Budapest

A severe drought and heatwave have caused record-low water levels in the Danube River, forcing Hungary to completely shut down its Paks nuclear plant (providing ~40% of electricity) and Romania to shut one reactor at Cernavodă. Both countries declared emergencies, with Hungary calling for energy conservation and Romania diverting canal water. The crisis also disrupts Danube shipping, hydropower in Austria, and drinking water supplies, highlighting a broader European energy and water scarcity event.

30 reports · 7 sources · Updated Aug 13, 06:07 PM UTC

Real Madrid players Endrick and Rüdiger have reported for training under new manager José Mourinho after returning from World Cup duty. Both passed medical examinations. Rüdiger, who overcame knee problems with a London treatment, is expected to compete for a starting spot alongside new signing Konaté, Huijsen, and Asencio. Endrick, who was on loan at Olympique Lyon last season (8 goals, 9 assists in 21 matches), is advancing his return to convince Mourinho, especially with Gonzalo reportedly being sold to Fulham. The next batch of returning players includes Vinicius, Brahim, Courtois, and Bernardo Silva, while those who reached the World Cup final (Bellingham, Tchouameni, Mbappé, Konaté, Cucurella) will return in August. Endrick and Rüdiger are unlikely to travel for the friendly against Fiorentina but may feature against Ferencvaros on August 8.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 09:06 AM UTC

Lando Norris secured pole position for the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix at the Hungaroring, edging Lewis Hamilton by 0.012 seconds. However, Hamilton received a three-place grid penalty for impeding Oscar Piastri, dropping him to fifth. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli was also penalized for yellow-flag violations. The reshuffled grid places Charles Leclerc second, Piastri third, and Max Verstappen fourth. Norris’s pole marks McLaren’s first of the season after a major upgrade. The race is set for Sunday, July 26.

18 reports · 6 sources · Updated Jul 27, 08:29 PM UTC

Formula 1 championship leader Kimi Antonelli will be one of five drivers sitting out first practice for the Hungarian Grand Prix on Friday, as teams fulfill rookie participation requirements. Antonelli, who leads Lewis Hamilton by 45 points and George Russell by 50 points, will be replaced by Mercedes reserve driver Frederik Vesti. Other rookies taking part include Leonardo Fornaroli (McLaren, replacing Oscar Piastri), Paul Aron (Alpine, replacing Franco Colapinto), Ryo Hirakawa (Haas, replacing Oliver Bearman), and Colton Herta (Cadillac, replacing Valtteri Bottas). Fornaroli, the reigning F2 champion, has been linked to a Haas seat for 2027. The session takes place at the Hungaroring on Friday July 24 at 12:30pm local time.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 03:25 PM UTC

English referee Anthony Taylor, 47, announced his retirement after a 20-year career spanning 831 matches, including 432 Premier League games, the 2024 Champions League final, and two World Cups. His final match was Spain’s 1-0 win over Portugal in the 2026 World Cup round of 16. Taylor cited intense pressure and constant scrutiny, notably a controversial Euro 2024 handball decision involving Cucurella, as reasons for stepping away. He is teasing his next move.

13 reports · 11 sources · Updated Jul 22, 02:08 PM UTC

Arsenal, an English Premier League club founded in 1886 and nicknamed the Gunners, lost the Champions League final to PSG nearly a month ago in a penalty shootout (1-1, 4-3 on penalties). Goalkeeper David Raya expressed devastation over the loss, while defender Gabriel saw his jersey sales skyrocket after missing a crucial penalty. Despite the defeat, Arsenal held a parade in London celebrating their Premier League title, drawing over a million fans. Manager Mikel Arteta criticized referee Daniel Siebert for not awarding a penalty on Madueke. The club, historically led by Arsène Wenger and now by Arteta since 2019, has won 13 English league titles. PSG's victory marked their second consecutive Champions League title.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 01:27 PM UTC

