Benelux

Hungarian FM Szijjártó: International corporate world continues to trust Hungary

Szijjártó

Continuous investment records prove that the players in the international corporate world continue to trust Hungary, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó said on Thursday in Budapest when announcing a HUF 9bn investment by Dutch-owned Aalberts Surface Technologies.

Szijjártó: Hungary needs similar investments

The minister said the metal surface treatment company is expanding capacity at its base in Tatabánya (NW Hungary), increasing headcount to nearly 200, with a HUF 1.1bn grant from the government.

Mr Szijjártó noted the need for similar investments, since the continuously growing automotive and battery production capacities also require local suppliers, so that the supply chains can be as short as possible.

Dutch companies represent the twelfth largest investment community in Hungary and bilateral trade was close to EUR 12bn last year, he said.

Mutual respect characterizes the cooperation between the two countries, with a few exceptions, and we are constantly looking for cooperation opportunities, he added.

Read also:

PM Orbán says Europe’s competitiviness is in ‘serious decline’ – UPDATED

PM Orbán Luc Frieden

European competitiveness is in steep decline and will irreversibly fall behind that of the US and China unless the bloc is ready to take decisive action, PM Orbán said on Thursday, after talks with Luc Frieden, his Luxembourgian counterpart.

PM Orbán meets Luc Frieden

Orbán said he discussed with Frieden, who paid the visit to mark the 100th anniversary of diplomatic ties, the situation of the EU, including the Draghi Report reflecting on the bloc’s declining competitiveness.

“The situation is urgent,” Orbán said, adding that Hungary and Luxembourg both had a vested interest in boosting competitiveness.

At the talks, Orbán presented the current Hungarian EU presidency‘s draft competitiveness pact, to be discussed with all EU member states and presented for approval in November.

Orbán and Frieden agreed on the necessity of EU enlargement in the Western Balkans, and shared the position that a common EU Africa plan should be drafted.

Orbán said that unless the EU urgently prepared an Africa plan, the continent would only be a source of problems for the bloc, even though it could also be a source of economic advantage.

Hungary has chosen some African countries to which it can provide assistance through close bilateral cooperation “rather than waiting for the EU”, the prime minister noted.

He said Frieden agreed on the need for such individual attempts alongside a comprehensive African plan.

Frieden noted that in addition to the long-standing diplomatic relations between their two countries, Hungary also held the EU’s rotating presidency, adding that the need for continued dialogue was another reason for his visit to Budapest.

He reaffirmed his support for the Hungarian presidency’s stance on the need to focus on Europe’s competitiveness as a priority issue.

He called for deepening the common market and using private and state resources for the digitalisation of the European economies. Also, Europe must develop a defence industry and agricultural producers must be protected while avoiding overregulation, he added.

Frieden said Luxembourg supported the Hungarian presidency on economic issues.

On another subject, he said migration was a complex problem to which there were no simple, one-size-fits-all solutions. He said Luxembourg backed the EU’s pact on migration and asylum, adding, at the same time, that further steps were needed for harmonious social coexistence.

Meanwhile, Frieden said Hungary’s regional experiences regarding the war in Ukraine were important and concerning EU enlargement he also called it important to ensure a European perspective for the Western Balkans.

Praising the EU’s borderless Schengen system, Frieden called for strengthening cooperation among member states’ law enforcement agencies, adding that the external borders should be protected in a way that allowed for people “to live happily within the EU”.

Read also:

Hungary issues new stamps with Luxembourg

Hungary issues new stamps

The postal services of Hungary and Luxembourg have issued a block of stamps commemorating the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

The stamps, of which 40,000 will be distributed, was designed by graphic artist André Attila Elekes, based on paintings by Mihály Munkácsy.

On February 9, 1924, Count Olivér Woracziczky was appointed charge d’affaires to represent Hungary in Luxembourg. Since 2014, the Hungarian embassy in Brussels has maintained an office in Luxembourg.

