Latest news in Hungary - 17 Sep 2025

State Blocks Foreign Acquisition of Alföldi Tej: The Hungarian government has prohibited a foreign (Greek) company from buying Alföldi Tej Kft., which currently handles nearly 20% of the country's raw milk purchases. The Ministry of National Economy emphasized the need to maintain sovereignty in the strategically important dairy sector, while the state is considering whether to acquire the company itself. Read more here

Navalny Memorial Disappears in Budapest: The memorial for Alexei Navalny in front of the Russian embassy has been dismantled, with only a few flowers remaining. Maintained by a local group since its establishment in February 2024, the disappearance of the memorial elements, likely over the weekend, has led to a police complaint and plans for a protest on September 24 against the removal. Read more here

U.S. Lifts Visa Waiver Restrictions for Hungarians: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has reinstated Hungary's full status in the Visa Waiver Program, allowing Hungarian citizens to apply for a two-year ESTA authorization for multiple entries starting September 30. This decision marks a significant easing of previous restrictions that limited ESTA validity and usage, reflecting improved security measures in Hungary. Read more here

Hungary's First Drive-Through Post Office Opens: A new drive-through post office has been launched in Nyíregyháza, providing a convenient option for customers, especially those with limited mobility. The facility, designed for up to 300 customers daily, allows services without leaving vehicles, featuring a sound system for clear communication. Read more here

Budapest's Time Out Market Opens September 20: The first Time Out Market in Budapest will debut at Blaha Lujza Square, offering a diverse range of cuisines from 11 vendors, including Hungarian and international dishes. This market-style venue aims to provide a quick and communal dining experience reminiscent of successful locations in cities like Lisbon and New York, though prices may lean on the higher side. Read more here

German Woman Admits to Murdering Son in Berekfürdő: A German woman has confessed to murdering her ten-year-old son in Berekfürdő, Hungary, with authorities stating she locked the child's body in a coop after the act. She faces charges of qualified murder and endangering a minor, as investigators revealed concerns over the child's care before the incident. Read more here

Unauthorized Intruder at MOL Danube Refinery: An intruder was able to roam for hours at the secured MOL Danube Refinery before being spotted by firefighters on September 6. MOL has acknowledged the breach, initiated an internal investigation, and informed the authorities about the incident. Read more here

New Team Revealed at Sándor Palace: The identities of the team surrounding President Tamás Sulyok have been made public for the first time, a year and a half into his presidency, following a data request. Key figures include István Szilveszter Timár as director general and notable advisors from the Constitutional Court, marking a shift from the previous practice of transparency during former President Katalin Novák's tenure. Read more here

Orbán Criticizes Tisza Party's Ruszin-Szendi: Prime Minister Viktor Orbán condemned Ruszin-Szendi Romulusz of the Tisza Party for allegedly displaying a weapon at a political event, asserting that such conduct is unacceptable in democratic debate. Ruszin-Szendi responded by claiming Orbán's statements are "lies" and accused him of fearmongering, arguing that Hungary’s portrayal as a safe haven is inconsistent with reality. Read more here

-