Hungary
Renewables make up Dutch power supplies for the first time - OWID
For the first time, in 2024, more than half of the electricity produced in the Netherlands came from renewable sources, and almost all of it (45%) from solar and wind.
US DoE muddies the ClimateCrisis waters with report downplaying the emissions problem
As part of the Trump administration’s attempts to take the Climate Crisis off the agenda, the US Department of Energy has released a report downplaying the impact of fossil fuels on global warming.
Hungary U-turns on EU defence loan scheme as it joins €150bn defence financing initiative
Hungary has reversed its earlier opposition and joined 17 other EU member states in applying for loans under the European Union’s €150bn defence financing initiative, the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) programme.
IMF corrects growth forecast upwards – Statista
Despite uncertain market conditions amid the Trump administration's tariff regime and major global conflicts, the International Monetary Fund has upped its global economic growth forecasts for 2025 and 2026 slightly, Statista reported on July 30.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said there are signs Russo-Ukraine war could stop soon as fatigue builds
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on July 30 that there are “many signs” that suggest the war in Ukraine may soon be at least temporarily halted but warned that even a ceasefire would not change Poland’s policy of building up its army.
Trump Administration's trade deals so far - Statista
On July 27, the United States and the European Union agreed on a trade deal that is lowering tariffs of 30% on European goods threatened by August to 15%, including on cars.
Facebook political ad ban threatens to upend Fidesz's digital strategy
Fidesz, which has consistently outspent its political rivals in the digital arena, may soon see its competitive edge erode as Meta plans to suspend all political advertising on Facebook and Instagram across the European Union from this autumn.
COMMENT: Trump’s energy deal with the EU is delusional – Reuters
The energy deal that US President Donald Trump cut with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen over the weekend is unrealistic, argues Clyde Russell, Reuters Asia Commodities and Energy Columnist.
Hungarian government bans Irish hip hop group Kneecap from entering Hungary ahead of Sziget Festival
Hungary has barred members of Irish hip-hop group Kneecap from entering the country for three years, citing "repeated anti-Semitic hate speech supporting terrorism." The band was scheduled to appear at the annual Sziget Festival in two weeks.
Viktor Orban vows to block next EU budget in keynote speech in Transylvania
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban repeated his threat to block the next long-term EU budget and argued for a multi-speed Europe, while criticising the EU for supporting Ukraine in his annual keynote address at the Baile Tusnad summer university.
IPCC releases dire sixth climate update in run-up to COP30
“Any further delay in global action to slow climate change and adapt to its impacts will miss a brief and rapidly closing window of opportunity to secure a liveable and sustainable future for all”.
ICJ declares healthy environment is a human right in landmark climate ruling
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has issued a historic advisory opinion recognising a clean and sustainable environment as a human right, declaring that states which fail to curb emissions may be in violation of international law.
Earth overshoot day is already long past – Statista
July 24 marks this year's Earth Overshoot Day, the day that humanity’s demand for ecological resources exceeds the resources Earth can regenerate within that year, Statista reports. That day has already long passed.
Hungary holds trilateral talks on construction of new oil pipeline to Serbia with Russia
Hungary and Serbia are moving ahead with plans to build a new cross-border oil pipeline that could transport up to 5mn tonnes per year of crude, as both countries deepen energy ties with Russia despite EU sanctions.
Budapest Airport reports record passenger and cargo traffic in June
Passenger numbers at Budapest Airport rose 15% year on year to 9.07mn in the first half, which roughly matches the full-year total recorded a decade ago. Last month, the airport hub registered a record 1.7mn passengers, up 9% y/y.
Hungarian policymakers concede 2.4% growth target out of reach
Hungarian policymakers have conceded that the economy stagnated in Q2 and that full-year growth, even in the base case scenario, could only reach 1%, in line with market consensus.
Hungarian central bank holds rate steady at 6.5%
The Hungarian National Bank kept its key interest rates unchanged at 6.5% on July 22, maintaining a tight monetary policy stance amid persistent inflation risks and heightened global uncertainties.
World has less than three years to avert worst climate impacts, scientists warn
A new global climate report warns that the world is on the brink of irreversible damage. The findings come amid sluggish international action ahead of COP30.
Serbia and Hungary advance plans for joint oil pipeline by 2027
Planned 128-kilometre pipeline will link Serbia to the Druzhba pipeline network via Hungary.