Hungary and the EU

Latest business news about Hungary and the European Union.

EU voices 'grave concerns' over Hungarian media laws — 09 February 2012, 17:05 CET

The Commission voiced "grave concerns" over Hungary's controversial media laws Thursday, warning the threat of big fines for breaking the rules can lead to self-censorship.

Hungary opposition radio gets 60-day stay of execution — 08 February 2012, 17:29 CET

Hungary's sole nationwide opposition station Klubradio, which recently lost its licence, on Wednesday said it had been granted a 60-day extension pending a court review.

Hungarian airline Malev grounded after 66 years — 03 February 2012, 16:43 CET

Hungary's national airline Malev, which has been making losses for years, was grounded Friday almost a month after the European Union said the carrier had to pay back state aid.

Hungary says IMF talks have no 'preconditions' — 27 January 2012, 19:03 CET

Talks on a credit line between Hungary and the International Monetary Fund and the European Union will be held without "preconditions," a government spokesman told state television on Friday.

Hungary says did not 'give in' to EU — 26 January 2012, 21:39 CET

Hungary's top government spokesman was defiant Thursday in the face of legal action by the European Union, insisting Budapest had not given in to EU demands.

Hungary hopes for IMF deal by end-March — 26 January 2012, 19:58 CET

Hungary hopes to complete faltering talks by the end of March on a credit line from the International Monetary Fund and the European Union, government spokesman Zoltan Kovacs said on Thursday.

EU experts rebuke Hungary, France, Italy over media rules — 25 January 2012, 21:07 CET

A high-level panel of experts reviewing the state of press freedom in Europe voiced concerns Wednesday over Hungary's controversial media laws, but also took Italy and France to task.

Under-fire Hungary faces threat of EU financial sanctions — 24 January 2012, 20:19 CET

Europe piled pressure on Hungary on Tuesday, threatening financial sanctions against its bloated public deficit as premier Viktor Orban sought to defuse a row over his controversial new laws.

Orban told not to take European leaders for 'stupid' — 24 January 2012, 13:32 CET

Hungarian premier Viktor Orban was warned Tuesday not to take Europe's leaders for 'stupid" by saying one thing in Budapest, and another in Brussels.

Under-fire Orban seeks end to damaging row with Brussels — 24 January 2012, 12:07 CET

Under-fire Hungarian premier Viktor Orban on Tuesday sought a way out of a row with Brussels over controversial new laws that have snarled Budapest's bid for much-needed credit and set off EU legal action.

Austria urges Hungary to follow EU rules — 20 January 2012, 14:07 CET

Austrian Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger urged Hungary to get in line with European law after a meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban Friday, .

Hungary expects EU deal over disputed laws next week — 20 January 2012, 12:49 CET

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said Friday he expected a deal with Brussels over disputed laws as early as next week, as he backed down from controversial merger plans for the central bank.

Hungary's opposition radio station fights on as end nears — 19 January 2012, 22:04 CET

Although it will likely be taken off the air come March 1, Hungary's sole nationwide opposition station Klubradio is fighting to the end.

Hungary PM likened to Chavez over controversial laws — 19 January 2012, 22:00 CET

Hungary's premier Viktor Orban rejected charges of authoritarianism while seeking to head off EU legal action for flouting democracy in a fiery European parliament debate Wednesday.

Hungary PM ready to modify disputed laws: Barroso — 18 January 2012, 17:40 CET

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has told EU authorities he will modify controversial laws which are the subject of legal action against Budapest launched by the European Commission, the executive chief said Wednesday.

EU voices new concerns over Hungary media law — 18 January 2012, 13:07 CET

The European Commission has written to Hungary to express new concerns about press freedom and pluralism in the EU member country, warning that Brussels would remain vigilant.

Hungarian central bank chief says independence vital — 18 January 2012, 12:59 CET

Hungary's government has no choice but to ensure central bank independence, the head of the country's central bank said Wednesday, after the EU launched legal action over reforms to the lender.

Hungary PM says ready to negotiate with EU: interview — 18 January 2012, 12:58 CET

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said in a German newspaper interview Wednesday he was ready to negotiate "all problems" after the EU launched legal action over disputed reforms.

Hungary ready to 'sort out' all EU problems in legal row — 17 January 2012, 18:44 CET

A Hungarian minister said Tuesday his government was ready to negotiate with the European Union executive after Brussels launched legal proceedings against a series of reforms.

EU launches legal action against Hungary — 17 January 2012, 18:35 CET

The European Commission launched legal proceedings Tuesday against Hungary, demanding it scrap disputed reforms that breach "the letter and spirit" of EU law or face court action.

EU set to take legal action over Hungary reforms — 17 January 2012, 13:57 CET

The EU executive was poised Tuesday to trigger legal action against Hungary over contested reforms of its judiciary and central bank that are hampering its bid to win financial aid.

Hungarian PM wants to join EU Parliament debate on Hungary — 17 January 2012, 12:40 CET

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is to defend his government in a European parliamentary debate on contentious measures seen curbing democratic values, said a spokesman.

EU to demand Hungary reverse controversial reforms — 17 January 2012, 00:28 CET

The EU executive is expected to hand Hungary an ultimatum this week to speedily back down on controversial political reforms or face damaging legal proceedings, EU sources said Monday.

Hungary ready to modify parts of central bank law — 14 January 2012, 00:09 CET

Hungary, seeking aid from the International Monetary Fund and European Union, is ready to meet some of their criticisms over its central bank reforms, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Friday.

ECB 'very, very concerned' about Hungary: Draghi — 12 January 2012, 18:02 CET

European Central Bank chief Mario Draghi on Thursday expressed serious worries over the independence of Hungary's central bank, adding to pressure on Budapest to reverse hotly contested changes to its laws.