Hungary
Protesters in Budapest rally against amendment to assembly law, blocking bridges
Thousands of demonstrators gathered in central Budapest on March 25 to demand the withdrawal of a controversial amendment to Hungary's assembly law and against what organisers called techno fascism.
IKEA to make Budapest store world's largest fulfillment centre
Swedish furniture retailer IKEA will transform its store in southern Budapest to become the world's largest fulfillment centre by 2026, tripling warehouse capacity to support both in-store and online orders from a €50mn investment.
Hungarian central bank keeps rates on hold in first rate-setting meeting under new MNB leadership
Hungary's Monetary Council left the base rate on hold at 6.5% for the sixth straight month on 25 March at the first rate-setting meeting under the new MNB leadership in line with the consensus.
Viktor Orban's rival launches "Voice of the Nation" consultation on economic and political issues
Hungary's opposition Tisza Party has launched "Voice of the Nation" referendum, aiming to gauge public opinion on a range of social, economic and political issues ahead of next year's elections.
Scandal surrounding Hungarian central bank’s investments spreads to Polish developer GTC
Hungary's central bank-linked foundations are facing renewed scrutiny over their investment practices after a scathing report from the State Audit Office triggered a sell-off in assets linked to their portfolio.
Rule of law in EU deteriorates, with decline concentrated in eastern members
Liberties report finds collapse of democratic standards in Hungary, and strong deteriorations in Bulgaria, Croatia, Italy, Romania and Slovakia.
COMMENT: Is the EU going to fall apart?
Is the EU about to break apart under the stress of taking over the full weight of supporting Ukraine, the need to rearm and the hundreds of billions that must be invested if it is to become competitive again?
European Commission launches inquiry over BYD’s Hungarian investment
The European Commission has launched an investigation into whether BYD received unfair state subsidies from China to support the construction of its Hungarian factory.
Hungarian PM vetoes joint declaration at EU summit
"I have vetoed the joint declaration regarding Ukraine because we cannot support any joint position before Hungarians express their opinion on Ukraine's European Union membership," Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on March 20 in a video.
Hungary's State Audit Office files criminal complaint over operation of National Bank foundations
Hungary's State Audit Office has filed a criminal complaint over multiple suspected offences related to the financial management of the foundations controlled by the National Bank.
Opposition lights smoke flares, sings Soviet anthem in parliament as Fidesz lawmakers restrict right of assembly, banning Pride March
Hungary's parliament has approved legislation to amend assembly laws in a fast-track procedure that effectively bans Pride marches.
Several EU countries back push to fund Prague-based RFE/RL in response to Trump axeing it
Member states want EU to fund Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty after US President Donald Trump issued an executive order aimed at dismantling the Agency for Global Media.
MOL finds oil in southwest Hungary
New oil field discovered with a potential production capacity of 1,200 barrels per day.
Washington leans on Budapest to back down from veto threats
Hungary's government has backed down on vetoing European Union sanctions on Russia following direct pressure from Washington.
Hungarian lawmakers move legislation in fast-track vote to ban Pride March
Hungary's parliament has approved an expedited procedure to pass legislation that would effectively ban Pride marches, with a final vote expected on March 18.
Hungarian PM seems to backtrack from controversial "bedbug" analogy after uproar
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban offered a retrospective "interpretation" of his controversial speech on March 15, in which he referred to political opponents, judges, journalists and civil activists as bedbugs, causing widespread outrage.
IEA says battery costs have plunged by 75% since 2015
You might have noticed that batteries are everywhere these days. They power phones and many other gadgets, but also more and more cars, bikes, scooters and vans.
Viktor Orban vows to crack down on media, judiciary, NGOs in holiday speech
Viktor Orban delivered a combative speech promising an Easter cleanup of “bedbugs”, referring to journalists, judges, opposition forces and NGOs critical of the government.
EU to soften gas storage rules to avoid price spikes
EU member states are considering softening the bloc’s binding gas storage targets in order to avoid sending gas prices soaring again ahead of what is anticipated to be a difficult year.
Southeast Europe erupts in weekend of protests
Protests in Serbia, Georgia and Hungary reflect mounting discontent over corruption and democratic backsliding, while Romanians turn out to show commitment to EU values in face of rising far right.