‘…just recently, during the EU–China summit hosted by Xi, not only was there no Chinese delegation to welcome European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and other top EU leaders, but the Chinese autocrat also made them take a bus to reach the summit venue. This does not look like a man who is on his way out.’
New Mercedes Citaro diesel buses began operating in Budapest on Thursday as part of a broader transport upgrade. More than 300 modern vehicles will be added by 2027, with electric buses also set to arrive in the coming years.
Ferencváros beat the Armenian champions FC Noah 4–3 at home, thus 6–4 on aggregate, and have advanced to the third round of the UEFA Champions League qualifiers, where they will face the Bulgarian side Ludogorets. Paks and ETO FC Győr have also made it through in their respective ties in the UEFA Conference League; however, Puskás Akadémia have been eliminated.
Hungary’s gross domestic product has grown by 0.2 per cent year-over-year in the second quarter of 2025, which translates to a 0.4-per-cent growth quarter-to-quarter, the Central Statistical Office (KSH) has reported.
During the opening panel of MCC Feszt 2025 on Thursday, Balázs Orbán declared that the European Commission had betrayed European citizens by accepting the humiliating terms of the US–EU trade deal and that Ursula von der Leyen should resign. Joined by Patrick Deneen and James Orr, the panellists explored the prospects of a world beyond liberalism.
The city has been working continuously on the restoration of Fülek Castle since 2003. In addition to restoring the castle’s historical buildings, the municipality has also built completely new infrastructure for tourists, including a parking lot and public toilets.
Hungary has assumed command of NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission for the fourth time, deploying four Gripen fighter jets to safeguard the skies over Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, reaffirming its role as a committed and reliable NATO ally.
Hungary’s government finalized the terms of its 3 per cent home loan programme, expanding eligibility and introducing new support for public servants, while also criticizing an EU–US trade deal and reaffirming its stance on national sovereignty.
Hungary’s top mobile providers increased EU roaming data limits and revamped subscription packages in early 2025, while agreeing not to raise prices in line with inflation, thanks to a government-backed deal, according to NMHH’s latest report.
This weekend marks the 40th Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix at a revamped Hungaroring. With McLaren dominating the season, Budapest is bracing for a high-stakes race that blends history, modern upgrades, and the sport’s fiercest rivalries.
Hungary will begin preparatory work to introduce American small modular nuclear technology into the country, FM Péter Szijjártó announced on Wednesday. Through a partnership between Poland’s Synthos Green Energy and Hungary’s Hunatom, the project will utilize GE Vernova’s BWRX-300 reactors to deliver reliable, emission-free power as industrial demand and household energy needs continue to grow.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has recently made an appearance on the Polish TV channel wPolsce24, where he talked about the adversarial relationship between him and his Polish counterpart Donald Tusk, the election victory of President Karol Nawrocki earlier this year, and a potential ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.
After the US–EU trade deal, it is impossible to ignore the striking similarities between late Qing‑era China and Europe’s current predicament. The period marking the downfall of the Qing dynasty is known as China’s Century of Humiliation—a process that, in many respects, is already well underway in today’s Europe. Yet our humiliation must not be allowed to last a century.
‘Signs suggest that Brussels is seeking to replicate the “Tusk model” in Hungary by installing a puppet government which serves its own agenda. The aim of the EU leadership is clear: to override the democratic will of the Hungarian people and eliminate our sovereigntist government. If they succeed, Hungary would likely not be the last—one by one, other Member States would surely follow.’
International and energy attorney Máté Tóth has criticized the new US–EU trade deal, calling it a ‘stunning defeat’ for Europe on Hír TV’s morning programme. He highlighted unequal tariffs—15 per cent on EU goods vs 0 per cent on US exports—and questioned Brussels’ $750B energy investment, warning that the EU is overcommitting financially and politically.
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali praised Hungary for setting a global example with the renovation of the Hungaroring, calling the government’s investment and commitment a model for others during an exclusive interview ahead of the 40th Hungarian Grand Prix.
In April, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu visited Budapest amid international controversy over an ICC arrest warrant. Hungary, rejecting the court’s legitimacy, announced its withdrawal from the ICC, later formalized in May. The ICC has since launched non-compliance proceedings, while Hungary claims the court is politically biased and vows not to cooperate.
Hungarian wineries continue to enhance their global reputation through dedication, innovation, and tradition. The Ministry of Agriculture awarded St Andrea Winery the prestigious Winery of the Year title for its long-standing excellence and family-driven legacy.
Hungarian police have dismantled a Budapest-based drug trafficking ring, arresting five suspects, including a teen who recently turned 18. Over 100 officers took part in the 21 July raid across multiple locations, seizing drugs, cash, and weapons.
‘We are no longer living in an age where mere export promotion or trade fairs are sufficient to stimulate economic growth. What Germany lacks is strategic positioning in a geopolitical context that has dramatically changed. That is where we step in. BWA Global Economic Network is Germany’s only institutional framework that consistently thinks in terms of economic diplomacy…’
Train services at Budapest’s Keleti Railway Station will be suspended from 25 August to 20 September for a major renovation project. The month-long closure will involve rerouted services, replacement buses, and extended travel times.
Esztergom will once again host MCC Feszt, one of Hungary’s most prominent intellectual festivals, kicking off Thursday with a diverse mix of public debates, lectures, and concerts. Headliners include Peter Thiel, Sebastian Kurz, and Dominic Cummings, with nearly 50,000 visitors expected, according to MCC Director General Zoltán Szalai.
Péter Szijjártó didn’t mince words in criticizing Ursula von der Leyen, calling her a diplomatic embarrassment and slamming the US–EU trade deal as a humiliating defeat for Europe. Speaking on the Warriors’ Hour podcast, he said the EU would now pay the price for eight years of insulting Trump.
President Trump has weathered many scandals during his political career. This time, however, it is coming from a different direction—not the mainstream media, but his own base. Will he be able to live down the Epstein files debacle?
The euro plunged to $1.1565 on 29 July, down 1.6 per cent since the US–EU trade deal was announced—despite Ursula von der Leyen calling it a ‘huge deal’. Markets, however, delivered their verdict: the agreement heavily favours Washington, leaving Europe with rising energy dependence and economic uncertainty.
Despite recent media speculation, the Hungarian government has confirmed that mothers raising four or more children will continue to receive full income tax exemption, with no changes to eligibility or scope, the Ministry for National Economy announced Monday.
The University of Szeged has signed a cooperation agreement with ContiTech’s Hungarian branches to launch joint research and innovation projects, strengthen educational ties, and promote industry-academia collaboration.
‘The week before last week, the interior ministers of six EU member states…and the European Commission’s migration commissioner met in Germany to agree on a common position on the future of European migration and asylum policy.’
Hungary is reaping major benefits from economic ties with China, FM Péter Szijjártó said, citing record-breaking exports, high-tech investments, and job creation. He emphasized Hungary’s leading role in attracting Chinese projects and promoting cooperation between East and West.
The US fast-food chain Wendy’s is reportedly seeking Hungarian franchise partners as it plans to return to the country after a 23-year absence. Wendy’s first entered the Hungarian market in 1994, operating up to seven restaurants at its peak, but exited in 2002 due to financial difficulties.