Facebook on Wednesday reversed a decision to take down a video posted by a Hungarian political aide that blamed crime on immigrants, saying it was making an exception to its usual ban on hate speech.&nbsp;

The incident was the latest test of how Facebook, the world`s largest social media network, and other internet firms will negotiate the tricky business of refereeing online political content.&nbsp;

The video was posted on Facebook on Tuesday by the chief of staff of the Hungarian prime minister. It focused on crime in neighbouring Austria and blamed immigrants for pushing out &quot;white Christians&quot;.

Janos Lazar, the top aide to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who himself was called a racist by the UN human rights chief this week, accused Facebook of censorship after the social network removed his post.&nbsp;

A screenshot posted by Lazar said the post had been removed for violating Facebook`s guidelines.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, Facebook said it was restoring the video.&nbsp;

&quot;People use Facebook to challenge ideas and raise awareness about important issues, but we will remove content that violates our community standards, including hate speech,&quot; the company said in a statement.

&quot;Exceptions are sometimes made if the content is newsworthy, significant or important to the public interest,&quot; it said.&nbsp;

It did not say why the video merited an exception.&nbsp;

In the video Lazar posted to his page, he addresses the camera in a street in Favoriten, the district of Vienna with the most foreigners living in it.

&quot;Disorder is much higher, there is much more dirt and litter in the streets and the few Viennese still living here say that crime is a lot higher and people are living in bigger fear,&quot; Lazar says, accompanied by downbeat piano music and shots of Muslim immigrants.

&quot;If we let them in and they are going to live in our towns, the result will be crime, poverty, dirt and impossible conditions in our cities,&quot; Lazar said.

The Social Democrats (SPO), who govern Vienna in coalition with the Greens, rejected the comments, saying they were part of a &quot;racist and xenophobic election strategy&quot; by Orban`s Fidesz party ahead of April 8 elections.&nbsp;

Facebook, Twitter and other networks have in many countries surpassed traditional media as a way for politicians to reach voters, effectively giving them a new role as referees of political speech.&nbsp;

Last year, Twitter removed a video from Republican US Representative Marsha Blackburn, saying a remark she made about abortion was inflammatory. Twitter later reversed the decision.

A screenshot posted by Lazar said the post had been removed for violating Facebook`s guidelines

Facebook on Wednesday reversed a decision to take down a video posted by a Hungarian political aide that blamed crime on immigrants, saying it was making an exception to its usual ban on hate speech. The incident was the latest test of how Facebook, the world`s largest social media network, and other internet firms will negotiate the tricky business of refereeing online political content. The video was posted on Facebook on Tuesday by the chief of staff of the Hungarian prime minister. It focused on crime in neighbouring Austria and blamed immigrants for pushing out "white Christians". Janos Lazar, the top aide to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who himself was called a racist by the UN human rights chief this week, accused Facebook of censorship after the social network removed his post. A screenshot posted by Lazar said the post had been removed for violating Facebook`s guidelines. On Wednesday, Facebook said it was restoring the video. "People use Facebook to challenge ideas and raise awareness about important issues, but we will remove content that violates our community standards, including hate speech," the company said in a statement. "Exceptions are sometimes made if the content is newsworthy, significant or important to the public interest," it said. It did not say why the video merited an exception. In the video Lazar posted to his page, he addresses the camera in a street in Favoriten, the district of Vienna with the most foreigners living in it. "Disorder is much higher, there is much more dirt and litter in the streets and the few Viennese still living here say that crime is a lot higher and people are living in bigger fear," Lazar says, accompanied by downbeat piano music and shots of Muslim immigrants. "If we let them in and they are going to live in our towns, the result will be crime, poverty, dirt and impossible conditions in our cities," Lazar said. The Social Democrats (SPO), who govern Vienna in coalition with the Greens, rejected the comments, saying they were part of a "racist and xenophobic election strategy" by Orban`s Fidesz party ahead of April 8 elections. Facebook, Twitter and other networks have in many countries surpassed traditional media as a way for politicians to reach voters, effectively giving them a new role as referees of political speech. Last year, Twitter removed a video from Republican US Representative Marsha Blackburn, saying a remark she made about abortion was inflammatory. Twitter later reversed the decision.

