Disney has confirmed that a brand-new Star Wars trilogy is in development, promising fans an entirely new storyline unconnected to the iconic Skywalker Saga. Written by X-Men producer Simon Kinberg, the trilogy marks a new direction for the franchise. Read our article for more information and also to learn about the Hungary-related curiosities in the Star Wars universe.

The Tamási Thermal Spa, heavily damaged by fire three years ago, is set for a major restoration, funded by nearly 5 billion forints in government support. The extensive renovation, scheduled to conclude by autumn 2025, will bring state-of-the-art upgrades to the spa.

During an informal summit of the leaders of EU countries in Budapest on Friday, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called on Europe to redefine its capabilities, empower member states, and invest in strategic resources. Addressing a range of pressing challenges, Meloni emphasized the need for European self-sufficiency and resilience.

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán discussed Hungary’s political and economic stance in light of recent global shifts, Trump’s victory in the US presidential election, and pressing EU issues. Emphasizing Hungary’s unique approach focusing on national interests, Orbán highlighted forthcoming opportunities for the country.

A Hungarian-led research team has launched the Geoastronomy project, supported by the European Research Council, to explore the composition and atmospheres of rocky exoplanets orbiting Sun-like stars. This six-year initiative aims to expand our understanding of both these distant worlds and our own planet.

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán accepted the Supreme Order of the Turkic World in Bishkek, Kirgizstan on Wednesday, recognizing Hungary’s longstanding connection with Turkic nations. He noted that Hungarians are the ‘westernmost of the Eastern peoples’, highlighting the shared heritage with the Turkic nations and expressing optimism for future cooperation between Hungary and the Turkic states.

Romanian President Klaus Johannis is participating in the fifth European Political Community summit in Budapest, where he will emphasize regional security, continued support for Ukraine, and advocate for stronger EU cohesion and a long-term approach to migration.

During the EPC in Budapest, President of the European Council Charles Michel was asked about the crisis in Germany and Donald Trump’s re-election.

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán inaugurated the European Political Community (EPC) summit in Budapest, highlighting the unprecedented diplomatic scale of the event in Hungary’s history. He underscored the security, migration, and economic challenges Europe faces, as well as the significance of the US presidential election for transatlantic relations.

Delegates have begun arriving at Budapest’s Puskás Arena for the European Political Community summit, an event Prime Minister Viktor Orbán calls Hungary’s largest diplomatic gathering to date. With over 47 heads of state and key international figures in attendance, the summit will address pressing issues, including Europe’s competitiveness and the US presidential election.

The GraphicPécs international graphic arts festival returns to Pécs from 7 November to 25 January, offering exhibitions, professional talks, book launches, and roundtable discussions, all celebrating the dynamic intersections of music, visual art, and underground culture.

During the University of Szeged’s Innovation Day, Nobel laureate Katalin Karikó underscored the responsibility of scientists to convey their findings to the public, inspire the youth, and foster acceptance of scientific advancements, highlighting the crucial role of resilience and collaborative partnerships in research.

The Centre for Budapest Transport (BKK) is advancing the BudapestGO app to enhance digital ticket use across the capital’s public transport network. With user demand for digital payments growing rapidly, BKK aims to create a more convenient as well as efficient experience for commuters.

Researchers from the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE) have achieved a pioneering milestone by successfully growing viable mustard plants in a lunar soil simulation. This world-first result includes three viable seeds, setting a new standard in plant growth for future space agriculture.

Renovations at the Hungaroring are well underway following the 2024 Hungarian Grand Prix, with a budget of 78.9 billion forints aimed at extensive upgrades. These include refurbishing the main grandstand and paddock, constructing two new tunnels for improved access, and ensuring a cutting-edge facility for racing enthusiasts by 2026.

Hungary is on track to establish a fully modernized and re-equipped military force, Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky affirmed during a significant milestone of the Defence Development Programme. Speaking at the MH Klapka György Armoured Brigade base on 5 November, Szalay-Bobrovniczky marked the full deployment of the Gidrán combat vehicle fleet, signifying enhanced operational readiness and security capabilities for Hungary in light of ongoing regional conflicts.