Read also:

  • New express delivery company to conquer the Hungarian market – Read more HERE
  • Significant changes coming to Hungarian postal services

Is he PM Orbán’s new ally in the EU?

Luc Frieden

The newly elected Prime Minister of Luxembourg has expressed his wishes to connect to the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and establish a refreshed relationship between their countries.

Luc Frieden took his seat four months ago at the capital of the Grand Duchy, taking over from Xavier Bettel, who has been the Prime Minister of Luxembourg for the last decade. The former Prime Minister now serves as the Minister of Foreign Affairs in the coalition government.

Luc Frieden is also a member of the largest faction in the European Parliament, the center-right European People’s Party, from where he feels a realistic chance to reconcile the relationship between the EU and Hungary.

Pacifying power

The new Prime Minister of Luxembourg, Luc Frieden hopes that, through his mediation, the tension between the European Union and Hungary will start to ease up. To achieve this, Luc Frieden plans a visit to Budapest, thus breaking the ice between the two parties. This political diplomacy goes back to a long history of Luxembourg being one of the founding Member States of the European Union.

Not only this, but going back in time, the Prime Ministers of this lovely little country have held the position of President of the European Commission for three terms so far. That is quite a high number. Based on all this, it’s safe to assume that they have a rich history with diplomacy and mitigating political issues. Staying true to this diplomatic legacy, Luc Frieden hopes to bring the two parties at hand closer, by endorsing the accepting of different worldviews and trying to see the world through each other’s eyes. According to Index, in a recent interview he stated that “Hungary is more pro-European than we might think”.

Conflicting sides

The two parties, between which Luc Frieden is trying to mediate, have already had their fair share of disagreements. Viktor Orbán has expressed his stance on a few of the current issues raised in the European Union. The most important of these is Ukraine’s EU membership and the long-term budget. This was all before Luc Frieden took his seat as Prime Minister of Luxembourg. Now that Freiden entered the scene he would like to change things for a more diplomatic approach.

Coming soon?

“I need to get to know Orbán Viktor more” Luc Frieden stated in the name of diplomacy. “If someone disagrees with another’s politics, they must try to understand where it comes from,” he argues. He revealed that he has considered traveling to Hungary in the coming months to better understand the mechanisms of the Hungarian Prime Minister’s politics.

Last time a high ranking representative of the European Union came to Hungary, the reason was a bit different. When Charles Michel, President of the European Council visited, he tried talking with Orbán about the issue of Ukraine’s accession to the EU. It was later solved by the German Chancellor at the summit, when he politely asked Orbán Viktor to take a coffee a break, while they passed the proposal without him. Although, as sweet revenge, Orbán vetoed the EUR 50 million aid package to Kyiv.

An optimistic outlook

When looking at the political map of the European Union, we can confidently say that with Donald Tusk winning the recent Polish elections, Hungary has lost a significant ally on the scene. Frieden stated that the isolation of the Hungarian Prime Minister can be blamed partly on the EU. Ever since taking office, in the last three months he has negotiated with several European leaders, such as the French President or the German Chancellor.

He has also warned that Hungary needs to take out its part in doing the work in “sorting out the Brussels relations”. A significant portion of EU funds has been frozen because the Union is concerned about the decline of democracy and the erosion of the rule of law, which is a severe issue that Hungary urgently needs to work on.

To conclude, Frieden said that he feels quite optimistic about mediating. He hopes Hungary will work on the above mentioned issues and implement the new reforms, this way lightening the tension between the European Union and Hungary.

This could also interest you:

  • Read more about Hungary’s current diplomatical endeavours HERE.
  • Read more about Viktor Orbán’s projections for 2024 in terms of diplomacy HERE

Working as an EU Citizen in Luxembourg: A Comprehensive Guide

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Are you considering the prospect of working as an EU citizen in Luxembourg? This picturesque European nation offers an array of opportunities for individuals looking to pursue their careers in a thriving and multicultural environment. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the various aspects of working in Luxembourg as an EU citizen. From legal requirements to cultural insights, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s embark on this journey and explore what it takes to thrive while working in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

What is Luxembourg Known For?