Facebook removes, then restores anti-immigrant video in Hungary

Hungary entered into the medal table by pulling off a stunning victory in the men&#39;s 5,000 metres relay on Thursday&nbsp;(February 22). Earlier they had never&nbsp;won a short-track medal at the&nbsp;Winter&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;and their first was sealed in an Olympic record time of 6 minutes 31.971 seconds. China finished at number two and Canada came at third claiming silver and bronze respectively.&nbsp;

Brothers Sandor Liu Shaolin and Shaoang Liu raced alongside Viktor Knoch and Csaba Burjan to make history for Hungary in the final short track event of the Games.

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Short Track Speed Skating - Men&rsquo;s 5000m Relay 
쇼트트랙 스피드 스케이팅 - 남자 5000m 계주 
 
Gold???? Hungary 
Silver???? People&#39;s Republic of China 
Bronze???? Canada 
 
Congratulations!축하합니다!???? <a href="https://t.co/NYCJrLDlfO">pic.twitter.com/NYCJrLDlfO</a>
&mdash; PyeongChang 2018 (@pyeongchang2018) <a href="https://twitter.com/pyeongchang2018/status/966657858396856321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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They celebrated wildly at the end, high-fiving and hugging their technical staff beside the track before skating around the rink holding their country&#39;s flag.

The race got off to a cagey start with all four teams in contention until disaster struck for the Koreans midway through when one of their skaters went sprawling.

By the time he had found his feet, Korea was half a lap behind, and though they pushed hard to catch up, the effort they expended told in the end and they finished nearly three-quarters of a lap behind everyone else.

The Hungarians bided their time, skating within themselves and letting China and Canada set the pace in the 45-lap race before putting on a late surge that secured the gold medal.

If we look at the medal tally, Norway stands at number one with 35 medals Germany and Canada at number two and three.

&nbsp;

Hungary makes history, storm to first Winter Games gold with victory in short track skating men's 5,000 metres relay

Hungary entered into the medal table by pulling off a stunning victory in the men's 5,000 metres relay on Thursday (February 22). Earlier they had never won a short-track medal at the Winter Olympics and their first was sealed in an Olympic record time of 6 minutes 31.971 seconds. China finished at number two and Canada came at third claiming silver and bronze respectively. Brothers Sandor Liu Shaolin and Shaoang Liu raced alongside Viktor Knoch and Csaba Burjan to make history for Hungary in the final short track event of the Games. Short Track Speed Skating - Men’s 5000m Relay 쇼트트랙 스피드 스케이팅 - 남자 5000m 계주 Gold???? Hungary Silver???? People's Republic of China Bronze???? Canada Congratulations!축하합니다!???? pic.twitter.com/NYCJrLDlfO — PyeongChang 2018 (@pyeongchang2018) February 22, 2018 × They celebrated wildly at the end, high-fiving and hugging their technical staff beside the track before skating around the rink holding their country's flag. The race got off to a cagey start with all four teams in contention until disaster struck for the Koreans midway through when one of their skaters went sprawling. By the time he had found his feet, Korea was half a lap behind, and though they pushed hard to catch up, the effort they expended told in the end and they finished nearly three-quarters of a lap behind everyone else. The Hungarians bided their time, skating within themselves and letting China and Canada set the pace in the 45-lap race before putting on a late surge that secured the gold medal. If we look at the medal tally, Norway stands at number one with 35 medals Germany and Canada at number two and three.

Hungary marks presence at Winter Olympics with shining gold

The EU took Hungary to the bloc&#39;s top court on Thursday over a crackdown on education and foreign-backed civil society groups that critics say targets US billionaire George Soros.

The move underscores the EU&#39;s toughening stance toward both the government of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his right-wing allies in Poland over the bloc&#39;s democracy norms and migration.

Brussels warned Budapest in October that it would take the case to the European Court of Justice, the top court in the 28-nation EU, if it did not take the necessary measures to comply.

The European Commission -- the executive arm of the EU -- said Hungary had repeatedly failed to answer its concerns over both cases.

It said in a statement that it was suing Hungary as the education law &quot;disproportionally restricts EU and non-EU universities in their operations and needs to be brought back in line with EU law.&quot;

Hungary has introduced an education law that could shut the Soros-founded Central University in Budapest, which has long been seen as a hostile bastion of liberalism by Orban&#39;s right-wing government.