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) announced the Total Chess World Championship, a new competition combining classical, rapid, and blitz formats to crown the most complete player in both men's and women's categories. The inaugural event will take place in Budapest from November 10 to 21, featuring world number one Magnus Carlsen. This format will only have one edition; starting March 2027, it will become an annual circuit with four stages in different cities involving 24 players per category. FIDE states the tour aims to redefine elite competition by rewarding versatility and consistency. The project has financial backing from Norwegian footballer Erling Haaland and Olympic cross-country skiing champion Johannes Klaebo, and is sponsored by Norway Chess. Budapest was chosen due to Hungary's chess history and the legacy of Judit Polgar.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 04:17 PM UTC

This opinion article argues that democracies may need to adopt seemingly undemocratic measures, such as banning political parties, to protect themselves from actors who seek to exploit democratic systems to abolish democracy. Drawing on 20th-century history, the author contends that arguments against such defensive actions are self-defeating. The piece acknowledges the paradox that such measures invite accusations that democracy has already abolished itself, but maintains that the threat from anti-democratic forces justifies the response. The article is a commentary rather than a report on a specific event.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 02:14 PM UTC

The Aquincum Roman Museum in Budapest has reconstructed the faces of 16 Roman-era inhabitants using modern methods including DNA analysis, archaeology, and anthropology for an exhibition titled 'Once We Were Like You.' The exhibition, on view until October 31, 2026, and again from spring 2027, presents realistic facial models with individual life stories based on skulls from Aquincum's heyday in the middle and later imperial periods. Genetic analysis determined skin, hair, and eye color, as well as freckles and health conditions. The exhibition creators gave the nearly 2,000-year-old inhabitants fictional names and assigned them likely professions and biographies based on authentic historical foundations and skull analysis results. Co-curators Loránt Vass and Péter Vámos emphasized the goal of bringing these ancient individuals closer to modern people, noting similarities in professions and problems across the millennia.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 09:23 AM UTC

Formula 1 heads to the Hungaroring for the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix, the final race before the summer break. The event, broadcast live on Sky Sports, takes place from July 24-26. Kimi Antonelli leads the Drivers' Championship after his victory in Belgium, holding a 45-point lead over Lewis Hamilton. The tight, twisty Hungaroring circuit is expected to suit Ferrari, with Hamilton and Charles Leclerc potential contenders. McLaren, winners of the past two years, bring a major upgrade package. The article provides the full UK TV schedule, including practice, qualifying, and the race on Sunday at 2pm BST. Dry and warm weather is forecast for the weekend. The piece also highlights key historical moments at the track, such as Michael Schumacher's 1998 win and Esteban Ocon's 2021 victory.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 05:00 AM UTC

Indian wrestler Kajal, the reigning U20 world champion, won the gold medal in the women's 76kg category at the Budapest Ranking Series after a tense 3-3 draw against USA's Dymond Precious Guilford, prevailing on criteria. India also secured two silver medals: Antim Panghal conceded her 53kg final against Sweden's Emma Jonna Denise Malmgren due to injury, and Neha Sharma lost 0-4 to China's Kexin Hong in the 57kg final. Nishu earned a bronze in the 53kg division by defeating Romania's Andrea Beatrice Ana on criteria after a 2-2 tie. India's total medal count reached 12 (3 gold, 4 silver, 5 bronze). The team will next compete in Greco-Roman weight categories.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 06:36 PM UTC

TNT Sports has officially announced the broadcasting team responsible for covering the upcoming UEFA Champions League final. The match is scheduled to take place on May 30, 2026, in Budapest, Hungary, featuring a showdown between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Arsenal. This high-profile sporting event will be broadcast exclusively through the Warner Bros. Discovery sports platform. Viewers will be able to access the coverage via both streaming services and pay television channels associated with the media giant. The announcement confirms the logistical and personnel preparations made by TNT Sports to ensure comprehensive coverage of the final match. As one of the most prestigious club competitions in European football, the Champions League final attracts significant global attention, making the selection of the broadcast team a key operational decision for the network. The article highlights the exclusivity of the rights held by Warner Bros. Discovery for this specific fixture, emphasizing the importance of the event within their sports programming lineup for the year.

