escalation and enabling Israel in “exercising self-defence effectively”, he said.

Regarding the Hungarian presidency, Bóka said the government would strive to cooperate with all member states as an “honest and impartial mediator”.

Edtstadler said the talks were “open and honest”.

She noted that Austria is Hungary’s third largest trading partner and one of its largest investors. Some 1,400 Austrian companies employ around 1,400 people in the country, she said.

While Austria and Hungary hold different views on a number of issues, “the EU is a democracy and the exchange of opinions is important”, she said.

Hungary and Austria are on the same side on illegal migration, she added.

Budapest-Vienna travel time will decrease significantly due to Austrian development

Budapest-Vienna travel time

Currently, the travel time between the Hungarian and the Austrian capital is hard to calculate and much longer than it should be because of the renewal of a segment of the railway line in Hungary. However, that might change sooner than anybody thought. Austria announced a grandiose railway development plan, which would mean connecting Budapest with Vienna’s international airport by train and decreasing travel time between the two capitals significantly.

As we wrote HERE, the Austrian railway company separated the Hungarian system from the Western one due to the constant delays of the Hungarian State Railways (MÁV). That comes after János Lázár, Hungary’s minister for transport and construction, decided to renew the Vienna-Budapest line out of the blue. As a result, capacities from the Belgrade-Budapest railway development project had to be relocated, and MÁV was not able to keep its schedule to Vienna. Therefore, international trains always arrived late to the Austrian capital, so the Austrians decided to introduce a compulsory train change in the city’s railway station. As a result, they can stick to the timetable.

The renovation project will finish in December, so hopefully, normal traffic will be restored. And much more is to come, thanks to the Austrians.

According to g7.hu, the Austrian government plans to invest more than EUR 21 billion in railway development projects between 2024 and 2029. The Austrian climate protection and mobility ministry developed the relevant plans with their railway company, ÖBB. The aim is to increase the number of passengers and make railway transport attractive for shipping companies.

Budapest-Vienna travel time to decrease significantly

Apart from other lines (Brenner tunnel, Graz-Klagenfurt, etc.), the ambitious project has some Hungarian relevance. Critics say the railway development plan is too Vienna-centered, but that is good news for those travelling from Hungary to the Austrian capital.

Between 2025 and 2029, travel time between Budapest and Vienna will decrease from 2 hours 40 minutes to 2 hours 20 minutes. That is a considerable 20-minute fall. Furthermore, the Austrians will build a new railway line to the international airport. As a result, the airport will become easily reachable even from Budapest and Bratislava. That means Hungarians and tourists in Hungary may access many direct flights to destinations not connected with Budapest, e.g. the Transatlantic ones. We wrote about that in THIS article. Budapest Airport’s CEO, Kam Jandu, shared when Transatlantic flights may return to Budapest. We wrote about those plans HERE.

Moreover, the Vienna-Munich travel time will decrease by 15 minutes thanks to the project. That would mean you can arrive from Budapest to Munich 35 minutes earlier.

Big Hungarian railway development project also announced but there is no money

János Lázár announced a HUF 6,000 billion (EUR 15.9 billion) railway development plan this summer. The project would focus on railway line renovation and acquiring new trains. However, it is just on paper since the government does not have money for it. Even if the EU gave the euro billions Brussels froze due to rule of law concerns, that would not be enough. Anyway, Lázár said the government would start the most pressing renovation works in 2024.

Before, Dávid Vitézy, a former transport secretary, wrote that Hungary won EUR 256 million to renew the Nyíregyháza-Debrecen railway line. In Budapest, a new Danube railway bridge was completed. But that is not connected to the railway system, and NGOs keep protesting against doing so.

Because of the Budapest-Vienna railway line’s renovation work, trains do not commute between Tatabánya and Szárliget until 17 November. Afterwards, international and fast trains will return to the route because one line will be opened for traffic. The entire project will only be finished by 9 December.

We wrote about the closure HERE. And HERE is an alternative to travel from Budapest to Vienna quickly.

Hungary in trouble? Government sells all Hungarian shares in Austrian bank

Hungarian government Erste bank Austrian (Copy)

The state is selling back a 15 percent stake in Erste Bank Hungary to its Austrian parent company, Erste Bank AG, the economic development ministry said on Friday.

All goals in a strategic agreement signed when the state acquired the minority stake in 2016 “have been fully achieved”, the ministry said. The 15 percent stake, purchased by state-owned Corvinus International Investment for 38.9 billion forints is being sold for 87.5 billion and will be closed by year-end.

The statement said the government regarded Erste Group as “an important partner” going forward, with a “long-term commitment to the country”.

Minister: Domestic livestock must be protected from swine fever

The danger of swine fever entering southern Hungary from Croatia is growing and the authorities are maintaining heightened epidemic prevention measures to minimise the risk of introducing the disease, István Nagy, the minister of agriculture, said on Friday.