In June, Hungary approved a law aimed at forcing civil society groups receiving more than 24,000 euros ($26,000) annually in overseas funding to register as a &quot;foreign-supported organisation&quot;, or face closure.&nbsp;

In a separate statement, the commission said that the laws on foreign non-governmental organisations &quot;indirectly discriminate and disproportionately restrict donations from abroad to civil society organisations.&quot;

The European Commission announced on Thursday that it was also taking Hungary, the Czech Republic and Poland to court over their refusal to accept refugees under a controversial EU scheme.

The EU took Hungary to the bloc's top court on Thursday over a crackdown on education and foreign-backed civil society groups that critics say targets US billionaire George Soros

The EU took Hungary to the bloc's top court on Thursday over a crackdown on education and foreign-backed civil society groups that critics say targets US billionaire George Soros. The move underscores the EU's toughening stance toward both the government of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his right-wing allies in Poland over the bloc's democracy norms and migration. Brussels warned Budapest in October that it would take the case to the European Court of Justice, the top court in the 28-nation EU, if it did not take the necessary measures to comply. The European Commission -- the executive arm of the EU -- said Hungary had repeatedly failed to answer its concerns over both cases. It said in a statement that it was suing Hungary as the education law "disproportionally restricts EU and non-EU universities in their operations and needs to be brought back in line with EU law." Hungary has introduced an education law that could shut the Soros-founded Central University in Budapest, which has long been seen as a hostile bastion of liberalism by Orban's right-wing government. In June, Hungary approved a law aimed at forcing civil society groups receiving more than 24,000 euros ($26,000) annually in overseas funding to register as a "foreign-supported organisation", or face closure. In a separate statement, the commission said that the laws on foreign non-governmental organisations "indirectly discriminate and disproportionately restrict donations from abroad to civil society organisations." The European Commission announced on Thursday that it was also taking Hungary, the Czech Republic and Poland to court over their refusal to accept refugees under a controversial EU scheme.

EU takes Hungary to court over 'anti-Soros' laws

The Supreme Court will today hear a petition filed by advocate Harvinder Choudhry seeking a ban on jokes against the Sikh community.

Choudhary had earlier contended that such jokes portray the Sikh community in a&nbsp;negative light and wants such websites, which disseminate such `insensitive` jokes, to be prosecuted under laws that carry a prison term of six months to five years.

The petitioner argued that such jokes on many social network websites portray Sikhs as &#39;unintelligent&#39;, &#39;foolish&#39; and &#39;na&iuml;ve&#39;, making them an easy target of ridicule and racial abuse.

Choudhary, herself belonging to a Sikh family, said that she too had been a target of ridicule and abuse because of such jokes.

The apex court has asked an expert panel headed by former apex court judge HS Bedi to submit draft guidelines so that appropriate orders can be passed to prevent circulation of Sardar jokes on websites.

In July, a bench of Chief Justice T.S. Thakur and Justice D.Y. Chandrachud gave six weeks time for the panel to hold discussions and submit the guidelines.

The bench passed the order after hearing the counsel for various parties including the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) which said that the community is being bullied by such jokes.

(ANI)&nbsp;

Three people were arrested in Spain and two in Hungary, with suspected links to Islamic State terrorists

The Supreme Court will today hear a petition filed by advocate Harvinder Choudhry seeking a ban on jokes against the Sikh community. Choudhary had earlier contended that such jokes portray the Sikh community in a negative light and wants such websites, which disseminate such `insensitive` jokes, to be prosecuted under laws that carry a prison term of six months to five years. The petitioner argued that such jokes on many social network websites portray Sikhs as 'unintelligent', 'foolish' and 'naïve', making them an easy target of ridicule and racial abuse. Choudhary, herself belonging to a Sikh family, said that she too had been a target of ridicule and abuse because of such jokes. The apex court has asked an expert panel headed by former apex court judge HS Bedi to submit draft guidelines so that appropriate orders can be passed to prevent circulation of Sardar jokes on websites. In July, a bench of Chief Justice T.S. Thakur and Justice D.Y. Chandrachud gave six weeks time for the panel to hold discussions and submit the guidelines. The bench passed the order after hearing the counsel for various parties including the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) which said that the community is being bullied by such jokes. (ANI)

