Latest news in Hungary - 14 Mar 2025

Fidesz's Doubts on Dual Citizenship Proposal: Máté Kocsis, leader of the Fidesz faction, expressed uncertainty over the constitutional amendment regarding dual citizens, acknowledging legal concerns and the potential impact on trust in Hungarian citizenship. The proposal aims to suspend citizenship for dual citizens outside the EU who threaten national sovereignty, but Kocsis emphasized careful consideration and possible withdrawal. Read more here

Orbán Backs Trump in Ukraine Conflict: Prime Minister Viktor Orbán claims the Russian-Ukrainian war is nearing resolution thanks to President Trump’s influence, noting economic shifts such as the euro dropping below 400 forints and falling fuel prices. To tackle persistent high prices, Hungary will introduce a price cap beginning Monday, with tougher measures on standby if necessary. Read more here

Extended Detention for Irish Murder Suspect: The detention of an Irish man, suspected of murdering Japanese woman Megumi A. on January 29, has been extended until June 6. The case, previously ruled as non-foul play, has now been upgraded to a murder investigation, with the suspect being the victim's ex-husband, who had a history of threats against her. Read more here

Daniel Brühl Surprises Audience in Budapest: Actor Daniel Brühl made an unexpected appearance at the Uránia National Film Theatre for a screening of his film Good Bye, Lenin!, expressing his appreciation for the venue and honoring the late director Wolfgang Becker. The screening comes as Brühl is in Hungary filming a new project directed by Ruben Östlund. Read more here

Hungary Approves Extension of EU Sanctions: The Hungarian government has decided to stop blocking the extension of EU sanctions against certain individuals, signaling a shift in its position within the EU framework. This move could have significant implications for diplomatic relations and negotiations within the union. Read more here

Food Prices on the Rise: Food prices in Hungary have surged significantly over the past four years, with a 63% increase in consumer prices since 2021, driven by a combination of government measures and international factors. Starting March 17, the government will implement a margin cap on 30 product categories to limit excessive retailer profits. Read more here

CJEU Ruling on Gender Recognition in Hungary: The Court of Justice of the European Union has ruled that Hungarian authorities must correct the gender of trans individuals in national registers, aligning with GDPR requirements. This decision comes after a case involving a trans man facing denial of his gender change request, confirming that legal recognition cannot be contingent upon evidence of surgery. Read more here

New Slovak-Hungarian Bus Route Inaugurated: A direct bus route connecting Cered and Rimaszombat, along with Salgótarján to Losonc, has been reestablished after 24 years, aimed at enhancing cross-border transport for workers and tourists. However, the inauguration was marred by a flag mishap, displaying the Hungarian flag incorrectly in green-white-red instead of its national colors. Read more here

University of Amsterdam Suspends Cooperation with Hungarian Universities: The University of Amsterdam has announced it will halt collaboration with Hungarian institutions excluded from Erasmus and Horizon programs, due to concerns over transparency and conflicts of interest. This decision affects 21 model-changing Hungarian universities, which reported significant losses while relying on alternative funding programs created by the Hungarian government. Read more here

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