The European Commission and Hungary's government have reached a compromise over judicial reforms that could unlock approximately 2.5 trillion forints in previously frozen EU development funding. The money could become available over the coming months, providing substantial support for investment in the Hungarian economy.
Hungarian Central Bank Cuts Interest Rate by 25 Basis Points as Inflation Eases
The National Bank of Hungary has lowered its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points after inflation stabilised near its 3% target. The decision comes as the forint trades around 390 against the euro, giving policymakers greater scope to support economic activity.
Hungary Proposes Ukraine Ceasefire and Regional Reconstruction Fund at EU Meeting
Hungary's government has presented a Central European peace initiative calling for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and the creation of regional economic reconstruction funds. The proposal received a mixed response from Western allies at a meeting of European Union foreign ministers.
Hungary Signs Gas Supply Agreement With Azerbaijan and Turkey to Reduce Russian Dependence
Hungary has signed a long-term statement of intent with Azerbaijan and Turkey covering natural gas purchases and expanded pipeline capacity through the Balkans. The arrangement aims to increase supplies from the Caucasus and reduce Hungarian industry's reliance on Russian gas imports.
Hungary's Paks II Nuclear Project Completes Foundation Work for New Reactor Units
Hungarian and Russian contractors have completed foundation work for new nuclear reactor units at the Paks II power plant. The government says the project is essential to long-term energy security and efforts to maintain affordable household electricity prices.
Hungary and EU Court Face New Retail Tax Dispute After Ruling Against Foreign Supermarket Levies
The European Union's top court has found parts of Hungary's progressive retail tax system unlawful following complaints from major international supermarket chains. The judgment could force Budapest to revise its tax rules and make adjustments to public finances.
BYD Brings Forward Production Start at Hungarian Electric Vehicle Factory by Six Months
Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has announced that its new plant in Szeged will begin mass production next spring, six months earlier than previously planned. The factory is expected to create thousands of jobs and expand Hungary's automotive exports.
BMW Starts Electric Vehicle Production at New Debrecen Plant
German carmaker BMW has begun series production of its Neue Klasse electric vehicles at its factory in Debrecen, eastern Hungary. Meanwhile, Audi's Győr plant has increased exports of electric drivetrains, strengthening Hungary's role in European electric vehicle manufacturing.
CATL Begins Trial Production at Debrecen Battery Factory Under Environmental Monitoring
Chinese battery producer CATL has started testing its first production lines at its new factory in Debrecen. Local authorities have introduced continuous environmental monitoring to address public concerns and ensure compliance with European Union water protection requirements.
Hungary Tightens Environmental Monitoring Rules for Battery and Heavy Industry Plants
Hungary's government has introduced mandatory real-time water and air quality monitoring at heavy industrial and battery recycling facilities. The stricter requirements follow public protests and shortcomings identified during inspections, as authorities seek to strengthen environmental oversight.
Hungary's MÁV Announces 500 Billion Forint Railway Fleet Modernisation Programme
Hungarian state railway company MÁV and the Transport Ministry have announced plans to spend 500 billion forints on new trains and locomotives. The investment aims to improve service reliability after repeated summer breakdowns and growing passenger dissatisfaction.
Hungary Approves More Than 100 Billion Forints to Settle Public Hospital Debts
Hungary's government has approved an emergency financial package exceeding 100 billion forints to help public hospitals pay overdue supplier bills. Health officials are also calling for broader reforms to improve financial management and the quality of patient care.
Visegrád Leaders Call for Reduced EU Business Regulation and Greater Automotive Protection
The leaders of Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia have issued a joint statement in Prague urging the European Commission to reduce administrative burdens on industry. The four governments also called for stronger measures to protect European carmakers from growing Chinese competition.
Hungary's Tisza Party and Fidesz Neck and Neck in Polls Ahead of Parliamentary Election
Recent Hungarian opinion polls indicate that support for Péter Magyar's Tisza Party and the governing Fidesz party has narrowed to within the margin of error. The close contest is intensifying debate over economic policy and Hungary's future relationship with the European Union ahead of parliamentary elections.
Hungary's Rheinmetall Opens AI and Autonomous Vehicle Defence Research Centre
German defence manufacturer Rheinmetall has opened a new research and development facility in Zalaegerszeg, western Hungary. The centre will focus on military applications of artificial intelligence and testing autonomous vehicles, expanding Hungary's role in European defence technology.
US and Hungary Discuss Renewed Economic Cooperation and Energy Diversification
The new US ambassador to Budapest and Hungary's foreign minister have held talks on rebuilding bilateral trade relations and expanding American support for energy diversification. The discussions suggest a cautious improvement in economic cooperation between Washington and Budapest.
Hungarian Manufacturers Employ More Than 120,000 Foreign Workers Amid Labour Shortages
More than 120,000 foreign workers, predominantly from Asian countries, are employed in Hungarian factories and logistics centres, according to the Central Statistical Office. Their growing presence is fuelling debate over domestic wages and the workforce needed to sustain industrial production.
Budapest Property Prices Reach New High as Apartment Costs Exceed 1.3 Million Forints Per Square Metre
Average prices for brick-built apartments in Budapest have surpassed 1.3 million forints per square metre, according to recent market analyses. Rising purchase prices and rents are worsening housing affordability, particularly for younger residents seeking their first homes.
Hungarian Birth Numbers Continue to Decline Despite Government Family Support Policies
New figures from Hungary's Central Statistical Office show a further moderate decline in births despite extensive government programmes supporting families. The trend raises longer-term concerns about labour supply, pension funding and the country's economic growth prospects.
Hungarian Teachers Demand 20% Pay Rise and Threaten Nationwide Strikes
Hungary's teachers' unions are calling for a further 20% increase in basic salaries, citing inflation and severe staffing shortages in public education. Union representatives have warned of possible nationwide strikes during the spring school-leaving examination period if their demands are not addressed.
Autumn Drought Hits Hungarian Corn and Sunflower Harvests, Raising Food Price Concerns
Exceptionally dry and hot weather has sharply reduced corn and sunflower yields across Hungary's Great Plain. The losses are putting pressure on farmers and raising concerns about renewed food inflation, prompting calls for changes to European Union agricultural support.
Budapest Approves Climate and Transport Strategy to Expand Low-Traffic Zones
Budapest's General Assembly has approved a climate and transport development strategy following an agreement between Mayor Gergely Karácsony and council factions. The plan includes expanding traffic-calming areas in the city centre and accelerating public transport electrification with EU green funding.
Budapest Airport Unveils Terminal 3 Plans to Accommodate Growing International Traffic
The operators of Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport, led by the Hun