Cinema City’s Film Festival, running from 7 to 10 November in Budapest and regional multiplexes, promises a lineup of premieres, discounted tickets, Hungarian films, and exclusive meet-and-greets. Audiences can enjoy newly released blockbusters alongside domestic cinematic highlights and film club discussions.

Weerts Logistics Park has inaugurated a nearly 40,000 square metre, eco-friendly production facility in Vecsés for Canadian automotive parts supplier Magna International. The over 57-million-euro project utilizes cutting-edge sustainable technologies, including energy-efficient systems and rainwater recycling, ensuring green energy support throughout its operations.

According to Real-PR 93’s latest survey, if parliamentary elections were held this Sunday, Fidesz–KDNP would secure 44 per cent among decided voters, while the Tisza Party would reach 35 per cent. Mi Hazánk and the Democratic Coalition would also pass the parliamentary threshold, with 7 per cent and 6 per cent respectively.

On 4 November Soviet tanks rolled into the country, sealing the fate of the glorious 1956 Revolution and Freedom Fight. Hungary’s National Day of Mourning, instituted by the second Orbán government and observed nationwide, commemorates the crushing of the uprising, honouring the heroes who fought against the Communist regime and Soviet occupation.

In an unusual oversight, Hungary was left off the map in a geography textbook designed for fourth-grade students in Italy. Discovered by gyerekszoba.hu, the Noi Supereroi 2030 textbook instead shows Romania sharing borders with Austria and Slovenia—a puzzling omission still awaiting publisher response.

The Hungarian Science Festival, hosted by the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, begins this Monday with an expansive month-long programme. The Hungarian Science Festival has been held since 2003, commencing on 3 November with the Day of Hungarian Science, commemorating Count István Széchenyi’s donation of a year’s income from his estates in 1825 to establish the Learned Society, the precursor of today’s Hungarian Academy of Sciences.

Moody’s Ratings has reaffirmed the European Union’s top ‘Aaa’ credit rating with a stable outlook, underscoring the resilient support provided by highly rated member states. Despite challenges like the recent downgrade of France’s outlook, the EU rating is expected to remain strong, maintaining access to competitive financing.

The Museum of Ethnography is set to present a special musical–literary programme series in collaboration with the band Anima Sound System this November and December. Featuring Zsolt Prieger and folk singer Bori Magyar, the performances promise a unique cultural experience that brings Szekler heritage and Hungarian folk stories to life for audiences of all ages.

Hungary’s largest-ever village tree planting initiative, led by the Ministry of Agriculture, has reached a new milestone as 6,000 trees are to be planted this autumn across 317 communities. With 56,000 trees planted since 2020, the project aims to boost Hungary’s green areas and support climate resilience.

The Budapest General Assembly has approved a comprehensive proposal package aimed at improving housing affordability, expanding the city’s affordable rental market, and optimizing existing real estate. The initiative seeks active involvement from both the central government and the EU’s structural funding.

From 29 November to 1 December, Art Weekend Budapest will bring art lovers on guided tours through more than thirty venues across the city, with a central theme exploring movement and motion. Free 15-20 minute exhibitions and talks await visitors along multiple daily routes, all marking the opening of Advent with creativity.

A recent study by Hungary’s National Media and Infocommunications Authority (NMHH) reveals that nearly half of teenage girls feel less attractive due to the idealised images they see on social media. The study, examining the social media habits of 13-16-year-olds, points to the need for fostering media awareness to help young people navigate online influences.

As part of a year-long Hungarian-Turkish cultural season, large-scale murals featuring Hungarian heritage and inventions were unveiled in Türkiye, the Ministry of Culture and Innovation announced. The artworks, located in Istanbul and Kocaeli Province, depict both the mythical Csodaszarvas and famed Hungarian inventions, symbolizing the countries’ shared cultural ties and history of innovation.

In a drive to support families amid challenging global conditions, the Hungarian government plans to double the family tax allowance in two stages, maintain tax exemptions for families with four children, mothers under 30, and individuals under 25, and extend the reduced 5 per cent VAT rate on residential property sales until 2026, the Ministry of Finance announced. Beside leaving more money in the pockets of families, the new tax amendments also aim to curb the grey economy and reduce administrative burdens.