Latest news in Hungary - 18 May 2025

Cigarette Smuggler’s High-Speed Chase Ends in Crash: A driver attempting to smuggle 13,200 boxes of untaxed cigarettes faced a dramatic end to his escape on the M3 motorway after crashing into another vehicle. Following a reckless getaway from customs officers, he was apprehended and now faces multiple charges including excise duty violations and road endangerment. Read more here

Second Phase of Buda Tram Network Plans Withdrawn: The government has withdrawn the procurement proceedings for the second phase of the Buda interconnected tram network, which was announced just a month ago. This phase aimed to extend the tram line from Szent Gellért Square to Kopaszi-gát, after years of planning and secured funding. Further details from the Ministry of Construction and Transport are awaited. Read more here

Students Protest Serbian Minister's Visit: A planned visit by Serbian Education Minister Dejan Vuk Stanković to Budapest's Nikola Tesla Serbian High School was canceled after students staged a protest, honoring victims of a recent railway tragedy in Novi Sad that claimed 15 lives. The students organized the demonstration independently, making their stand against the minister's visit due to concerns about the state of Serbian schools. Read more here

Karácsony Speaks at Brussels Pride: Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony addressed the Brussels Pride, condemning his government's actions against LGBTQ+ rights and urging EU intervention against laws that limit assembly and press freedoms in Hungary. He also invited everyone to join the largest Pride event in Budapest on June 28, emphasizing that freedom and love cannot be prohibited. Read more here

UEFA Fines MLSZ for Disturbances at Hungary-Turkey Match: The Hungarian Football Association (MLSZ) has been fined 30 million forints by UEFA following fan disturbances during the Hungary-Turkey Nations League playoff, which included racial slurs and the whistling of the Turkish anthem. While sections of the stands will be closed for the next match, this sanction has been suspended for two years. Read more here

Accident at Pontoon Entertainment Venue: A young foreign man fell 5-6 meters to the Danube shoreline on Friday night after leaning against a stanchion that failed to hold him. He suffered a head injury and was transported to the hospital, while police have launched an investigation into the incident under criminal charges of endangerment. Read more here

Hungary Lifts Meat Import Ban: The Hungarian government has revoked a recently implemented ban on importing beef and pork from Poland, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, and Romania, following the lifting of similar restrictions by these countries related to foot-and-mouth disease. Additionally, the popular Gerecse 50 hiking event is set to proceed after being postponed due to the pandemic. Read more here

Increased Police Presence in Budapest on Sunday: Budapest will experience heightened police checks citywide on Sunday to ensure public order ahead of a press conference by civil and trade unions opposing a government law targeting civil organizations. This follows a recent march for LGBTQ rights on Andrássy Avenue advocating against homophobia and for the right to free assembly. Read more here\

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