Spain, Hungary arrest suspected Islamic State terrorists

A shop in central Budapest was hit by an explosion late on Saturday night, causing multiple injuries, according to media reports.&nbsp;
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Police are responding to reports of a large explosion in Budapest, Hungary. <a href="https://t.co/tQEGifeTyc">https://t.co/tQEGifeTyc</a>
&mdash; Twitter Moments (@TwitterMoments) <a href="https://twitter.com/TwitterMoments/status/779810924609679361">September 24, 2016</a></blockquote>
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A terror alert has been sounded in the area following the explosion in Oktogon intersection in the Pest section of the city, the Mirror reported.&nbsp; 
 
The police immediately rushed to the site of the blast and cordoned off the area. &nbsp;At least two policemen were also injured in the blast, an official statement said adding that the cause of the blast is not yet known. &nbsp; 
 
According to Reuters, local media initially suggested a gas explosion, however, eyewitnesses were doubtful. &nbsp;The surrounding area near has been partly evacuated after the incident.&nbsp; 
 
Olivia Sehildt, a Polish tourists who was near the site of the blast, told Reuters: &quot;I am here on holiday and I was here in the hostel across the corner (when the incident happened). I was getting ready for a party and suddenly I heard a big boom and from the window something fell into my room and our windows did not break, but then I was looking out the window and I saw a lot of cars coming, police, firemen, and a lot of people coming to street and other people from the hostel came out of the rooms and the windows were broken and nobody knew what happened.&quot; 
 
Several social media users also took to Twitter to report the incident.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Budapest?src=hash">#Budapest</a> no idea wht happened ..I just heard a big explosion <a href="https://t.co/JwVntJ5MJ2">pic.twitter.com/JwVntJ5MJ2</a>
&mdash; C Rohit Anand Singh (@rohit12ras) <a href="https://twitter.com/rohit12ras/status/779798236781568000">September 24, 2016</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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Explosion heard in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Budapest?src=hash">#Budapest</a>, here&#39;s the scene now. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hungary?src=hash">#Hungary</a> <a href="https://t.co/vAxHfPQNsM">pic.twitter.com/vAxHfPQNsM</a> <a href="https://t.co/vAxHfPQNsM">https://t.co/vAxHfPQNsM</a> <a href="https://t.co/u7DFV2Mnsi">https://t.co/u7DFV2Mnsi</a> <a href="https://t.co/SBrxFWcFk2">pic.twitter.com/SBrxFWcFk2</a>
&mdash; Michael Harris Ph.D (@michaelharrisdr) <a href="https://twitter.com/michaelharrisdr/status/779799456891953152">September 24, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Budapest?src=hash">#Budapest</a> Damage appears to come from outside, not inside... doesn&#39;t look like caused by gas line to me. <a href="https://t.co/jCYt6Ik0jG">https://t.co/jCYt6Ik0jG</a> <a href="https://t.co/2nux5lWWlE">pic.twitter.com/2nux5lWWlE</a>
&mdash; Jayne Dough (@PlainJayneDough) <a href="https://twitter.com/PlainJayneDough/status/779837658918817792">September 25, 2016</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from Reuters) 
&nbsp;

Police have not made an official statement about the cause of the blast, however, a gas explosion is suspected

A shop in central Budapest was hit by an explosion late on Saturday night, causing multiple injuries, according to media reports. Police are responding to reports of a large explosion in Budapest, Hungary. https://t.co/tQEGifeTyc — Twitter Moments (@TwitterMoments) September 24, 2016 A terror alert has been sounded in the area following the explosion in Oktogon intersection in the Pest section of the city, the Mirror reported. The police immediately rushed to the site of the blast and cordoned off the area. At least two policemen were also injured in the blast, an official statement said adding that the cause of the blast is not yet known. According to Reuters, local media initially suggested a gas explosion, however, eyewitnesses were doubtful. The surrounding area near has been partly evacuated after the incident. Olivia Sehildt, a Polish tourists who was near the site of the blast, told Reuters: "I am here on holiday and I was here in the hostel across the corner (when the incident happened). I was getting ready for a party and suddenly I heard a big boom and from the window something fell into my room and our windows did not break, but then I was looking out the window and I saw a lot of cars coming, police, firemen, and a lot of people coming to street and other people from the hostel came out of the rooms and the windows were broken and nobody knew what happened." Several social media users also took to Twitter to report the incident. #Budapest no idea wht happened ..I just heard a big explosion pic.twitter.com/JwVntJ5MJ2 — C Rohit Anand Singh (@rohit12ras) September 24, 2016 Explosion heard in #Budapest, here's the scene now. #Hungary pic.twitter.com/vAxHfPQNsM https://t.co/vAxHfPQNsM https://t.co/u7DFV2Mnsi pic.twitter.com/SBrxFWcFk2 — Michael Harris Ph.D (@michaelharrisdr) September 24, 2016 #Budapest Damage appears to come from outside, not inside... doesn't look like caused by gas line to me. https://t.co/jCYt6Ik0jG pic.twitter.com/2nux5lWWlE — Jayne Dough (@PlainJayneDough) September 25, 2016 (With inputs from Reuters)

