Hungary's Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó announced the country will begin consultations on acquiring American nuclear fuel. This move aims to diversify supply for its expanding nuclear energy capacity, including the Paks Nuclear Power Plant, while simultaneously maintaining existing ties with Russian suppliers. The discussions highlight Hungary's strategy for enhanced energy security.
Lumina Park, a captivating light installation event, has opened its 2024/2025 season at Palatinus Bath on Margaret Island in Budapest. This year's 'Fairy Tale Film Festival' theme features over 200 film-inspired light installations, offering an immersive experience until March 2, 2025.
Poland's Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski warned on October 21, 2025, that Russian President Vladimir Putin's plane could be forced to land if it enters Polish airspace, citing an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant. This warning came amidst reports of a potential meeting between Putin and Donald Trump in Hungary, which has since been put on hold.
The European Court of Auditors' latest report for the 2024 financial year identified €6 billion in EU expenditure affected by errors, waste, or suspected fraud. This amount is nearly four times Hungary's annual contribution, leading MCC Brussels to issue warnings about persistent financial mismanagement.
French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi has expanded its Budapest service center, adding 500 new high-value-added jobs and doubling its facility size to 15,000 sqm. The center now employs 2,200 professionals, enhancing Hungary's role in clinical trials, data analysis, and process automation.
The Hungarian Supreme Court, known as the Kúria, has issued a significant judgment confirming the limited liability of online platform service providers. This ruling, grounded in the E-Commerce Act and the Digital Services Act, clarifies that platforms are not objectively liable for unlawful content posted by users, provided they lack actual knowledge or act promptly upon notification.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced a HUF 40 billion agreement with OTP Bank for the extensive, nine-year restoration of the Gödöllő Royal Palace. The project, equally funded by the state and OTP Bank, aims to revive the historic landmark, a former residence of Queen Elisabeth, to its 19th-century grandeur, covering 17,000 square meters of the estate.
Rosatom Mechanical Engineering LLC has received clearance from Paks II Zrt. and the Hungarian Atomic Energy Authority to supply nuclear steam generating equipment for the Paks II nuclear power plant project in Hungary. This approval, announced on October 10, 2025, marks a significant step for the two new VVER-1200 reactor units.
French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi has expanded its Global Business Services center in Budapest, Hungary, adding 500 new jobs. The expansion doubles the facility's size and brings the total workforce to 2,200, enhancing its role in clinical trials, data analysis, and process automation, alongside existing financial and HR services.
The European Parliament has voted to maintain the parliamentary immunity of Italian MEP Ilaria Salis, rejecting Hungary's request to lift it. The narrow vote, 306 to 305, allows Salis to retain her protection despite charges of attempted assault in Budapest.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has strongly criticized the European Union's proposed 2028-2034 budget, calling it an 'Ukraine budget.' He stated that Hungary would not support using European taxpayers' money to fund Ukraine's military and state functions, advocating instead for investments in Europe's economic competitiveness.
Hungary's state-owned MVM CEEnergy has signed a historic 10-year deal with French firm Engie for 4 billion cubic meters of LNG, starting in 2028. This agreement, alongside a recent Shell deal, significantly diversifies Hungary's energy supply and strengthens its energy security, reducing reliance on Russian gas.
Hungary has introduced a new lifelong personal income tax exemption for mothers raising three or more children, effective October 1, 2025. This measure, part of the government's broader family support policy, aims to provide significant financial relief to an estimated 250,000 mothers and boost the country's birth rate. The exemption applies regardless of the mother's age or the children's age.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán asserted that Ukraine is 'not a sovereign country' and dismissed allegations of Hungarian drones violating Ukrainian airspace. These remarks escalate tensions between Budapest and Kyiv, following Ukraine's claims of reconnaissance drone incursions and Hungary's counter-accusations regarding media access.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán declared Ukraine is not a sovereign country, citing Western financial and military aid, while dismissing claims of Hungarian drone incursions into Ukrainian airspace. The remarks exacerbate already strained relations between Budapest and Kyiv, following accusations of espionage and tit-for-tat blocking of news sites.
Hundreds of demonstrators rallied at the Hatvanpuszta estate in rural Hungary on September 27, 2025, protesting alleged corruption linked to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Organized by independent lawmaker Ákos Hadházy, the protest highlighted the estate's luxurious amenities as a symbol of elite extravagance amidst national economic struggles.
A European Parliament committee has rejected Hungary's request to lift the parliamentary immunity of opposition leader Péter Magyar. The decision by the Legal Affairs Committee protects Magyar from charges including alleged mobile phone theft and defamation, drawing strong criticism from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
Hungary's central bank, the Magyar Nemzeti Bank, has kept its base rate at 6.5%, the highest in the European Union, extending a year-long pause in rate easing. The decision reflects ongoing concerns over inflation and economic stability.
The historic Mária Valéria Bridge, connecting Esztergom, Hungary, and Štúrovo, Slovakia, is set to celebrate its 130th anniversary with a three-day festival from September 26 to 28, 2025. The event will feature concerts, exhibitions, a light show, and a 'Breakfast on the Bridge' to symbolize cross-border unity.
The European Union plans to release €550 million in funds to Hungary, aiming to secure Budapest's approval for the 19th package of sanctions against Russia, which targets energy, finance, and cryptocurrencies.
