Hungary’s National Tree-Planting Day, scheduled for 1 March 2025, aims to see over 100,000 trees planted nationwide. The 10 Million Trees NGO, launched in 2019, is calling on citizens, organizations, and institutions to unite in this significant reforestation effort.

What drives creativity? A thought-provoking roundtable brought together experts from diverse fields to explore the meaning of creation, the challenges of collaboration, and the personal and collective forces that shape innovative work.

A riveting roundtable discussion brought together champions of sports, science, and mentorship to explore the multifaceted nature of perseverance. From athletic triumphs to breakthroughs in behavioural research and youth development, the panellists shared lessons on resilience and success.

This year’s Highlights of Hungary Awards celebrated three outstanding Hungarian achievements: the preservation efforts of Levente and Tímea Gáll, the compassionate work of the Hungarian Hospice Foundation, and the artisanal excellence of Szabi the Baker. The winners each received 2 million forints and national acclaim for their dedication to community, tradition, and humanity.

Political director to Hungary’s Prime Minister Balázs Orbán highlighted the potential economic benefits of a Trump-led US administration, emphasized EU reforms, and detailed Hungary’s vision for boosting competitiveness and fostering global partnerships.

Hungarian Minister of National Economy Márton Nagy visited Shenzhen for the China Hi-Tech Fair, spotlighting Hungary’s AI and supercomputing advancements and emphasizing AI regulation. In his keynote address he reiterated Hungary’s commitment to international tech cooperation and regulation.

A recent content analysis by the Center for Fundamental Rights reveals that in the year leading up to the US presidential election, Donald Trump cited Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán 109 times, which far surpasses mentions of other European leaders such as Emmanuel Macron and Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

On 20–23 November Budapest will once again host the World Science Forum (WSF), organized by the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. This year’s theme centres on the connection between science and policy during global transformations, gathering leaders from around the world.

According to a new Real-PR 93 survey, 74 per cent of Hungarians support the government’s target to raise the average salary to one million forints, reflecting broad approval among all demographics and age groups from across the political spectrum.

Donald Trump has announced that he would appoint Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to jointly lead a new federal department focused on government efficiency. The establishment of the department, promised during the presidential campaign, aims to streamline federal operations, cut excessive regulations, and curb wasteful spending.

The Student City planned to be developed with government funding in Budapest could provide thousands of new student residence places within three years, as the country’s demand for higher education housing grows. Minister Balázs Hankó discussed this ambitious project, the success of Hungarian universities, and the housing needs of young people in a recent television interview.

Addressing COP29 in Baku, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán urged for climate policies guided by ‘common sense’ rather than ‘ideology, panic, or alarm’. Hungary, he argued, must balance its green ambitions with sustainable economic growth.

As the US prepares for a presidential transition, Ambassador David Pressman may soon depart Budapest in line with protocol for political appointees under a new administration. There has been no career diplomat leading the US mission in Hungary since the 1990s.

Robbie Williams is set to return to Budapest, thrilling fans with a concert at the MVM Dome on 12 September 2025 as part of his ‘Live 2025’ world tour. Williams, no stranger to breaking records, has established himself as a powerhouse in live music. His 2006 world tour achieved a remarkable milestone, selling over 1.6 million tickets in just one day, and his three-night performance at Knebworth attracted 375,000 fans, setting an attendance record.

In a recent meeting with the Hungarian foreign minister, Slovak House Speaker Peter Žiga reiterated his government’s commitment to preserving the status quo on minority rights and stressed that, instead of restrictive policies, the Slovak government plans to enhance the quality of life for the Hungarian community in southern Slovakia. This would involve improvements to transportation infrastructure, including new roads and bridges to support regional development.

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán highlighted Hungary’s diplomatic rise after hosting two landmark summits, marking Budapest as a key player in European diplomacy. Orbán shared insights into Hungary’s renewed ties with the United States under President Trump, Hungary’s economic agenda, and the bold policy goals embedded in the recent Budapest Declaration.

Rodrigo Ballester, Head of the European Studies Workshop at Mathias Corvinus Collegium, shared his perspective on the recent parliamentary elections in Georgia in a recent interview with Hungarian Conservative. Among other issues, he discussed the role of Western narratives, which often frame Georgian politics as a binary conflict between pro-Western and pro-Russian factions.

Budapest’s holiday spirit will come alive on 15 November with the opening of two cherished Christmas markets: the Advent Basilica at St Stephen’s Square and Vörösmarty Classic Xmas at Vörösmarty Square. Both markets will feature festive décor, local artisans, Christmas delicacies and cultural programmes for all ages.

Visit Hungary has launched a nationwide winter tourism campaign offering 20 per cent discounts at over 300 locations for guests paying with SZÉP cards. Running from January through February, the campaign promotes winter travel across Hungary, highlighting the country’s natural beauty, wellness spas, culinary offerings, and winter activities, reaching audiences through television, social media, and online platforms.

Disney has confirmed that a brand-new Star Wars trilogy is in development, promising fans an entirely new storyline unconnected to the iconic Skywalker Saga. Written by X-Men producer Simon Kinberg, the trilogy marks a new direction for the franchise. Read our article for more information and also to learn about the Hungary-related curiosities in the Star Wars universe.

The Tamási Thermal Spa, heavily damaged by fire three years ago, is set for a major restoration, funded by nearly 5 billion forints in government support. The extensive renovation, scheduled to conclude by autumn 2025, will bring state-of-the-art upgrades to the spa.

During an informal summit of the leaders of EU countries in Budapest on Friday, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called on Europe to redefine its capabilities, empower member states, and invest in strategic resources. Addressing a range of pressing challenges, Meloni emphasized the need for European self-sufficiency and resilience.

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán discussed Hungary’s political and economic stance in light of recent global shifts, Trump’s victory in the US presidential election, and pressing EU issues. Emphasizing Hungary’s unique approach focusing on national interests, Orbán highlighted forthcoming opportunities for the country.

A Hungarian-led research team has launched the Geoastronomy project, supported by the European Research Council, to explore the composition and atmospheres of rocky exoplanets orbiting Sun-like stars. This six-year initiative aims to expand our understanding of both these distant worlds and our own planet.

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán accepted the Supreme Order of the Turkic World in Bishkek, Kirgizstan on Wednesday, recognizing Hungary’s longstanding connection with Turkic nations. He noted that Hungarians are the ‘westernmost of the Eastern peoples’, highlighting the shared heritage with the Turkic nations and expressing optimism for future cooperation between Hungary and the Turkic states.

Romanian President Klaus Johannis is participating in the fifth European Political Community summit in Budapest, where he will emphasize regional security, continued support for Ukraine, and advocate for stronger EU cohesion and a long-term approach to migration.

During the EPC in Budapest, President of the European Council Charles Michel was asked about the crisis in Germany and Donald Trump’s re-election.

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán inaugurated the European Political Community (EPC) summit in Budapest, highlighting the unprecedented diplomatic scale of the event in Hungary’s history. He underscored the security, migration, and economic challenges Europe faces, as well as the significance of the US presidential election for transatlantic relations.

Delegates have begun arriving at Budapest’s Puskás Arena for the European Political Community summit, an event Prime Minister Viktor Orbán calls Hungary’s largest diplomatic gathering to date. With over 47 heads of state and key international figures in attendance, the summit will address pressing issues, including Europe’s competitiveness and the US presidential election.

The GraphicPécs international graphic arts festival returns to Pécs from 7 November to 25 January, offering exhibitions, professional talks, book launches, and roundtable discussions, all celebrating the dynamic intersections of music, visual art, and underground culture.