Luxembourg, a landlocked country in Western Europe, is renowned for its economic stability, picturesque landscapes, and multicultural society. As an EU citizen, you can expect a high standard of living and a diverse range of job opportunities in sectors like finance, technology, and healthcare.

Navigating Legal Requirements

Residency and Work Permits

Before you start working in Luxembourg, securing the necessary legal documents is crucial. EU citizens have the advantage of simplified procedures for residency and work permits. Registering with the local commune and obtaining a residence certificate is typically the first step.

Taxation

Luxembourg boasts favorable tax conditions for EU residents. Understanding the tax system and your obligations is vital. Seek advice from tax professionals to optimize your financial situation. You can learn more about taxes and calculate your potential tax liability using the tax calculator available on the luxtoday.lu website.

Finding Employment

Job Market Overview

The Luxembourg job market is competitive but rewarding. Explore various job portals and consult with recruitment agencies to find the perfect role that matches your skills and interests.

CV and Interviews

Prepare a well-structured CV and be ready for interviews in English, French, or German, as these are the main languages of business in Luxembourg.

Networking

Building a professional network can open doors to exciting opportunities. Attend industry events and connect with professionals in your field.

Working Culture in Luxembourg

Multilingual Environment

Luxembourg is known for its multilingualism, with English, French, and German widely spoken. Adaptability to different languages is a valuable asset.

Work-Life Balance

Luxembourg places a strong emphasis on work-life balance, with generous vacation days and flexible work arrangements.

Employment Benefits

Social Security

As an EU citizen, you will benefit from Luxembourg’s robust social security system, including healthcare coverage and pension schemes.

Salaries and Benefits

Luxembourg offers competitive salaries and additional perks such as meal vouchers and transportation allowances.

FAQ’s

Is knowledge of multiple languages essential for working in Luxembourg?

Knowledge of languages like English, French, and German is beneficial but not always mandatory. However, it significantly enhances your employability.

How do I open a bank account in Luxembourg?

Opening a bank account is straightforward. Visit a local bank branch with the necessary documents, including your residence certificate.

Can I bring my family with me to Luxembourg?

Yes, EU citizens have the right to bring their family members with them to Luxembourg. Ensure you meet the required criteria.

What is the cost of living in Luxembourg?

The cost of living in Luxembourg is relatively high, particularly in terms of housing. It’s essential to budget wisely.

How do I access healthcare as an EU citizen in Luxembourg?

EU citizens have access to the Luxembourgish healthcare system. Register with the National Health Fund (CNS) to avail of medical services.

Are there opportunities for career growth in Luxembourg?

Yes, Luxembourg offers numerous opportunities for career advancement, particularly in finance, technology, and the European institutions sector.

Conclusion

Working as an EU citizen in Luxembourg offers a unique blend of professional growth and a high quality of life. By understanding the legal requirements, job market, and cultural nuances, you can embark on this journey with confidence. Remember to leverage your language skills and network effectively to make the most of your experience in this thriving European nation.

Drug trafficker at Budapest Airport

Hungary police drug smuggler

The Hungarian authorities on Thursday handed over a Brazilian national arrested in Budapest last summer on charges of drug trafficking and other crimes to Belgium, the police said on its website.

The 54-year-old drug lord smuggled at least 45 tonnes of cocaine between 2017 and 2019 alone. Hungarian police apprehended him after information received form international law-enforcement partners, police noted. After his arrest, he remained in custody during the extradition procedure.

He was handed over to the Belgian authorities at Liszt Ferenc International Airport on June 15 in line with the strictest security regulations and a precise action plan prepared by the National Investigation Bureau (NNI), police said.

Featured image: illustration

Hungarian institute in Brussels launches programmes connected to Art Nouveau

Hungarian cultural institute in Brussels (Copy)

The Liszt Institute – Hungarian Cultural Center Brussels has launched a series of programmes on Art Nouveau as part of the thematic year on the era in the city, organisers said on Friday.

