Macro and economic policy

The minister appealed to the Hungarians with an extraordinary request.

Minister Gajdos Laszlo, responsible for environmental protection, asked residents on his Facebook page to use water responsibly during the upcoming heat wave, as the network is struggling to meet the increased demand caused by the heat.

Chaos may arrive at the airport: taxi drivers are ringing the alarm bells.

Budapest Airport Zrt., which operates the Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, will discontinue the 5-minute free stopover option for taxis in the airport parking lots starting August 3, 2026. The Fővárosi Taxi Egyesület (Budapest Taxi Association) warns that this measure could cause serious problems and suggests that the operator suspend the measure until a solution acceptable to all parties is found.

US GDP growth slows down

The United States’ gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 1.5 percent year-on-year in the second quarter of this year, which is a slowdown compared to the 2.1 percent growth in the first quarter, according to a preliminary estimate released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the statistical office of the Department of Commerce in Washington, on Thursday.

The situation, which retailers were anticipating: due to the extreme heat, cooling systems are failing one after another.

An extreme heat wave expected in the summer of 2026 caused serious problems in the food retail sector, particularly in the cooling systems of supermarkets, which were unable to cope with the high temperatures. Many cooling units in France and the Netherlands broke down, leading to store closures. As a result, the industry is shifting towards more durable solutions instead of environmentally friendly, but heat-sensitive CO₂ cooling technologies.

Official: A new major scientific power has joined the EU research network

Japan has officially joined the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program, worth 9.35 billion euros. Under the agreement, Japanese researchers will be able to receive EU funding, lead international consortia, and participate in collaborations with European institutions under the same terms.

Digital euro app to incorporate highest accessibility standards

Strict measures have been implemented at one of Hungary's most popular vacation destinations.

The Split city council yesterday imposed a ban on the sale of alcohol in shops and other retail establishments. The measure, which will last until mid-September, aims to maintain public order and reduce disruptive problems experienced by residents during the peak summer season, according to Croatia Week.

It can bring a competitive advantage in the short term - The Portfolio's autumn corporate forum takes into account the realistically achievable benefits.

Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly accessible to small and medium-sized enterprises in Hungary, enabling them to speed up administration, improve customer service, support sales, and alleviate labor shortages. Successful implementation requires a conscious strategy, openness, and the ability to identify problems. The Portfolio conference on September 9th will present the technology’s potential and the benefits for SMEs in detail.

The Zarges facility in Kecskemét becomes a European distribution center.

The Zarges company, which manufactures aluminum ladders and industrial platforms, focuses on improving workplace safety. Currently, many workers use temporary equipment, which poses a risk of accidents. After modernizing the Kecskemét plant, the company has regained control of finished goods logistics and serves Western European and Scandinavian markets. Future plans may include the construction of a new factory in Kecskemét.

The expected rebound has arrived: the French economy is showing signs of recovery.

The French economy avoided recession after achieving 0.2 percent growth in the second quarter of 2026. The growth was primarily driven by increased domestic demand and a boost in exports, according to Bloomberg.

Free water is being distributed in the midst of the heatwave.

The national chief physician has issued a third-level heat alert for the entire country, from June 30 to August 4. Due to the extreme heat, the MÁV group is providing free water, parasols, and drinking fountains at major railway and bus stations, while also urging travelers to exercise caution and plan their journeys in advance.

Amazing conditions on Hungarian beaches and at festivals: millions of fines are being issued to caterers.

The National Trade and Consumer Protection Authority inspected 585 establishments during the summer food chain inspection, finding numerous deficiencies. They initiated a total of 94 administrative proceedings and imposed fines exceeding 18 million forints. The operation of 15 establishments was restricted due to serious hygiene problems. In 5% of the establishments, hygiene problems were identified, while in 12% of the establishments, consumer information problems were found, while at many festival sites, basic infrastructure was lacking.