Hungary’s minimum wage and guaranteed skilled labour wage have increased, directly impacting around one million workers and influencing wages across multiple sectors. The government has outlined a long-term plan for continued wage growth, ensuring a cumulative increase of over 40 per cent in three years.

Hungarian public media is actively participating in this year’s Marriage Week, aiming to reach audiences of all ages. Under the slogan ‘Talk for Your Marriage!’, television and radio channels will feature discussions, expert insights, and personal stories to emphasize the value of commitment and communication in relationships.

A fatal shooting in Brussels’ Anderlecht district on Friday morning, likely linked to a territorial dispute between rival drug gangs, has left one person dead, Belgian prosecutors reported. The incident follows a series of violent clashes in the city, raising concerns over escalating gang-related crime.

Budapest Zoo’s Biodome is set to transport visitors back to the Mesozoic era with a new interactive dinosaur exhibition. Running from mid-February to the end of March, the event will feature life-size animatronic models, VR adventures, film screenings, and expert lectures.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán predicts a strong and prosperous year, promising new opportunities for families and pensioners. Speaking on public radio, he discussed economic support measures, the significance of sovereignty, and his government’s stance on migration and international political influences.

Hungary has been invited to participate in the US development policy review, marking a significant shift in bilateral relations. The US has pledged to end funding for Hungarian opposition groups and revive cooperation on aid for persecuted Christians.

The Hungarian government has announced new measures to support pensioners and rural communities, including the expansion of a home renovation programme and the continuation of the 13th-month pension. These initiatives aim to improve living standards and boost economic activity in smaller towns.

Hungary’s Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has called for urgent reforms to ensure the survival and efficiency of the United Nations. During his visit to New York, he emphasized the need for decentralization, cost-cutting, and a focus on global challenges.

Hungary reaffirmed its commitment to responsible space policy at a space industry event in Budapest, co-organized by the Ministry for National Economy and the European Space Agency. The event focused on space debris and sustainability, bringing together experts, researchers, and industry leaders.

Hungary and Western Balkan countries have agreed to strengthen cooperation in education, research, and culture, with plans for joint degree programmes, a shared innovation fund, and collaborative cultural projects. The initiatives were announced at the first Hungary–Western Balkans summit in Budapest.

Hungary’s chief security advisor György Bakondi has warned of a tenfold increase in migration pressure on the Serbia–Hungary border, with 1,841 illegal migrants apprehended this year compared to 191 in the same period last year. He highlighted the potential for a mass migration wave from conflict zones like Syria and Congo.

The 2025 Tour de Hongrie, Hungary’s premier cycling race, will begin at Budapest’s Szent Gellért Square and conclude at the Esztergom Basilica. With 885 kilometres of challenging routes, including the iconic Kékestető climb, this year’s edition features record Hungarian participation and promises thrilling competition.

Hungary has established a new 150-member anti-narcotics unit to tackle drug trafficking and organized crime, with Parliamentary State Secretary Bence Rétvári declaring that ‘drug dealers belong in prison.’ The unit, part of the National Bureau of Investigation, aims to dismantle trafficking networks.

The Botanical Garden of the University of Szeged is showcasing its stunning collection of tropical orchids through thematic guided tours on select Saturdays. With over 250 species and hybrids on display, visitors can explore the exotic blooms of these fascinating plants, including rare varieties like Paphiopedilums and boat orchids.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has warned that the European Union faces tough months ahead following Donald Trump’s return to power, urging Brussels to prepare for a ‘Trump tornado’. In a Facebook post, Orbán criticized EU leaders for underestimating Trump’s impact, while emphasizing the need for a strong deal to preserve economic ties with the US.

Hungary’s tourism sector experienced a record-breaking year in 2024, with increased visitor numbers and growing revenues driving economic expansion. National Economy Minister Márton Nagy highlighted tourism as a key driver of GDP, announcing new initiatives such as regulatory changes and infrastructure investments to sustain momentum.

The Hungarian government remains steadfast in resisting pressure from both Brussels and the domestic opposition on key issues such as energy security, migration, and pension policies, said Balázs Orbán, the prime minister’s political director. He criticized EU policies and highlighted Hungary’s commitment to national sovereignty.

Hungary has honoured one of its most iconic inventions, the Rubik’s Cube, with a commemorative stamp celebrating its 50th anniversary. Recognized globally as a symbol of Hungarian ingenuity, the puzzle has left a lasting mark on science, education, and design.

The ‘Family 2025’ conference reaffirmed Hungary’s dedication to family-centric policies as a cornerstone of national stability and development. Hungary’s approach, combining financial incentives with ideological resistance, aims to ensure long-term family prosperity and national sovereignty in an evolving geopolitical landscape.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán discussed the country’s economic outlook, European Union conflicts, and global political shifts in a radio interview. He emphasized the importance of strengthening the middle class, argued in defence of government policies, and criticized Brussels for its economic approach.

Several Hungarian schools received bomb threats via email overnight, prompting authorities to heighten security and conduct evacuations. The Ministry of Interior urged school administrators to monitor their emails and report any threats immediately to law enforcement.

Viktor Orbán underscored the dual nature of film as both an art form and an industry, emphasizing that while artistic freedom is essential, the state plays a crucial role in developing the film sector. Speaking at the inauguration of the National Film Institute’s new studio complex in Fót, he highlighted Hungary’s deep-rooted cinematic heritage and the government’s commitment to revitalizing the industry.

The Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music will celebrate its 150th anniversary with Talent Day on 9 February, offering performances by students, open classes, lectures, and a grand symphonic concert in the evening. The event provides a rare opportunity to explore the academy’s musical excellence.

The 34th National Science and Innovation Olympiad (OTIO) has attracted a record number of participants, with 428 young competitors forming 296 teams, including 17 from beyond Hungary’s borders. Minister for Culture and Innovation Balázs Hankó highlighted the crucial role of innovation in boosting Hungary’s competitiveness.

Hungarian workers are increasingly optimistic about their ability to weather unemployment, as revealed by a recent study from BNP Paribas Cardif and Medián. The findings show rising confidence in finding new jobs and improved financial preparedness among respondents.

A recent study commissioned by Hungary’s National Media and Infocommunications Authority reveals that Facebook’s opaque moderation policies may have restricted up to half a million Hungarian users. The research highlights the lack of transparency in tech giants’ content rules.

Bomb threat emails targeting Hungarian schools last week were traced to Ukrainian IP addresses using a Russian email provider. While this provides clues, determining the actual origin remains complex due to disposable email accounts and VPN technologies, experts say.

The University of Szeged (SZTE) is hosting Physics Day once again this Saturday, offering engaging programmes for science enthusiasts. Attendees will discover the vast applications of a physics degree and witness captivating experiments and presentations.

The Tokaj wine region is rising to the challenges posed by climate change and shifting market trends. János Áder, former President of Hungary, discussed these issues with winemaker István Szepsy Jr. in the latest Blue Planet podcast episode.

Hungary’s government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with China during a Lunar New Year celebration in Budapest.