Centered around the world day of Art Nouveau on June 10, the programmes include an exhibition of the works of Hungarian photographer Dorka Demeter with the title Hungarian Art Nouveau – Without Borders, the centre said. Programmes will also include panel discussions, workshops and other programmes, they said. Demeter told MTI she hoped the exhibition would show Art Nouveau in the Carpathian Basin to the wider public. The exhibition will show the works of Hungarian architects and artists from the homeland and across the borders, she said.

Minister: EU wants to distribute migrants on a mandatory basis

Migrants attempt to enter Hungary in rubber dinghy

The European Union has proposed distributing migrants among member states on a mandatory basis, and this would result in illegal migrants and the human traffickers who smuggle them into Europe deciding who gets to live in Europe, an interior ministry official has said.

Hungary and Poland voted against a position on the EU’s refugee reform adopted by the council of the interior ministers, Bence Retvári, the state secretary of the ministry, told MTI in Luxembourg late on Thursday. Member states that refuse to accommodate migrants would have to pay an equivalent of HUF 8 million (EUR 22,000) per migrant, he noted.

Also, he said the distribution of the burdens of border control and border procedures was “disproportionate”, and the Hungarian authorities would be required to perform 28.3 percent of all border procedures “just because Hungarian authorities have a precise record of the number of illegal migrants it has turned back”.

The state secretary said no progress had been made on EU financing for border protection, adding that the Hungarian government had spent more than EUR 1.5 billion on border control infrastructure.

The EU proposal, Retvári said, was “dangerous” since it contained mechanisms that would “promote illegal migration”.

He further insisted that the procedure by which the position paper had been adopted had been “a textbook example of double standards and a travesty of European values”, adding that the council of ministers had “disregarded the fact that it is the European Council that has the powers to pass decisions concerning the EU’s refugee reform”.

Hungary gets a harsh rebuke from a European Prime Minister

eu european union hungary flag priority areas

Luxembourg’s openly gay prime minister Xavier Bettel criticised the Hungarian government in a speech in the European Parliament on Wednesday. According to Bettel, the Hungarian laws have a negative impact on the LGBTQ community in Hungary.

Harsh criticism from Luxembourg

“If there is anybody in this house who seriously thinks that a man can become homosexual by watching TV or listening to songs, he doesn’t understand anything,” said Xavier Bettel, Prime Minister of Luxembourg.

In Hungary, a law was passed two years ago restricting content that depicts homosexuality. Mr Bettel said the Hungarian government under Viktor Orbán had no understanding of how countries in the European Union thought about homosexuality.

The Luxembourg head of government said that it is very difficult for homosexuals to accept themselves, and that in many countries outside the EU they would be at risk if they came out as homosexual. “And it may soon be that I can only talk about it in secret in a member state of the European Union, otherwise I will be accused of corrupting the younger generation,” Bettel is quoted as saying by the Associated Press.

The Prime Minister of Luxembourg has spoken out on the issue several times recently. “My mother hates that I am gay. I have to live with that. But now you have passed a law about it. I respect you, but this red line, which is about fundamental human rights, the right to be different, has now been crossed.”

Hungarian response to the accusations

Tamás Deutsch, Fidesz MEP, said that Luxembourg is one of the founders of the European Community and Hungary has a special respect for them, writes index.hu.

“I respectfully ask you not to classify the Hungarian child protection law as a homophobic law by stating an untruth, because the Hungarian child protection law is about one thing only, how to protect the inalienable right of parents to raise their children,” Deutsch said.

Belgian terrorist suspect arrested in Budapest

terrorism isis hungary dominik

Acting on an international warrant issued by the Belgian authorities, a 29-year-old woman wanted on suspicion of terrorism has been arrested at the Népliget bus station, the Budapest Police Headquarters (BRFK) said on its website on Friday.

