Hungary
War is a growing concern across Europe – Statista
VE Day, or Victory in Europe Day, is celebrated on May 8 each year to mark the formal end of World War II in Europe, reports Statista.
Former Hungarian PM Ferenc Gyurcsany, long-time adversary of Viktor Orban, quits politics
Ferenc Gyurcsany, Hungary's former PM and longtime figurehead of the Democratic Coalition, is stepping down from all political roles and retreating from public life, marking the end of a polarising two-decade career that shaped Hungarian politics.
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Hungary’s retail recovery slowed in March despite government intervention in food prices
Hungary’s retail sector lost some momentum in March, with sales volumes falling 0.5% from the previous month despite the government-introduced profit margin cap in effect from the middle of the month.
Investment plans of German-owned companies slump to post-crisis low
Hungary’s German business community is growing increasingly pessimistic, with corporate investment sentiment hitting its weakest level since the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis.
Brussels refers Hungary to EU Court over release of human smugglers
The European Commission has referred Hungary to the European Court of Justice over its controversial policy of releasing convicted human smugglers from prison before they complete their sentence, citing violations of EU criminal law obligations.
COMMENT: The US doesn’t have the clout to split Hungary off from China
The US doesn't have the clout to even get countries as small as Hungary to cut their ties with China, says political commentator and bne IntelliNews columnist Arnaud Bertrand.
COMMENT: Trump’s tariff drive hits emerging markets as growth and inflation forecasts slide – Oxford Economics
President Donald Trump’s aggressive trade policies are already casting a long shadow over emerging market economies, with analysts cutting growth forecasts and warning of prolonged investment uncertainty and policy disruption.
EU allies prepared to back Moldova’s EU accession bid without Ukraine if Hungary’s veto not lifted
EU member states most supportive of Ukraine are ready to move forward with accession talks for Moldova without Ukraine, if Hungary continues to block progress for Kyiv.
UK insect numbers plummet by two thirds in three years, Bugs Matter survey shows
The population of flying insects in the United Kingdom has fallen by two thirds in just three years, according to new findings from a nationwide “Bugs Matter” citizen survey, raising alarm among ecologists and conservation groups.
Hungarian Commissioner delays EU plan to curb Russian energy dependence
Hungary's EU Commissioner Oliver Várhelyi raised a last-minute objection to delay the approval of the EU's roadmap for ending the bloc's Russian energy reliance.
Hungary's Fiscal Council raises red flag over government 2026 draft budget plans
Hungary's Fiscal Council has raised concerns over the government's draft budget for 2026, warning that it rests on overly optimistic growth assumptions and contains multiple risks.
Hungary requests activation of national escape clause
Hungary is one of a dozen EU members to have formally requested the activation of the national escape clause under the bloc's Stability and Growth Pact, according to a statement by the European Commission.
MOL and TPAO bring upstream partnership to Hungary
Hungarian oil and gas company MOL and Turkish peer TPAO are partnering on hydrocarbon exploration and production in the west of Hungary, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto said.
EU swaps China for Russia in procurement of rare earth metals
The EU is increasingly turning to China to source hard-to-find rare earth metals and dropping previous import deals with Russia.
Hungary’s economy contracts in Q1, casting doubt on government’s growth targets
Hungary’s economy stagnated in Q1 2025 and fell 0.4% year on year (chart) according to seasonally adjusted data, dealing a blow to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s earlier pledges of a growth “explosion” at the start of the year.
Hungarian policymakers keep rates on hold at 6.5%
The Monetary Council of the National Bank left the base rate unchanged at 6.5% with the overnight deposit and lending rates maintained at 5.50% and 7.50% respectively at a monthly policy meeting on April 29, in line with expectations.
Hungary faces potential EU legal action for quitting ICC
Hungary may face infringement proceedings from the European Commission after announcing to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, a move that could breach EU law despite the ICC not being an EU institution.
Trump policies won’t harm Emerging Europe badly – and will actively benefit Russia
Latest wiiw forecasts show little direct impact on Central and Southeast Europe from Trump trade wars.
Hungarian analysts are split on MNB’s future course as rate hold looks imminent
The National Bank is widely expected to leave its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 6.5% at Tuesday's policy meeting, but analysts are split on the course of monetary policy for the remainder of the year.
Hungarian opposition MPs banned from Parliament for first time since regime change
Hungary’s parliament on April 28 approved the suspension of six opposition lawmakers for their role in the chaotic March 18 session, when they protested against legislation restricting assembly rights, specifically banning Budapest Pride.