Prime Minister Péter Magyar's government has submitted the 17th amendment to Hungary's Fundamental Law, proposing a three-term limit for members of parliament and the creation of a National Asset Recovery Office. The package also seeks to restore traditional county names as the administration advances changes to the country's legal framework.
Hungary Backs EU Sanctions Against 1,600 Russian Entities After Dropping Veto Threats
Hungary has joined other European Union member states in supporting the addition of 1,600 Russian entities to the bloc's sanctions list. The agreement, reached by EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg, follows Budapest's decision to abandon earlier veto threats and marks a shift in its approach to sanctions against Moscow.
EU Approves Restoration of Erasmus Funding for Hungarian Universities
The Council of the European Union has approved the restoration of Hungary's access to Erasmus higher education funding following reforms and negotiations with the new government. The decision ends a prolonged funding freeze that restricted opportunities for Hungarian students and researchers to participate in European academic exchanges.
Hungary's Péter Magyar Confirms Macron Visit to Budapest on October 23
Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar has confirmed that French President Emmanuel Macron will visit Budapest on October 23, the anniversary of Hungary's 1956 revolution. The visit is expected to strengthen bilateral diplomatic relations and support closer Hungarian cooperation with the European Union.
Fitch Maintains Hungary's BBB Credit Rating With Negative Outlook
Fitch Ratings has affirmed Hungary's sovereign credit rating at BBB while retaining its negative outlook. The decision comes as investors assess the government's fiscal consolidation plans and economic reforms amid continued uncertainty over the country's financial outlook.
Hungary Launches Review of 24 Trillion Forint Motorway Concession Agreements
Hungarian Transport and Investment Minister Dávid Vitézy has announced an audit of 35-year motorway concession contracts worth 24 trillion forints. More than one trillion forints have reportedly been paid to private operators over the past four years, prompting closer examination of the agreements and their long-term cost to the state.
Hungarian Parliament Passes Revised Child Protection Law Despite Right-Wing Opposition
Hungary's National Assembly has approved a rewritten child protection law backed by the governing coalition despite opposition from Fidesz and Mi Hazánk. The legislation is intended to bring national child protection policies into closer alignment with European Union fundamental rights requirements.
Hungary Proposes Energy Market Reform With Dynamic Electricity Tariffs and Faster Grid Connections
Hungary's Energy Ministry has unveiled legislation introducing dynamic electricity pricing and measures to simplify grid connections. The package would also require state institutions to procure buildings with near-zero energy consumption, supporting efforts to modernise the electricity market and improve energy efficiency.
Hungary Appoints Géza Losonczy to Seven-Year Term as Energy Regulator
The Hungarian government has appointed Géza Losonczy to lead the national Energy and Public Utility Regulatory Authority for seven years. His responsibilities will include overseeing proposed dynamic electricity tariffs and regulatory measures intended to stabilise domestic energy prices.
Hungarian Energy State Secretary András Tótth Resigns Amid Electricity Market Reforms
Hungary's Energy Ministry has confirmed the resignation of State Secretary András Tótth, citing personal reasons. His departure comes as the government prepares changes to electricity pricing, grid regulation and green energy procurement.
Hungary Supplies Diesel to Ukraine as Russian Strikes Deepen Fuel Shortages
Hungarian energy companies are transporting substantial diesel supplies into Ukraine to help address fuel shortages caused by Russian attacks on critical infrastructure. Low water levels on the Danube have also complicated regional fuel transport, increasing pressure on alternative supply routes.
MOL Faces Competition From US Investors Over Control of Serbian Energy Company NIS
Hungarian oil and gas group MOL faces uncertainty over its position in Serbia's energy sector as American investors reportedly pursue the acquisition of NIS. The potential transaction could affect Hungary's commercial interests in the Western Balkans and the regional energy market.
Gránit Bank Faces Record Loss Linked to Bayer Construct Bankruptcy
Hungarian lender Gránit Bank is reportedly facing the largest single financial loss in its history following the collapse of domestic construction company Bayer Construct. The bank's exposure to the insolvent developer has raised concerns about the financial consequences for the institution.
Opus Global Shares Fall More Than 9% as Investors Reassess Political Ties
Shares in Hungarian holding company Opus Global have fallen more than 9% in a single trading session amid a reassessment of businesses historically associated with Lőrinc Mészáros. The decline follows Hungary's change of government and reflects uncertainty surrounding companies with longstanding political connections.
Hungarian Government and Municipalities Agree to Increase Local Funding
Hungary's central government and municipal associations have reached a binding agreement to increase state budget transfers to local authorities in the coming fiscal year. The arrangement follows negotiations over local government finances and is intended to provide additional resources for municipal services.
Hungary Plans to Link Hospital Funding to Healthcare Quality and Efficiency
Hungary's Health Ministry has announced plans to make future public hospital funding dependent on quality indicators and operational performance. The changes are intended to improve healthcare delivery and reduce persistent waiting lists across the national health system.
Hungarian Parliament Approves Fuel Tax Relief for Road Transport Industry
Hungarian lawmakers have authorised emergency reductions in excise taxes for freight and road transport operators facing rising diesel prices. The measures aim to ease operating costs and protect the competitiveness of businesses involved in domestic and international goods transport.
Hungarian Parliament Appoints New Media Council Member, Rejects Fidesz Nominees
Hungary's National Assembly has elected a new independent member to the country's Media Council while rejecting candidates nominated by the opposition Fidesz-KDNP alliance. The vote changes the composition of a regulatory institution responsible for overseeing the national media sector.
Hungarian Prime Minister Proposes Mandatory Drug and Alcohol Testing for Lawmakers
Prime Minister Péter Magyar has proposed compulsory drug and alcohol testing for all members of Hungary's National Assembly. The initiative has attracted support from opposition party Fidesz while prompting debate over parliamentary conduct, personal rights and immunity.
Hungarian Teachers and Students Protest School District Director Appointment Process
Hungary's Democratic Trade Union of Teachers and student organisations have launched protests against the government's selection process for regional school district directors. Demonstrators accuse the Education Ministry of rushing appointments without sufficient transparency or proper evaluation.
Nearly 100 Hungarian-Language Schools in Slovakia Face Closure Risk Over Class Size Rules
Hungarian minority organisations in Slovakia have launched a petition calling for the minimum required class size to be reduced to 12 pupils. Campaigners warn that existing regulations could force the closure of almost 100 Hungarian-language schools, particularly in southern Slovakia.
Hungarian Education Body Proposes Optional Preparatory Year for Secondary School Students
Hungary's National Pedagogical Chamber has recommended introducing an optional preparatory year before the standard secondary school curriculum. The proposal aims to strengthen students' basic academic skills and address c