1 reports · 1 sources

Péter Magyar of the Tisza party was elected Hungary’s new Prime Minister in May 2026, marking the end of Viktor Orbán’s sixteen-year rule. Securing a constitutional majority, Magyar pledged democratic renewal, rule of law restoration, and a pro-EU foreign policy shift. His inauguration featured symbolic gestures like returning the EU flag and mass celebrations in Budapest. However, tension arose as Magyar demanded President Tamás Sulyok’s resignation, citing complicity in past institutional decay. The new government faces immediate challenges, including economic instability and complex structural reforms to dismantle previous authoritarian networks.

11 reports · 10 sources · Updated May 16, 06:10 AM UTC

This opinion piece from 444.hu criticizes Kriszta Bódis, a new government commissioner and Budapest representative, for allegedly using children for political campaigning. The article highlights a video where Bódis is seen posing with seven-year-old children while picking up trash in the Hétes colony of Ózd. The author argues that this action violates ethical guidelines previously established by the Hintalovon Foundation, which Bódis's colleague Szilvia Gyurkó helped lead. Hintalovon had campaigned against politicians using children as 'bio-distractions' or emotional tools to gain votes, a practice attributed to Fidesz politicians like János Pócs in the past. The article contends that Bódis's video lacks genuine social purpose and serves primarily to build her personal brand and secure social media engagement. By involving minors in a staged cleanup event, Bódis is accused of shifting from a socially sensitive activist image to that of a manipulative politician. The piece draws parallels to previous controversies involving the ruling party's use of minors in propaganda, suggesting a continuation of problematic political tactics despite public commitments to child protection standards.

1 reports · 1 sources

Hungarian Finance Minister András Kármán has announced that the Ministry of Finance will relocate back to its historic headquarters at József Nádor Square in Budapest. The announcement, made via Facebook, was described by Kármán as significant news within the ministry. This move reverses previous plans initiated in 2024 by former Finance Minister Mihály Varga, who had proposed selling the building. At that time, the Ministry of Finance was abolished, with its responsibilities transferred to the Ministry of Economic Affairs (NGM) under Márton Nagy. The state-owned property management company had previously attempted to sell the 27,000 square meter building, with asking prices reaching approximately 33.85 billion forints. The decision to retain and reoccupy the building marks a shift in the government's asset management strategy, contrasting with recent sales of other high-value state properties, such as the Ministry of the Interior building. Kármán also used the occasion to introduce himself to staff, emphasizing goals of professionalism, open dialogue, and efficient operation within the re-established ministry structure.

1 reports · 1 sources

Heineken is organizing a public event in Budapest on Saturday, May 16, 2026, to celebrate the upcoming UEFA Champions League final. Held at Erzsébet tér, the centerpiece of the program is a record attempt involving the country's largest 7.2-meter foosball table. Participants can join spontaneously formed teams to play in shifts, aiming to set a world record for continuous play. The event offers hundreds of prizes throughout the day, including a grand prize raffle for a pair of tickets to the Champions League final scheduled for May 30. Attendees will also have the unique opportunity to view and photograph the actual Champions League trophy. Additional entertainment includes appearances by soccer world champions, various soccer-related activities, and musical performances by Lili Regán. The initiative aims to foster community engagement and shared experiences among football fans in the capital, which is already buzzing with anticipation for the final match. Registration and further details are available via Heineken's official website.

1 reports · 1 sources

Negotiations for the sale of Russian-owned shares in Serbia's oil giant NIS have been disrupted by a surprise two-billion-euro bid from little-known Serbian businessman Ranko Mimović. This offer is double that of the Hungarian MOL Group, which has been negotiating the acquisition for months. However, energy experts and former MOL managers suspect Mimović’s bid is not a serious commercial alternative but a tactic to exert political pressure during ongoing talks between Budapest, Belgrade, and Russian owners. The situation is complicated by US sanctions imposed on NIS in October 2025, creating a strict deadline of May 22 for restructuring ownership. Serbian authorities fear MOL might reduce operations at the Pančevo refinery, which supplies 80% of the country's fuel, while Mimović faces allegations of past financial crimes. Although Mimović claims acceptance from Russian owners and US regulators, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has distanced himself from the businessman. The final decision hinges on guaranteeing long-term energy security and political acceptability rather than just the highest price, reflecting the strategic interests of Serbia, Russia, and MOL.