The suspect was taken into custody on Wednesday evening and taken to court for an extradition hearing on Friday, the website said. The Municipal Court later in the day approved in a binding ruling the extradition to Belgian authorities of a Belgian-Moroccan woman wanted on an international warrant, the court’s press department said in a statement, noting that the criteria defined in the warrant were in place.

The warrant was issued by a French-language lower court of Brussels on charges of participation in the activities of a terrorist group and leaving the territory of the country with the aim to carry out or support a terrorist act, the department said. “Based on available data, the woman can be explicitly suspected of seeking to visit a terrorist group active in a Syrian field of operation,” it said. The maximum term for crimes included in the warrant is ten years in prison, said the department. The suspect agreed in the court to her extradition in a simplified procedure which according to the ruling must follow by January 16.

terrorism isis hungary dominik
Read alsoFor the first time, a Hungarian man is on trial for spreading propaganda glorifying the Islamic State

Hungary opens new consulate in an EU capital

New Hungarian consulate in Brussels

Hungary has opened a new consulate in Brussels, which is important also because the greater the uncertainty in the world, the more important it is for the state to provide security for Hungarians at home and abroad, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said in Brussels on Monday.

The ministry cited Szijjártó as saying that the significance of Hungary’s foreign representative office network had increased significantly in the recent, difficult period characterised by security challenges. He noted that during the coronavirus pandemic, more than ten thousand Hungarian citizens had been helped return to Hungary.

Personal presence is required to represent Hungary’s interests and recognising this, Hungary had opened a number of new embassies and consulates around the world in the past eight years, he said. Their total number currently reaches 135 and the trend will continue, he added. A total of 400 million forints (EUR 960,000) have been spent on the new consulate which will serve, among others, the around 20,000 Hungarians living in Brussels, he said.

PM Orbán scarf scandal
Read alsoPM Orbán’s scarf scandal extends: Austria jokes, Slovakia horrified, Orbán reacted

Agriculture minister calls for extraordinary EU aid to farmers

Hungarian farmers need extraordinary subsidies from the European Union due to the war in Ukraine and the EU’s sanctions, so that they can ensure safe food supplies, Agriculture Minister István Nagy said in a statement on Monday. Speaking after a meeting of his European counterparts in Brussels, Nagy said most of them had asked the European Council to activate a reserve fund of 450 million euros set up for agricultural emergencies.

The minister said soaring energy prices had increased the cost of food production, which could no longer be covered even by higher producer prices. He insisted that “agriculture had nothing to do with causes of the crisis” and “farmers cannot be expected to manage the situation by themselves, left without assistance”.

Nagy said he hoped the commission “would hear the request of most member states” and make a proposal to activate the reserve fund in the first months of 2023.

Lake Balaton local communities are going through rapid changes
Read alsoLake Balaton: local communities are going through rapid changes

Fidesz MPs propose resolution to denounce ‘political pressure’ against Hungary

Hungarian parliament lawmaking government

Deputies of ruling Fidesz have proposed a parliamentary resolution rejecting “political pressure opposing Hungary’s interests”, in connection with recent decrees by Germany’s Bundestag and the Dutch parliament, relating to the Hungarian government’s negotiations with the European Commission on EU funds for Hungary.

The proposed resolution would confirm Hungary’s commitment to the EU’s fundamental values and protection of its finances, noting that the Hungarian government has recently “made and fulfilled” 17 actual commitments.

Signatories to the draft regretted that the parliaments of “some” member states would “leave the regulated framework of EU negotiations conducted between certain players” and “resort to exerting political pressure”. They also noted that the European Commission cannot “take instructions from the institutions of member states or other agencies”. They also said EU law “clearly defines the procedural regulations and indicates the EU agencies through which the compliance of member states with requirements to access EU funds could be evaluated” and added that “Germany or the Netherlands do not have such powers”.

Through adopting the statement, the Hungarian parliament could “reject blackmail by Germany and the Netherlands”, they said.

