Latest news in Hungary - 6 Jul 2025

** Greenpeace sues Mol ** Judit Varga testifies ** DK proposes free beaches ** Personal loan surge ** CATL halts layoffs ** Cooler weather expected ** Revolut halts crypto ** Dunaújváros Steel Mill **

Surge in Personal Loans in Hungary: May saw banks issuing over 300 billion forints in loans, with personal loans alone reaching nearly 100 billion forints, a record monthly figure. In the first five months of 2024, the total disbursement for residential loans exceeded 666 billion forints, already surpassing the entire year of 2023. Despite the surge, the average personal loan amount dipped to 3.16 million forints. Read more here

Cooler Weather and Rain Expected: A significant cool down is on the way with temperatures dropping to 18-23 degrees Celsius by Wednesday, accompanied by much-needed rain and thunderstorms across Hungary due to the ongoing drought. The forecast indicates a shift to sunnier weather by the end of the week, with temperatures gradually rising again. Read more here

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Greenpeace Sues Mol Over Oil Pollution in Gárdony: Greenpeace, along with twelve local residents, has filed a lawsuit against Mol due to significant oil pollution near Gárdony, where nearly 500 cubic meters of crude oil derivatives leaked last autumn. The lawsuit challenges a government decision that permits hazardous material levels up to 342 times higher than regulatory limits, seeking stricter remediation targets. Read more here

Judit Varga Testifies in Corruption Trial: Former justice minister Judit Varga appeared as a witness in the Schadl–Völner trial, addressing allegations regarding her involvement in her ex-husband's employment at state institutions amidst the clemency scandal. This hearing marks a significant moment in the ongoing controversy surrounding her resignation and the broader corruption case. Read more here

Revolut Halts Crypto Services in Hungary: Revolut has suspended its cryptocurrency services in Hungary effective July 4, 2025, due to new legislation that restricts these offerings. Customers can still sell cryptocurrency and transfer certain tokens to external wallets, but cannot make new purchases or stake assets. Read more here

CATL Halts Layoffs at Debrecen Factory: After a media campaign and impending labor inspections, CATL has halted its planned layoffs of Hungarian employees, previously rumored to be extensive. The company, which has over 800 employees, faces scrutiny from the government amid concerns about its workforce strategy, with ongoing fears that layoffs may resume after media attention fades. Read more here

DK Proposes Free Beaches for Lake Balaton Towns: The Democratic Coalition is advocating for legislation to ensure that every town around Lake Balaton has at least one free beach, citing a lack of such access on the northern shore. The proposal aims to enhance public access while preserving protected natural areas, and includes requirements for community spaces in coastal municipalities. Read more here

Mass Layoffs at Dunaújváros Steel Mill: The Dunaújváros steel mill has initiated a significant workforce reduction, laying off 2,500 workers over two rounds, with only about 100-150 remaining, as the companies operating the mill prepare for liquidation. While a bidding process for new ownership is underway, current job prospects for the laid-off workers are bleak, with limited industrial employment opportunities in the area. Read more here

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