1 reports · 1 sources

Arsenal Football Club has officially unveiled its new Adidas home kit for the upcoming season, which is now available for purchase. However, the team will not debut this new attire during the remainder of the current campaign. Instead, players will continue to wear the existing home kit for their final Premier League match against Burnley and the upcoming Champions League final. It has been confirmed that Arsenal will wear their traditional red home strip in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain on May 30 in Budapest. This decision marks a significant historical moment, as it will be the first time in the club's history that they wear their home kit in a Champions League final. Previously, in their only prior final appearance twenty years ago against Barcelona, they were forced to wear their away yellow strip due to a color clash. Although there were speculation that kit regulations might force a change if Bayern Munich had reached the final, the confirmation of PSG as the opponent allows Arsenal to play in red. Goalkeeper David Raya will wear his yellow strip, while PSG will also stick to their current season's home kit.

1 reports · 1 sources

The iconic Generali OWT Danube Swim is set to return to Budapest on August 29 after a significant break, offering thousands of participants the chance to swim across the Danube River from Pest to Buda. Organized by the Open Water Tournament (OWT) and supported by the Generali Foundation for Safety, the event aims to highlight the river's suitability for sports and recreation. The race covers a 500-meter stretch between Corvinus University and the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME), with water temperatures expected around 23°C. Balázs Mezős, founder of OWT, noted that high organizational costs previously hindered the event, but recent sponsorship has enabled its revival in the capital. Safety measures are robust, involving the Pest County Search and Rescue Service and twelve motorized rescue boats supervised by approximately 30 professionals for every 20 swimmers. This swim is part of the broader Generali Night Run event series, inviting both professional athletes and amateurs to participate in this unique urban water sport experience in downtown Budapest.

1 reports · 1 sources

British 800m runner Daniel Pattison is aiming to return to peak fitness and secure major medals at upcoming championships in Birmingham and Glasgow. The 24-year-old, who is the second-fastest British 800m runner in history, previously won a surprise bronze at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest. However, his momentum was halted by illness during Olympic preparations and a stress fracture that disrupted his 2025 season. Now fully fit after an uninterrupted winter, Pattison expresses a strong desire to end his three-year medal drought at major championships. He acknowledges the significance of his early career achievements but emphasizes his ambition to add more silverware before retiring. Speaking to BBC Sport ahead of the Diamond League event in China, Pattison highlighted his motivation to prove that his potential extends beyond his initial success at age 21. His immediate focus is on performing well on home soil, targeting specific medals at the European and Commonwealth Games to re-establish himself among the global elite in middle-distance running.

1 reports · 1 sources

Despite Arsenal's historic achievement in reaching the Champions League final for the first time in twenty years, the club faces internal backlash regarding its travel arrangements for staff. Reports indicate that employees are required to pay £859 for travel packages to attend the match in Budapest, a decision that has caused significant disappointment and frustration. This discontent is largely driven by comparisons with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), which recently announced it would cover all travel and ticket costs for its staff attending their European final. Arsenal staff had hoped for a similar gesture, especially given the substantial financial rewards and global attention generated by the team's successful European campaign. While some employees feel the club could have adopted a more generous approach, many are still expected to travel to Hungary to witness what could be the most important match in the club's modern history. The situation highlights a contrast in corporate culture between the two clubs during major sporting events, shifting focus momentarily from on-pitch preparations to internal administrative controversies as the Gunners aim to win the competition for the first time.

1 reports · 1 sources

Hungary’s new government, led by Prime Minister Peter Magyar of the Tisza party, faces significant backlash from business leaders over its plan to stop issuing visas to non-EU workers starting next month. The policy, intended to protect local jobs and wages, has raised alarms among major foreign investors and industry groups who warn it could severely disrupt output in an already tight labor market. While official statistics indicate foreign workers comprise only 2% of the workforce, sectors like manufacturing and services rely heavily on them, with some companies reporting up to 20% foreign staff. Business representatives, including officials from Randstad, the American Chamber of Commerce, and the German business chamber, argue that an abrupt ban is economically unviable. They highlight demographic challenges, such as an aging workforce and limited domestic labor mobility, which make third-country workers essential for current economic functioning. Critics urge the government to prioritize economic rationality, warning that the halt could force production cuts and strain companies dependent on foreign labor, potentially harming Hungary’s economic stability despite the political mandate to end previous administration policies.