Billions of euros
Read alsoFinal decision: the EU unlocks billions of euros for Hungary! – UPDATED

Just as Hungary’s national assembly “does not interfere with the life of the German and Dutch people, the legislation and other institutions of the two countries are expected to do the same”, the MPs said.

The opposition Democratic Coalition (DK) said it would not support the resolution.

Deputy group leader Gergely Arato told an online press conference that the German and Dutch decrees had said Hungary was not governed by the rule of law, and “the Orban government is not seeking to eliminate graft, but to continue to use EU funds in a corrupt way.”

“Neither the Dutch nor the Germans are responsible for the fact that the government has been stealing EU funds for the past 12 years; as they are not going to be responsible either for that fact that Hungary will most likely lose a significant part of EU funding,” he said.

Millions of euros
Read alsoHungarian government revealed how it will spend the EUR billions of the EU funds

Belgium Calls Morocco’s Autonomy Plan ‘Good Basis’ for Resolving Sahara Issue

Belgium considers Morocco’s autonomy plan, presented in 2007, as “a good basis for a solution accepted by the parties” regarding the Sahara issue.

According to MAP, this statement came in a joint declaration issued after talks between Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, and Hadja Lahbib, Belgium’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Foreign Trade and Federal Cultural Institutions.

“Belgium considers the autonomy plan, presented in 2007, as a serious and credible Moroccan effort and as a good basis for a solution accepted by the parties,” says the joint declaration.

In this context, the Belgian minister reiterated Belgium’s long-standing support for the UN-led process for a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution.

According to the Joint Statement, the two ministers agreed on the exclusivity of the UN in the political process and reaffirmed their support for UN Security Council Resolution 2602, which noted the role and responsibility of all parties in the search for a realistic, pragmatic, sustainable and compromise-based political solution.

Morocco and Belgium also welcome the appointment of the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary General, Staffan de Mistura, and reaffirm their active support to his efforts to advance the political process on the basis of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, the Joint Statement said.
With this position,

Belgium joins the list of European countries that clearly support the autonomy plan such as Spain, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Cyprus, Luxembourg, Hungary, Romania, Portugal and Serbia.

Arab Cultural Day held in Budapest 2022
Read alsoArab Cultural Day in Budapest: a great cultural and diplomatic event – PHOTOS

RoadPol elects Hungarian officer head

zsinkai

The executive board of RoadPol, the umbrella organisation for the traffic police of 26 European countries, has unanimously elected Hungary’s Elvira Zsinkai as the network’s president, the daily Magyar Nemzet reported on Tuesday.

Zsinkai told the paper she would promote adopting best practices from other countries to improve traffic safety.

She said Sweden, Denmark and Norway had managed to reduce the number of fatal road accidents to nearly zero, which she said could be achieved in other countries.

Zsinkai said the foundations had been laid by adopting the 3E principle of enforcement, education, and engineering, and made a special mention of Hungary’s “traffic boxes” as a best practice. The boxes placed by busy roads may contain a camera recording speeding drivers, but “drivers will not know if there is indeed a camera in the box, so they will slow down,” she said.

Zsinkai also mentioned the practice of the United Kingdom and Netherlands, where cyclists are required to take an exam and obtain a licence, whereas in Hungary “anyone without any training could take to the road”.

As for engineering, Zsinkai said the Scandinavian police routinely informed road managers if technical aspects of the road could contribute to accidents, and the manager could make repairs or even redesign the given section. The system could be introduced in all countries “but this also has financial considerations,” Zsinkai said.

kfor
Read alsoHungarian major general ends term as KFOR head

Foreign ministry: Dutch foreign minister ‘attacked Hungary’ in interview

The Dutch foreign minister has “attacked Hungary” in an interview, Tamás Menczer, the foreign ministry state secretary for bilateral relations said on Tuesday.

Menczer said on Facebook that Wopke Hoekstra had relied on “the European Parliament’s lies” and expressed concern about the state of the rule of law in Hungary, saying that the rule of law and Europe’s shared values were in danger, and said the plight of the judiciary and the free press in Hungary were “awful”.

