Latest news in Hungary - 30 Apr 2025

Kidnapping Plot in Budapest: A 17-year-old and a 48-year-old were arrested for plotting to kidnap an individual in Budapest over a debt. The teen was tasked with providing a van and a gun for the operation, which could lead to a prison sentence of up to three years for both suspects. Read more here

Szapáry Castle on the Market: Szapáry Castle in Sorokpolány is up for sale at a price of 12 billion forints, offering a rich history and 41 rooms amid a 16-hectare park. Originally built as a hunting lodge in the late 19th century, it underwent significant renovations in recent years but is now being sold by its American-Hungarian owner after plans for cultural usage fell through. Read more here

Hungary and Ukraine Improve Relations: Deputy Minister Levente Magyar acknowledged progress in Hungarian-Ukrainian relations during a press conference with Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanyshyna, highlighting new border crossings and train services as positive developments. Despite ongoing tensions related to minority rights and Ukraine's EU membership, Hungary has shifted its stance to show more support for Ukraine amid its challenging situation. Read more here

MÁV to Deploy Security Guards on Trains: In response to growing concerns over violence against railway workers, MÁV Group will assign security personnel to certain trains and lines, following a commitment from Minister János Lázár for enhanced police protection. This initiative aims to ensure the safety of both passengers and staff, bolstered by cooperation agreements with civil guard associations. Read more here

Hungarian Astronaut Set for Space Mission: Tibor Kapu, Hungary's research astronaut, is scheduled to launch to the International Space Station on May 29, 2025, marking Hungary's return to space exploration after decades. This exciting mission was announced during a recent press conference. Read more here

Simon's Burger Founders Share Success Story: Simon Tóth and Máté Tóth, the founders of Simon's Burger, have achieved remarkable success with 5 billion Forint in revenue without ever writing a business plan. They are expanding with a new chicken restaurant chain and a location in New York, attributing their growth to hard work and reinvesting profits rather than a focus on luxury. Read more here

Russia Imposes Sanctions but Exempts Hungary: Russia has introduced a new 35% customs duty on cosmetic products from countries it deems hostile, but Hungary, along with Slovakia and South Korea, is exempt until December 31. This unusual exemption, noted in context with other EU countries, highlights Hungary's low export volume in cosmetics to Russia. Read more here

New Residential Towers in Óbuda: Tibor Nagygyörgy, Hungary's 33rd richest person, is developing the Waterfront Loft project in Óbuda, featuring 11-19 storey residential towers that will house 1300-1400 apartments, an underground garage for 1800 vehicles, and commercial spaces. This project continues the ongoing Waterfront City development on a 35-hectare site, with preliminary environmental assessments already underway. Read more here

Surge in Residence Permit Applications: In the past year, 1,801 applications for residence permits in Hungary were submitted under national interest, with 1,442 approved and 259 denied. Most applicants came from China, Vietnam, Turkey, and Iraq, primarily linked to economic projects like the Budapest-Belgrade railway. Read more here

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