1 reports · 1 sources

Thirty-three days after Hungary's historic April 2026 election, Prime Minister Péter Magyar’s new Tisza government is rapidly dismantling key pillars of Viktor Orbán’s previous administration. In a move combining symbolic gestures with institutional reform, Magyar has released video tours showcasing the luxurious interiors of former regime buildings, including the Carmelite monastery and ministries previously led by Antal Rogán and Sándor Pintér. These videos highlight extravagant renovations costing billions of forints, aiming to expose the opacity of the former illiberal system. Concurrently, the new administration has lifted the six-year-long state of danger, signaling a return to normalcy and legal order. The inaugural parliamentary session and first cabinet meeting marked a swift transition of power, with promises of transparency and a strategic reorientation towards Europe. Notably, Magyar avoided nepotism by not appointing his brother-in-law to the cabinet. The government is repurposing these opulent state buildings for public use, such as housing the Ministry of Social Affairs in Rogán’s former headquarters, while initiating investigations into the previous regime's financial practices.

1 reports · 1 sources

World record holder Armand ‘Mondo’ Duplantis is set to headline the opening meet of the Wanda Diamond League series in Shanghai and Keqiao, China. The US-born Swedish pole vaulter will compete against a formidable field including Greece’s Emmanouil Karalis and American Sam Kendricks. He is joined by other global athletics stars such as Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon, Norway’s Karsten Warholm, Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo, and Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan. This high-profile event marks the beginning of a 15-meet season spanning four continents, culminating in finals in Brussels and the inaugural Ultimate Championships in Budapest. With no major global championships scheduled for 2026, the Diamond League serves as a crucial competitive platform, offering a total prize pool of $9.24 million. The series aims to maintain its status as a premier global track and field competition, especially after the bankruptcy of the rival Grand Slam track series. Duplantis, unbeaten since 2023, remains the focal point, with speculation about potential world record attempts later in the season, particularly in Monaco.

1 reports · 1 sources

Hungary’s new Foreign Minister, Anita Orbán, summoned the Russian ambassador to Budapest following a drone attack on Ukraine’s Transcarpathia region. She demanded Moscow secure an immediate ceasefire and a peaceful end to the war, marking a potential shift in Hungarian foreign policy under the new Tisza government. This stance contrasts with the previous administration led by Viktor Orbán, which emphasized peace negotiations involving all parties. The article questions whether the new government will also pressure Kyiv and the European Union to return to negotiations. It highlights parallels with U.S. President Donald Trump’s approach, which favors direct compromise over military support, often causing tension with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Conversely, the EU, represented by High Representative Kaja Kallas, continues to prioritize military aid for Ukraine. With former aides criticizing Zelenskyy’s reluctance to negotiate, the piece suggests that a lasting resolution requires diplomatic engagement. The coming weeks will reveal if Hungary aligns with Brussels’ hardline stance or actively pushes for unified diplomatic pressure on all sides to initiate genuine peace talks.

1 reports · 1 sources

Following the landslide election victory of Peter Magyar’s centre-right Tisza party, which ended Viktor Orban’s 16-year rule in Hungary, the media empire established by the former government is rapidly disintegrating. Key pro-Orban outlets, including TV2 and Index, have seen senior executives removed and flagship programs cancelled amidst a shift in editorial tone. Public service media, previously criticized as a propaganda tool, has begun featuring opposition voices and adopting more balanced reporting even before the new government was fully sworn in. Prime Minister Magyar, who pledged to restore press freedom and enact new media laws, has ordered an immediate review of public service media financing and structure. This transformation marks a significant test case for the European Union in restoring democratic checks and balances, particularly regarding media freedom, an area where Orban’s administration frequently clashed with Brussels. The decline of pro-government influencers and the retraction of fabricated documents used during the campaign further illustrate the swift unraveling of the nationalist leader’s tightly controlled information ecosystem.