Explosion in Budapest city centre causes multiple injuries

Hungary and Portugal reached the Euro 2016 knockout stages after a rip-roaring 3-3 draw in which Cristiano Ronaldo netted twice and became the first player to score at four European Championship finals on Wednesday 
 
The Portuguese came from behind three times as Ronaldo, who also set a tournament record of 17 appearances, finally rediscovered his touch to help Portugal make the last 16, where they will meet Croatia in Lens on Saturday. 
 
Group F winners Hungary finished above Iceland, who also qualified after a last-gasp 2-1 win over Austria in Paris, and third-placed Portugal. 
 
Hungary will play the Group E runners-up, which will be decided later on Wednesday between Belgium, Sweden and Ireland, while Iceland will face England. 
 
Ronaldo equalised twice in the second half after Zoltan Gera&#39;s early strike was cancelled out by Nani just before the break. Hungary captain Balazs Dzsudzsak had twice put his side ahead before Ronaldo burst into life with a double strike. 
 
(Reuters)

Ronaldo became the first player to score at four European championship finals in his 17th match in a Euro tournament

Hungary and Portugal reached the Euro 2016 knockout stages after a rip-roaring 3-3 draw in which Cristiano Ronaldo netted twice and became the first player to score at four European Championship finals on Wednesday The Portuguese came from behind three times as Ronaldo, who also set a tournament record of 17 appearances, finally rediscovered his touch to help Portugal make the last 16, where they will meet Croatia in Lens on Saturday. Group F winners Hungary finished above Iceland, who also qualified after a last-gasp 2-1 win over Austria in Paris, and third-placed Portugal. Hungary will play the Group E runners-up, which will be decided later on Wednesday between Belgium, Sweden and Ireland, while Iceland will face England. Ronaldo equalised twice in the second half after Zoltan Gera's early strike was cancelled out by Nani just before the break. Hungary captain Balazs Dzsudzsak had twice put his side ahead before Ronaldo burst into life with a double strike. (Reuters)

Hungary and Portugal reach knockout stages after thrilling 3-3 draw

&nbsp;Two of the noisiest sets of supporters at Euro 2016 witnessed the first surprise result of the finals on Tuesday when Austria lost 2-0 to old rivals Hungary in the opening match of Group F. 
 
The Austrians had been unimpressive in some friendly matches since reeling off nine successive victories to win their qualifying section but they were still strong favourites. 
 
Hungary were therefore all the more delighted to achieve unexpected success in the 138th meeting between the countries with goals by Adam Szalai and substitute Zoltan Stieber. 
 
They appear to have surprised even themselves, since coach Bernd Storck had said victory would be &quot;a miracle&quot;. 
 
Perhaps he realised it was a day for the unexpected when centre forward Szalai scored. 
 
That had not happened for the national team since October 2014, against the might of the Faroe Islands. Nor had the former Real Madrid reserve player been exactly prolific at his various German clubs. 
 
Szalai showed more than one touch of class, however, in the 62nd minute, chesting down for man of the match Laszlo Kleinheisler, then sliding the return pass past the previously untroubled goalkeeper Robert Almer. 
 
TWO INCIDENTS 
 
That was the first of two incidents in as many minutes that turned the game. 
 
