The new Minister of Human Resources, Zoltán Balog, sought to allay the concerns of foreign investors at a business forum hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Hungary (AmCham) last Friday. Representatives of some of the largest foreign companies had the opportunity to demand straight answers from the minister, whose portfolio includes education, healthcare… Continue »

It is no secret that international firms are keen to ensure they have technically well-trained employees. Companies are scouting for the professionals of tomorrow in lecture halls and their research money is designed to increase knowledge and allow talent to be discovered. Since 1997 German chemicals company BASF has raised the bar: instead of waiting… Continue »

EFOTT, short for National Tourist Meeting of University and High School Students, brands itself as “the biggest student party since 1976” but it is open to all those, young and old, with a liking for Hungarian rock. Unlike many of the Hungarian summer festivals, EFOTT sets up camp each year at a new location. Lakeside… Continue »

Hungary has fallen from 20th place three years ago to 28th among healthcare systems in Europe, according to the Sweden-based Health Consumer Powerhouse Euro Health Consumer Index published in June. Sinking as others rise Basic services “still work” but equality and fairness are decreasing in Hungarian state-financed healthcare, index team leader Arne Björnberg said in… Continue »

Parliament has approved a new criminal code, to come into effect on 1 July. Justice Ministry state secretary Róbert Répássy said the code, which will replace the current 1979 legislation, is “just” and would “restore order in Hungary and improve citizens’ sense of security”. The law was approved on Monday by 243 votes. MPs from… Continue »

The Hungarian Parliament’s national unity committee held a meeting in Komarno, Slovakia, on Wednesday despite protests from Slovak officials about the absence of prior consultation. Slovak Speaker of Parliament Pavol Paska told a news conference on Tuesday that he had protested against the plan to hold the session because it would be “unprecedented” for a… Continue »