1 reports · 1 sources

On May 15, 2026, Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar, accompanied by government spokesperson Vanda Szondi and official Dávid Vitézy, physically dismantled the security cordon surrounding the Karmelita building in Budapest, the former seat of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. This symbolic act was described by Szondi as a significant milestone in the ongoing regime change. Magyar declared that the building is now freely accessible to all Hungarian citizens, marking a shift from the previous administration's restricted access policies. During the event, Vitézy criticized the outgoing government for allocating substantial funds to construct reinforced concrete government buildings and pseudo-historic memorials in the Castle District without public consultation. Following the removal of a fence section by Magyar and Vitézy, police were instructed to dismantle the remaining barriers. The group then proceeded to the entrance to announce the future plans for the historic site. This event underscores the new government's commitment to transparency and public accessibility, contrasting sharply with the perceived opacity and exclusivity of the prior Fidesz-led administration.

1 reports · 1 sources

Zsolt Hegyi, the CEO of Hungarian State Railways (MÁV), reported significant infrastructure damage following a train derailment near Gyoma in Békés county. The incident involved the Békés IC train, which departed from Keleti station and saw four cars leave the tracks, plowing through approximately 300 meters of railway. Two passengers were injured, with one sustaining serious injuries and the other minor ones. Emergency response teams successfully lifted the derailed cars and towed damaged vehicles away from the scene during the night. On-site inspections revealed extensive destruction, including damage to about 600 concrete sleepers, the track's top layer, rails, and connectors. Despite the severity of the damage to the affected section, the unaffected part of the double-track line was made passable. Consequently, train replacement services ceased by morning, and full rail traffic has resumed on the entire line between Budapest and Lőkösháza. Authorities are currently investigating the timeline for complete restoration of the damaged section. This event highlights immediate operational impacts and ongoing repair efforts within Hungary's rail network.

1 reports · 1 sources

Arsenal is reportedly preparing a historic €90 million bid for Real Madrid attacking midfielder Arda Guler this summer, signaling the club's ambition to establish itself among Europe's elite. According to reports from Caught Offside, the potential transfer would make Guler the most expensive Turkish player in history. The move aligns with manager Mikel Arteta's strategy to secure long-term creative depth, with Guler viewed as both a challenger and eventual successor to Martin Odegaard. Although Guler is currently satisfied at Real Madrid, uncertainty surrounding Jose Mourinho's potential arrival at the Bernabeu could influence his decision. Arsenal's strong campaign, featuring a Premier League title challenge and a Champions League final appearance against Paris Saint-Germain, strengthens their negotiating position. This potential signing follows other significant acquisitions like Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi, representing a shift from squad padding to dynasty-building. While the high cost raises questions about immediate fit, the club aims to acquire game-changing talent capable of breaking down defensive systems, reflecting a new reality where Arsenal operates with the confidence of a top-tier global powerhouse.

1 reports · 1 sources

Russian Ambassador to Budapest Yevgeny Stanislavov and Hungary’s newly appointed Foreign Minister Anita Orban held their first meeting in the Hungarian capital, confirming both nations' readiness to develop mutually advantageous cooperation. During the discussions, the diplomats addressed the ongoing situation in Ukraine and various bilateral issues. Stanislavov emphasized that dialogue would continue soon, highlighting energy sectors such as oil, gas supplies, and the Paks Nuclear Power Plant project as key areas for future discussion. The Russian diplomat congratulated Orban on her appointment, noting she assumed office during a critical period in Hungary’s history. Additionally, the meeting occurred amidst diplomatic tensions, as Stanislavov had previously been summoned by the Hungarian Foreign Ministry regarding reports of explosions in Transcarpathia. The Russian embassy clarified that Russia’s military actions in the region targeted defense and strategic facilities used by Ukrainian troops, rather than civilian areas or the ethnic Hungarian minority residing there. This interaction underscores the continuing diplomatic engagement between Moscow and Budapest despite the broader geopolitical conflict in Eastern Europe.

1 reports · 1 sources