Latest news in Hungary - 12 Jun 2025

** Suspended sentence after Heves death ** Rising fees on Balaton beaches ** Citizenship suspension law passed ** IKEA recall ** Budapest rent decrease ** Acacia honey shortage ** New Agricultural Museum exhibition planned ** Drought worsens ** Energy drink ban for minors ** Local govt can restrict newcomers **

June 12, 2025

Tragic Incident in Heves: A 20-year-old man faces charges of reckless causing of a fatal accident after he towed friends on a car hood for fun on a snowy private road, leading to a collision with a tree that resulted in one death. The Eger District Prosecutor's Office has proposed a suspended sentence of 1.5 years and a two-year driving ban if the defendant admits guilt. Read more here

New Tourist Project in Vajdahunyad Castle: Plans are underway to establish a historical exhibition and a new location for the Agricultural Museum at Vajdahunyad Castle, which is expected to relocate to Gödöllő by 2029. The project aims to include a comprehensive display of Hungarian history, a restaurant featuring Carpathian Basin cuisine, and an experiential farm for educational purposes. Read more here

Art, music, sports, entertainment, movies, and many other subjects—these elements define who we are as a society and how we express ourselves as a culture. Take a deep dive into the topics shaping our shared norms, values, institutions, and more.

Acacia Honey Scarcity Hits Hard: This year's harvest has seen the worst acacia honey production in 2-3 decades, primarily due to significant bee colony losses, severe frosts damaging acacia groves, and unfavorable weather during the flowering season. With only 600-700 thousand bee colonies remaining, beekeepers are facing a major shortage, likely leading to higher prices and a limited supply of quality Hungarian acacia honey. Read more here

IKEA Recalls Garlic Press Due to Safety Risk: IKEA is recalling the 365+ VÄRDEFULL black garlic press over concerns that small metal pieces may detach during use, potentially posing a health risk. Customers who purchased the product with specific date stamps (2411 to 2522) can return it for a full refund without needing proof of purchase. Read more here

Drought Conditions Worsen in Hungary: Hungary faces an intensifying drought, with no rain in sight until Sunday and soil moisture levels dropping by 50-70mm in many areas. Temperatures are expected to soar above 30 degrees Celsius this weekend, while a chilly -7.91 degrees Celsius was recorded this week in the Bükki Mohos Basin, marking a potential record for summer. Read more here

Hungarian Citizenship Suspension Law Passed: The Hungarian Parliament has passed a law allowing for the suspension of citizenship for dual citizens who threaten national security, with 133 votes in favor and 48 against. The law targets specific behaviors, such as military service for non-EEA countries or ties to terrorist organizations, and suspensions can last up to ten years, with reinstatement possible under certain conditions. Read more here

Local Governments Can Now Regulate New Residents: Hungarian parliament has passed a law allowing local governments to manage population growth and set conditions for newcomers, giving priority to local residents for property purchases. This law aims to help communities protect their identity and manage the impact of new arrivals, particularly in areas facing overpopulation, while ensuring no discrimination against ethnic or religious groups. Read more here

Energy Drinks Restricted for Minors: Hungary has imposed a ban on energy drinks for those under 18, specifically targeting products with over 15 mg of caffeine per deciliter and certain additives, while pre-packaged iced coffees remain permissible despite their high caffeine content. Experts warn that these iced coffees often contain significant sugar levels and may not deliver the health benefits of traditional coffee. Read more here

Entrance Fees Rise at Lake Balaton Beaches: Entrance ticket prices at paid beaches around Lake Balaton have increased significantly, with adult tickets averaging 1679 HUF this year, up 13% from last year. Some beaches see steep hikes—Fonyód's prices surged 47% to 1400 HUF, while Csopak tops the list with a 2600 HUF fee. Conversely, a few beaches maintained last year's prices, providing options for budget-conscious visitors. Read more here

Budapest Sees First Rent Decrease in a Decade: For the first time in ten years, rents in Budapest slightly decreased by 0.2% in May, despite a 7% annual increase. This decline is attributed to high rental property supply, with over 9,600 listings in the capital, potentially easing the burden for students preparing to move for university. The average rent in Budapest is currently at 260,000 forints, with significant variations across districts. Read more here\

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