Hungary has made it clear that its support for Ukraine’s EU membership will depend on the outcome of a national referendum. Speaking on Hungarian television, Minister for European Affairs János Bóka emphasized that Ukraine must acknowledge this condition, while also criticizing the EU’s outdated stance on the conflict.

A Hungarian research team is pioneering a new approach to treating neurodegenerative diseases by testing drug compounds on live human brain tissue. The Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine (HCEMM) announced that its researchers have secured 120 million forints in funding to advance this innovative study.

Hungary is hosting MILEX 2025, a major international military exercise designed to test the European Union’s rapid response capabilities. Taking place between 25 March and 10 April, the operation brings together military forces from 11 EU countries to conduct live-fire exercises and tactical drills under real-world conditions.

On Monday evening an unusual glowing light streak appeared over Budapest and several other Hungarian cities, sparking curiosity and speculation. While many initially thought it was a meteor or an unidentified object, it was later confirmed to be a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket stage re-entering Earth’s atmosphere in a controlled descent, producing a spectacular light display.

Hungary experienced a record-breaking year in tourism in 2024, with nearly 18 million visitors staying at domestic accommodations. Of these, 9.3 million were Hungarian travelers. According to data from the National Tourism Data Supply Centre, the most active regions for domestic tourism were Pest, Győr–Moson–Sopron, and Komárom–Esztergom counties.

Archaeologists excavating beneath Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre have uncovered traces of an ancient garden, aligning with descriptions in the Gospel of John. The discovery, which includes remnants of olive trees and grapevines, offers new insights into the historical setting of Jesus’s burial site.

Hungarian businesses have applied for state subsidies to purchase over 1,500 BYD electric vehicles under the national EV programme. Tesla follows in second place with more than 1,100 approved requests. The initiative has significantly boosted Hungary’s electric car market.

A Hungarian-developed blockchain solution could provide secure and easily accessible storage for degrees issued by EU universities, according to Gábor Dénes University. The technology, set to launch in Hungary by 2026, aims to create a unified digital degree database across the European Union.

A recent study by Hungary’s National Media and Infocommunications Authority (NMHH) reveals that while media trust remains generally low, television is considered the most reliable source, whereas print media ranks the lowest. The research also highlights generational differences, concerns over misinformation, and attitudes toward AI in journalism.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán discussed key economic and political issues in a recent interview, explaining the reasons behind new price controls, the strengthening of child protection laws, and Hungary’s veto on Ukraine’s EU membership. He emphasized Hungary’s commitment to protecting families and maintaining economic stability while pushing back against Brussels’ policies.

Former Hungarian President János Áder has criticized the European Parliament, calling it ineffective in its current form. Speaking at Károli Gáspár University in Budapest, Áder argued that the EU’s legislative body fails to fulfil its duties efficiently and is increasingly irrelevant.

Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed: Shadows has reignited debates over historical authenticity, representation, and creative liberty in gaming. The controversy stems from its inclusion of a Black samurai protagonist, inspired by the 16th-century figure Yasuke. While some praise this as an overdue exploration of marginalized history, others argue it distorts Japan’s feudal past to fit modern diversity narratives.

Hungary’s labour market continues to show remarkable strength, surpassing the European Union average in employment rates. In the final quarter of 2024 Hungary ranked sixth in employment among both men and women, reflecting consistent growth since the country’s employment turnaround in 2010.

The long-awaited release of classified documents related to the assassination of President John F Kennedy has begun, with over 80,000 pages now available to the public. Following Donald Trump’s directive, the National Archives has published the files unredacted, marking a major step toward historical transparency.

Hungary and India are set to strengthen their ties with the launch of Wizz Air’s direct Budapest–Mumbai flight this year, operating daily. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó announced the development in New Delhi, highlighting its potential to boost trade, tourism, and diplomatic relations.

Hungary’s family support policies have attracted international attention, with US leaders praising them as exemplary. Following her visit to Washington, Secretary of State for Families Zsófia Koncz highlighted the country’s comprehensive approach to supporting families, which has contributed to rising birth rates and economic stability.

Hungarian business and government leaders are ramping up efforts to integrate artificial intelligence into the economy. Discussions between the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and government officials highlighted AI’s potential to enhance business efficiency, while new collaborations in the defence sector will focus on AI-driven technological advancements.

Széchenyi István University in Győr has become the first higher education institution in Europe to receive the Light UAS Operator Certificate (LUC). The accreditation allows the university to conduct drone operations independently, significantly enhancing its research and development capabilities.

Hungary has introduced a retail profit margin cap limiting markups to a maximum of 10 per cent for around 1,000 essential food products across 30 categories. The regulation, effective from Monday, aims to curb rising food prices and protect household budgets.

Hungarian company Q-Automotive Ltd and the University of Szeged (SZTE) are developing a home-compostable biopolymer-based packaging material supported by Hungary’s National Research, Development and Innovation Office (NKFIH). The project aims to reduce environmental impact through sustainable innovation.

Hungary is committed to keeping its top researchers in the country by providing them with opportunities and support. The opening of the HUN-REN Hungarian Research Network’s new headquarters marks a strategic victory in this effort, recognizing the contributions of Hungarian scientists.

In a recent interview on public Kossuth Radio, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán discused key economic and geopolitical concerns, including inflation, EU policies, and Hungary’s stance on the war in Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed conditional support for ceasefire discussions concerning the Ukraine conflict, emphasizing the need to resolve key questions with the United States while highlighting concerns about NATO’s role and the security of Russia’s borders.

Hungarian universities have achieved remarkable progress in the 2025 QS World University Rankings by Subject, with 12 institutions advancing in global standings. The results highlight Hungary’s growing competitiveness in disciplines such as medicine, computer science, and materials science.

Hungarian chocolate is set to journey to space as the Stühmer Moment Korfu ‘space chocolate’ gains NASA’s approval to be included in astronaut Tibor Kapu’s package for the International Space Station, marking a unique blend of tradition and innovation.

Hungarian and American leaders commemorated 15 March at the US Capitol, honouring Lajos Kossuth as a symbol of shared values between the two nations. The event highlighted common commitments to family, peace, national values, and Christian culture.

Hungary’s recent constitutional amendment seeks to reinforce national sovereignty and resist ideological and political pressures. The changes address gender ideology, children’s rights, and drug policies, aiming to protect societal norms and national values against external influence.

Hungary has strengthened its military officer training with advanced simulators and an extended reality (XR) laboratory, enhancing preparation for future defence challenges. The innovation supports skills development and research at the National University of Public Service.

Hungary has launched a 15 billion forint programme to strengthen SME workforce skills, focusing on digitization and AI readiness. The initiative supports both training and wage subsidies, aiming to enhance export capabilities and bolster the domestic economy.

Hungary’s epic historical drama Hunyadi launched to spectacular viewership, with over one million viewers per episode, securing the top spot on last week’s ratings. The series, blending international talent and historical grandeur, has captivated audiences and critics alike.