Given worsening infection data, pig farmers in medium-risk southern counties must comply with priority epidemic prevention measures, the minister said after discussing the situation with the national chief veterinarian Szabolcs Pásztor and pig farmers in Baranya County.

Strict regulations must be observed in slaughterhouses receiving pigs from Croatia, a ministry statement quoted Nagy as saying, adding that the past few years had seen “outstanding” health data in the domestic pig population which had been protected from the disease.

The ministry “is working to make sure this remains the case,” the statement added.

Read also:

  • Hungary to protect pigs from deadly virus – Read more HERE

Hungarian footballer dies in fatal car accident in Austria

varga márkó

The Hungarian footballer who scored a goal in the weekend’s league round tragically lost his life in a car accident at dawn.

Márkó Varga, a footballer for ASKÖ DONAU in Linz, passed away in a devastating traffic accident on Saturday morning after being transported to the hospital.
The 26-year-old player contributed to ASKÖ’s 6-0 victory against SPG Union TTI St. Florian with an impressive game and a goal.

According to reports in Austrian newspapers, Márkó Varga’s car collided with a lorry on the A1 motorway in the early hours of Saturday under circumstances that remain unclear. The impact was so severe that the lorry was ejected from the car. Despite prompt medical attention from the ambulance, the footballer’s life could not be saved.

The footballer was expected home by his wife and 4-year-old son. TV2 Tények reported that Márkó Varga was struck by a Tunisian lorry driver en route to Vienna. The child’s car seat was dislodged during the accident, prompting a search by the police with the assistance of dogs and drones. It was later confirmed that the little boy was not with him at the time of the tragedy.

The 47-year-old Ukrainian driver of the car behind narrowly avoided a collision but was rear-ended by a fourth car driven by a 37-year-old Tajik driver.
Following this tragic incident, ASKÖ DONAU Linz’s website and social media page have been filled with expressions of mourning. The club’s communication team has changed the profile and cover pictures to black, and numerous condolences have poured in from both Austrians and Hungarians.

As we wrote earlier, these are the most dangerous motorways in Hungary.

PHOTOS: Travel to Vienna on the Hungarian Orient Express

Continental Classic Express Train de Luxe

As the holiday season approaches, travel enthusiasts and those seeking a touch of nostalgia will have the opportunity to embark on a remarkable journey through Central Europe on the Hungarian Orient Express.

Destinations to delight

On Saturdays throughout December, the Continental Classic Express will be offering an unforgettable travel experience along multiple routes. These routes will include stops at locations such as the Budapest-Déli railway station, Kelenföld, Győr, Wien Hauptbahnhof, and Wien Westbahnhof. Each of these destinations is steeped in history and culture, and they take on a special allure during the holiday season. Whether you’re a local looking for a festive escape or a traveler seeking a unique Christmas adventure, this train ride promises to be something extraordinary.

Luxury in every detail

Founded in 2014, Continental Railway Solution (CRS) is Hungary’s first and to date only fully privately owned railway company with a passenger transport licence. What sets the Continental Classic Express apart is the commitment to providing passengers with luxury and comfort. According to Lelépő, the train comprises four coach classes, collectively accommodating approximately 1,200 passengers. It will ensure that everyone can enjoy the magic of the season in style.

Among the train’s distinctive features is the Salon z, a saloon carriage previously utilised by the Austrian Prime Minister for exclusive journeys. This carriage offers passengers the opportunity to indulge in a fully personalised menu, served by private staff, and complemented by exclusive drink packages. The Salon z is available for groups of eight, making it an ideal setting for intimate gatherings and celebrations.

A journey through time and taste

The Continental Classic Express is not just a mode of transportation; it’s an experience. One of its distinct coaches is the Living and Bar Cabin, previously a part of the famed Trans Europe Express. Additionally, passengers will have the freedom to explore the Austrian capital at their own pace. For those interested in delving deeper into Vienna’s cultural heritage, a complimentary guided tour of the Schönbrunn Palace will be available.

The Hungarian Orient Express promises to deliver a Christmas journey unlike any other. Whether you’re seeking an enchanting escape, a touch of luxury, or a chance to explore Vienna, this train ride offers it all.

Best way to travel between Budapest and Vienna, avoiding railway chaos

flixbus budapest vienna

Wish to avoid the chaos that reigns the Budapest-Vienna railway line? We have the answer for you.

A few days ago, we reported that it has become difficult to get to Vienna by train from Budapest via Győr, because you have to change to a replacement bus. If you feel like you don’t have time for that, Flixbus might just be the perfect choice for you.

FlixBus is temporarily adding three new buses to its fleet between Budapest and Vienna, Travelo reports. Now you can choose from up to 14 daily departures to Vienna.

The company said in a statement that

the new connections will allow passengers to travel to Vienna and back to Budapest comfortably, quickly and at affordable prices, without having to make a transfer.