Menczer said in response that the state of the rule of law in the Netherlands itself gave cause for concern. The country has seen hundreds of anti-Semitic crimes each year since 2019, some 80 percent of journalists “receive threats”, and the state secretary for migration had to resign after concealing grave crimes committed by migrants, he said.

It would be reasonable for the European Parliament to call a meeting immediately and have a report prepared about the state of the rule of law in the Netherlands, he said.

It would also be reasonable that the Dutch foreign minister should deal with Hungary only after restoring order in his own country, he added.

read also – Vetoing the sanctions against Patriarch Kirill: Orbán responds to Luxemburg’s PM criticism

Viktor Orbán
Read alsoOfficial: Hungary is not a democratic country, Fidesz disgruntled

Wizz Air flight from Eindhoven to Budapest collided with birds and had to turn back

Wizz Air Hugarian Company UK Purchase

On Sunday, a Wizz Air flight from Eindhoven to Budapest collided with a flock of birds during take-off, causing the plane to turn back, the airline said in response to Telex‘s questions.

An article about the incident appeared in a NOS Dutch newspaper on Sunday evening. Wizz Air’s reply revealed that the birds had damaged the tires, which is why the plane was grounded. Engineers immediately started repair work but were unable to complete it the same day, so Wizz Air rescheduled the flight for Monday at 17:30, which the company said it had informed passengers about by text message and email.

“In the meantime, ground handling staff have booked accommodation and arranged transport for passengers. (…) Passengers affected by the rescheduling of the flight can claim reimbursement of their self-booked accommodation and other costs by presenting a copy of their invoices via the Wizz Air interface or by contacting customer services.”

– the airline wrote.

As we wrote on Saturday, Hungarian low-cost airline Wizz Air’s Dortmund plane collided with a flock of birds. Passengers had to wait half a day for a replacement plane in the 40-degree passenger lounge, details HERE.

wizzair emergency landing
Read alsoHungarian Government Office takes action against Wizz Air

PM Orbán talked on phone with one of his greatest European adversaries

Orbán economy parliament war in Ukraine

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán talked by phone with Dutch counterpart Mark Rutte, with the war in Ukraine, the energy crisis in Europe, and the EU economic recovery fund the focus of the discussion, the prime minister’s press chief said on Saturday.

Orbán told Rutte that Europe must work towards restoring peace, Bertalan Havasi said in a statement.

Rutte criticized Orbán and his government many times before. In 2021, some European media outlets even called the Dutch prime minister

Orbán’s chief EU critic.

orbán
Read alsoScandal in Switzerland: someone registered PM Orbán as a plasterer

Vetoing the sanctions against Patriarch Kirill: Orbán responds to Luxemburg’s PM criticism

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has written to Xavier Bettel, his Luxembourg counterpart, in connection with criticism of Hungary’s insistence that the European Union strike Patriach Kirill of Moscow from its sixth sanctions package. 

The PM of Luxembourg has decried as “unacceptable” the last-minute removal of Patriarch Kirill, from the new list of EU sanctions.

Orbán said in the letter that

Bettel’s criticism was baffling since Hungary’s position on the matter had been expressed several times prior.

At the recent European Council meeting to discuss sanctions, everyone knew that the Hungarian delegation had opposed including the patriarch on the list, Orbán wrote. Hungary’s standpoint was not countered by leader at the meeting, he added.

“We ended up with a huge achievement: we preserved our unity. Please don’t relativize this; rather celebrate this success,” the prime minister wrote.

Orbán also quoted the Hungarian constitution which stipulates protecting the freedom of religion.

The Hungarian government would never support sanctions against church leaders or estranging them from their faithful, he wrote.

Hungary wants peace, and peace is not possible without church leaders, he said, and he appealed to his Luxembourg counterpart to show understanding for Hungary’s position.

MOL Hungary pipeline oil refinery bulgaria ukraine
Read also Orbán won? EU’s embargo on Russian oil exempts pipeline deliveries