Austria retaliated almost immediately as Martin Hinteregger&#39;s shot beat keeper Gabor Kiraly but the referee ruled it out for a late tackle by their centre back Aleksandar Dragovic, who received his second yellow card and was sent off. 
 
Kiraly, the first 40-year-old to play in the European Championship, made an excellent save from Zlatko Junuzovic 10 minutes before halftime. 
 
His evening got better and better after almost suffering the worst possible start, when David Alaba&#39;s shot in the first minute flew past him but hit the post. 
 
Austria were the better side in the first half, but Alaba&#39;s influence in midfield slowly waned, causing coach Marcel Koller to wonder whether the Bayern Munich man might be better reverting to his club position in the back four. 
 
Koller has much else to ponder before the meeting with short-odds group favourites Portugal in Paris on Saturday, including an injury to the influential number 10 Junuzovic and Dragovic&#39;s suspension. 
 
The full back&#39;s ban is expected to bring an opportunity for Gyorgy Garics, who decided to stay with the squad after his father died of cancer last week. 
 
Meanwhile, the Hungarians, having qualified for the first time since reaching the 1972 semi-final, will be newly confident of claiming a place in the last-16 when they play Iceland earlier on Saturday. 
 
They have made the most of their preparation, unlike Austria, who may have been lured into complacency after their stunning qualification campaign. 
 
&quot;We got our reward for three weeks of hard work. Our recent friendlies helped. What we did in the second half was brilliant. Congratulations to the whole team,&quot; Storck said.&nbsp; 
 
(Reuters)

Even their coach had said victory would be a 'miracle'

Two of the noisiest sets of supporters at Euro 2016 witnessed the first surprise result of the finals on Tuesday when Austria lost 2-0 to old rivals Hungary in the opening match of Group F. The Austrians had been unimpressive in some friendly matches since reeling off nine successive victories to win their qualifying section but they were still strong favourites. Hungary were therefore all the more delighted to achieve unexpected success in the 138th meeting between the countries with goals by Adam Szalai and substitute Zoltan Stieber. They appear to have surprised even themselves, since coach Bernd Storck had said victory would be "a miracle". Perhaps he realised it was a day for the unexpected when centre forward Szalai scored. That had not happened for the national team since October 2014, against the might of the Faroe Islands. Nor had the former Real Madrid reserve player been exactly prolific at his various German clubs. Szalai showed more than one touch of class, however, in the 62nd minute, chesting down for man of the match Laszlo Kleinheisler, then sliding the return pass past the previously untroubled goalkeeper Robert Almer. TWO INCIDENTS That was the first of two incidents in as many minutes that turned the game. Austria retaliated almost immediately as Martin Hinteregger's shot beat keeper Gabor Kiraly but the referee ruled it out for a late tackle by their centre back Aleksandar Dragovic, who received his second yellow card and was sent off. Kiraly, the first 40-year-old to play in the European Championship, made an excellent save from Zlatko Junuzovic 10 minutes before halftime. His evening got better and better after almost suffering the worst possible start, when David Alaba's shot in the first minute flew past him but hit the post. Austria were the better side in the first half, but Alaba's influence in midfield slowly waned, causing coach Marcel Koller to wonder whether the Bayern Munich man might be better reverting to his club position in the back four. Koller has much else to ponder before the meeting with short-odds group favourites Portugal in Paris on Saturday, including an injury to the influential number 10 Junuzovic and Dragovic's suspension. The full back's ban is expected to bring an opportunity for Gyorgy Garics, who decided to stay with the squad after his father died of cancer last week. Meanwhile, the Hungarians, having qualified for the first time since reaching the 1972 semi-final, will be newly confident of claiming a place in the last-16 when they play Iceland earlier on Saturday. They have made the most of their preparation, unlike Austria, who may have been lured into complacency after their stunning qualification campaign. "We got our reward for three weeks of hard work. Our recent friendlies helped. What we did in the second half was brilliant. Congratulations to the whole team," Storck said. (Reuters)

Another surprise result, Hungary beat old foes Austria 2-0

The Euro 2016 draw has opened up for Belgium, but Marc Wilmots&#39; side are still to confirm their title credentials before their round of 16 match against undefeated Hungary on Sunday. 
 
Belgium finished second in Group E after an opening defeat by Italy, but Wilmots refuses to see it as a blessing in disguise, even if the draw means they will avoid Spain, Germany, France, England and the Italians until the final. 
 