The new services will join the existing ones from 3 November. This will mean up to 14 services a day from Népliget station to Vienna Main Station, making travel between the two cities easier.

Services operate at all times of the day. The fastest connections are scheduled to take 2 hours 55 minutes from Budapest Népliget to Vienna Main Station and 2 hours 40 minutes to Vienna Airport. Tickets are available from HUF 3999 (EUR 10.44), according to the statement.

They added that their connections are not only between Budapest and Vienna. They also operate to major cities in Western Europe. There are direct buses from Budapest to Strasbourg, Linz and Munich, among others. For more information, please visit the FlixBus website.

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Chaos on the Vienna-Budapest railway line begins today?

máv railway train

A new phase of the Vienna-Budapest railway line reconstruction project started today. As a result, international trains will no longer commute between the Hungarian and Austrian capitals. Passengers will have to get on replacement buses between Szárliget and Biatorbágy. At night, they will have to do so between Szárliget and Budaörs.

According to Telex, the next phase of the Vienna-Budapest main railway line reconstruction started on Friday morning, Mávinform told MTI, the Hungarian News Agency. The project is carried out by workers and devices redirected from the Budapest-Belgrade railway development project. As a result, work there halted.

Since the reconstruction work affects both tracks from today, trains will not commute between Vienna and Budapest on this segment. Until 17 November, passengers must use replacement buses between Biatorbágy and Szárliget.

All passengers have to change to replacement buses

The revamp project started on 18 September and resulted in the railway schedule’s modification. Travel time increased, and passenger trains did not commute on the line. Therefore, people living in the suburbs and working in Budapest or vice versa had to use replacement buses. As a result, many traffic jams were created, and their travel time also increased significantly because public roads were not designed to serve that many people.

Furthermore, since freight trains use the Székesfehérvár-Komárom line during the Vienna-Budapest line’s revamp, passenger trains do not commute there. The journey takes 20-25 minutes longer because the stops of the replacement buses are farther. Even though there are accessible buses, bikes are not allowed on them, only baby carriages and wheelchairs. Freight trains on the Székesfehérvár-Komárom line will be louder and will commute even during the night. Here is MÁV‘s (the Hungarian State Railway’s) short video about the changes:

We wrote HERE that the Austrian state railway company, ÖBB, detached all Hungarian trains from the Western railway system because of their regular delays and that measure will last longer than previously expected. In THIS article, you may read about MÁV’s new leased locomotive that had a problem on its first trip

Austrian strongman found dead after reception at Hungarian embassy in Vienna

Christian Pilnacek Austria

Christian Pilnacek was once considered Austria’s most powerful official and one of its most brilliant lawyers. However, a few years ago, he was accused of shady dealings. Although the proceedings were dropped, the life of Pilnacek, former State Secretary of the Austrian Ministry of Justice, took a dark turn. According to Austrian press reports, Pilnacek was found dead after attending a reception at the Hungarian Embassy in Vienna on Thursday evening. You can also find his last SMS he sent before his death below.

Background story

According to Blikk, the 60-year-old Christian Pilnacek was Austria’s most powerful judicial official until recently. He became a judge in 1992 and a prosecutor general in 2001. Since 2010, he had been in charge of prosecutors’ offices as head of the Criminal Law Department of the Ministry of Justice. Pilnacek was the father of the reform of the Austrian Code of Criminal Procedure.

In 2019, his career ended. His former justice department was disbanded, he was prosecuted for abuse of office, and he was thrown out of the ministry. The proceedings, in which he was accused of leaking official secrets, were dropped. Before that, Pilnacek was considered to be a sociable man and a regular in Vienna’s bars. However, the case consumed Pilnacek, who could never process removed from his ministry, Kronen Zeitung writes.

The deadly evening

On Thursday evening, Pilnacek attended a private event. He was the guest of a family dinner at an elegant Italian restaurant in downtown Vienna. This was followed by another event, as the man was invited to a reception at the Hungarian Embassy in Vienna, according to Austrian newspapers.

Shortly before 10 PM on Thursday evening, he was already in the car, driving, alone in the vehicle. He was driving on the A22 motorway along the Danube in Austria, the road leading to Lower Austria. But on the S5 motorway in Stockerau, he drove the wrong way up against the traffic. He was probably on his way home to the Krems district, but missed the exit from the motorway. A police patrol stopped him.

Licence taken away, his last SMS

As Blikk put it, at 22:15, the final act of the man’s tragedy began. The police probed him and found him to be drunk. His driving licence was taken away. According to oe24.at, he was taken to the police station, from where he was taken away by someone else in a car. Shortly afterwards, the 60-year-old lawyer was found dead in the Krems district. The circumstances of his death are still under investigation.

He leaves behind a wife and three children. According to oe24.at, before his death he sent a text message to a friend saying “I can’t do this anymore”.

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