Latest news in Hungary - 28 Aug 2025

Fradi's Champions League Journey Ends: Ferencváros triumphed over Qarabag with a 3-2 victory in Baku, but fell short in the aggregate score, losing 4-5. As a result, they will move on to participate in the Europa League group stage this autumn. Read more here

Anti-Drug Digital Civic Circle Launched: A new initiative called the Anti-Drug Digital Civic Circle has been established, featuring notable members including kayaker Gábor Kucsera, who has a past drug ban. The circle aims to tackle the drug crisis that threatens current and future generations, with prominent experts and commissioners also involved in the effort. Read more here

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Net Median Salary Approaches 1000 Euros: The net median salary in Hungary has nearly reached 1000 euros, sitting at 997 euros as of June. While the average gross salary was 704,400 forints (484,200 net), growth of around 10% year-on-year fell short of the government's 2028 target of a million forints in gross average salary. Read more here

Oil Shipments Resume via Friendship Pipeline: Hungary will resume oil shipments through the Friendship pipeline starting Thursday, initially in a test operation, following repairs after a recent attack attributed to Ukraine. Péter Szijjártó emphasized the need for Ukraine to avoid future attacks on this energy supply route, which has drawn significant international attention. Read more here

Sahara Dust Arriving on Thursday: Get ready for a warm day in Hungary as Sahara dust makes its way to the country on Thursday afternoon, potentially filtering sunlight and creating veil clouds, particularly over Transdanubia. Expect gusty winds and temperatures soaring between 30 and 35 degrees Celsius. Read more here

Ban on Begging with Animals Enforced: The Hungarian government has officially banned begging with dogs following a proposal by Democratic Coalition representative Dorottya Keszthelyi. The new law, supported by a majority in the Capital Assembly, labels soliciting with a live animal as a misdemeanor, punishable by fines and potential confiscation of animals. However, some social workers express concern that the law may unintentionally penalize individuals who rely on their pets for support. Read more here

Karácsony to Meet Imprisoned Istanbul Mayor: Budapest's Mayor Gergely Karácsony is part of a Eurocities delegation visiting former Istanbul mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu in prison, where he has been held since March 19 on corruption and terrorism charges. The delegation will present İmamoğlu with a "Special Democracy Award" and hold press conferences, reflecting ongoing political tensions in Turkey following his controversial arrest. Read more here

Voks2025 Campaign Sets Cost Record: The Voks2025 national consultation, focused on Ukraine's EU membership, became the most expensive in Hungary's recent history, costing 14.7 billion forints. The government reported that about 2.28 million people participated, with 95% opposing Ukraine's EU bid, while the campaign was heavily promoted through various media channels. Read more here

Small Uptick in Births in July: In July 2023, Hungary saw the birth of 6,696 children, reflecting a 2% drop from last year but an improvement after a five-month decline beneath 6,000 births. Meanwhile, deaths also decreased to 8,782, marking the lowest figure in seven years, leading to a natural decrease of 2,086 individuals. Read more here

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