Hungary has signed its longest-ever liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply agreement, striking a ten-year deal with French energy company ENGIE, even as Prime Minister Viktor Orbán refuses to heed U.S. calls to cut Russian energy imports. Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó announced in Budapest that state-owned utility MVM CEEnergy will purchase 400 million cubic metres of […]
Hungary is under pressure from both the U.S. and the European Union to cease importing Russian fossil fuels, with Budapest contending that alternative energy sources are insufficient to replace its pipeline supplies. The push for Hungary to reduce its reliance on Russian energy is complicated by the country's close relationship with Russia and its reliance […]
The United States has restored full access for Hungarian citizens to its visa-waiver program, rolling back limits introduced under the Biden administration. From September 30, Hungarians will once again be able to apply for Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) visas valid for two years and multiple entries, US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced […]
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán condemned the violation of Polish airspace allegedly by Russian drones, calling the incident “unacceptable” and expressing full solidarity with Warsaw. “Hungary stands in full solidarity with Poland with regard to the drone incident that took place last night,” Orbán wrote on his Facebook page Wednesday morning, adding that the event […]
Hungary announced sanctions against a Ukrainian military officer accused of targeting the country’s vital oil supply, escalating tensions between Budapest and Kyiv over Russian energy. Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó declared that the government would bar Robert Brovdi, a Hungarian-born commander in Ukraine’s armed forces, from entering both Hungary and the Schengen area. Brovdi, widely known […]
Hungary has reiterated its willingness to host potential peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, with Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó confirming the offer remains open. Speaking in a podcast, Szijjártó said Budapest would provide “fair and safe conditions” if called upon, stressing that Hungary would be pleased to contribute to international peace efforts. The prospect of […]
Hungary’s political tensions deepened this week after opposition leader Péter Magyar accused Moscow of direct interference in the country’s domestic affairs. The charge came a day after Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) issued a statement claiming the European Commission was considering “regime change in Budapest” — a move Magyar described as a blatant attempt to […]
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has announced a new home subsidy plan targeting public sector employees as he gears up for a closely-fought 2026 election. The new measure will make doctors, nurses, teachers, and soldiers eligible for an annual home subsidy of HUF 1 million ( USD 2,870). These funds can be used either for […]
European Commission Head Urges Hungary to Lift Ban on Budapest PrideEuropean Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has issued a direct appeal to Hungary, calling on Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's government to lift the controversial ban on this weekend’s Budapest Pride march. Her intervention marks a significant escalation in the ongoing standoff between Brussels and […]
The Hungarian parliament’s Fidesz caucus has postponed voting on a contentious bill that critics say is aimed at stifling independent civil society and media ahead of upcoming elections. The delay, announced by Cabinet Minister Gergely Gulyás, pushes the adoption of the so-called “Transparency in Public Life” legislation to the autumn parliamentary session. The bill, introduced […]
A controversial bill introduced by Hungary’s ruling Fidesz party, aimed at restricting foreign-funded media outlets and civil society organizations, has drawn sharp criticism from European lawmakers, press leaders, rights groups, and the judiciary. Hungary’s parliament began debating the draft legislation last week, which would allow the government to create a public list of organizations receiving […]
Hungary's parliament has passed a constitutional amendment allowing the government to ban public LGBTQ+ events, including the annual Budapest Pride march. The amendment, approved on April 14 with a two-thirds majority by the ruling Fidesz-KDNP coalition, declares that children's rights to moral, physical, and spiritual development take precedence over other fundamental rights, including the right […]
Earlier this year, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hungary (CCCH) held a business breakfast focusing on the uncertainties surrounding the economic policies of the new Trump administration. CCCH President Nicholas Sarvari has summarized for Diplomacy&Trade how much coherence, if any, can be seen in this economic policy so far; how it may affect trade […]
Hungary announced its decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), just hours after welcoming Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Budapest with full ceremonial honors - despite an international arrest warrant issued against him. The move underscores Hungary's defiance of international legal obligations and positions it as the only European Union member state […]
Hungary’s State Audit Office filed a complaint against a controversial foundation established by the central bank claiming years of financial mismanagement and opaque dealings. The police are investigating the case which involves funds in excess of $1 billion. The foundation, Pallas Athéné Domus Meriti (PADME), set up shortly after former Hungarian National Bank (MNB) Governor […]