Concerned about the pressure on his team, the coach hinted that he would rather face one of the heavyweights. 
 
&quot;These are games in which you have nothing to lose,&quot; he told reporters. &quot;Matches like we played against Brazil in the 2002 World Cup are nicer.&nbsp;In this Euro there are no easy games, no small teams,&quot; he added. &quot;They criticised us for losing to Wales (during qualification) and look where they are now.&quot; 
 
Belgium&#39;s prospects have improved with the draw - bookmaker William Hill has slash their championship odds from 11/1 to 11/2 - but Wilmots is yet to prove he can make the most of his talented squad. 
 
They were outworked and outthought against Italy, but romped to victory against Ireland in perhaps the best performance yet by this collection of talented players. 
 
Despite Wilmots&#39; bullish response to critics after this match, hopes Belgium had turned the corner were deflated when they again lacked fluency against Sweden. 
 
Wilmots insisted Belgium had grown since their opener, but conceded that there was still much to improve. 
 
Euro 2016 joint top scorers Hungary may have a taste for blood after giving Portugal an almighty scare in a 3-3 draw on Wednesday, but they will face a sterner test from a Belgium defence eyeing a third straight clean sheet. 
 
That thrilling game also exposed Hungary&#39;s defensive deficiencies and they should provide Belgium with ample opportunity to rediscover the attacking coherency they demonstrated against Ireland. 
 
For that match, the introduction of Mousa Dembele was decisive in providing midfield mobility that had previously been lacking, although an ankle knock picked up in that match may mean Radja Nainggolan again partners Axel Witsel. 
 
Hungary coach Bernd Storck has demonstrated an admirable tactical flexibility, giving all of his 20 outfield players some action, and has hinted at more changes for Sunday&#39;s match. 
 
Adam Lang will likely continue at right back with Attila Fiola injured and attacking midfielder Zoltan Gera should return after being injured against Portugal. 
 
(Reuters)

Marc Wilmots insisted Belgium had grown since their opener, but conceded there was still much to improve

The Euro 2016 draw has opened up for Belgium, but Marc Wilmots' side are still to confirm their title credentials before their round of 16 match against undefeated Hungary on Sunday. Belgium finished second in Group E after an opening defeat by Italy, but Wilmots refuses to see it as a blessing in disguise, even if the draw means they will avoid Spain, Germany, France, England and the Italians until the final. Concerned about the pressure on his team, the coach hinted that he would rather face one of the heavyweights. "These are games in which you have nothing to lose," he told reporters. "Matches like we played against Brazil in the 2002 World Cup are nicer. In this Euro there are no easy games, no small teams," he added. "They criticised us for losing to Wales (during qualification) and look where they are now." Belgium's prospects have improved with the draw - bookmaker William Hill has slash their championship odds from 11/1 to 11/2 - but Wilmots is yet to prove he can make the most of his talented squad. They were outworked and outthought against Italy, but romped to victory against Ireland in perhaps the best performance yet by this collection of talented players. Despite Wilmots' bullish response to critics after this match, hopes Belgium had turned the corner were deflated when they again lacked fluency against Sweden. Wilmots insisted Belgium had grown since their opener, but conceded that there was still much to improve. Euro 2016 joint top scorers Hungary may have a taste for blood after giving Portugal an almighty scare in a 3-3 draw on Wednesday, but they will face a sterner test from a Belgium defence eyeing a third straight clean sheet. That thrilling game also exposed Hungary's defensive deficiencies and they should provide Belgium with ample opportunity to rediscover the attacking coherency they demonstrated against Ireland. For that match, the introduction of Mousa Dembele was decisive in providing midfield mobility that had previously been lacking, although an ankle knock picked up in that match may mean Radja Nainggolan again partners Axel Witsel. Hungary coach Bernd Storck has demonstrated an admirable tactical flexibility, giving all of his 20 outfield players some action, and has hinted at more changes for Sunday's match. Adam Lang will likely continue at right back with Attila Fiola injured and attacking midfielder Zoltan Gera should return after being injured against Portugal. (Reuters)

Belgium yet to prove themselves as Hungary awaits

UEFA began disciplinary proceedings today against Portugal, Hungary and Belgium for incidents in their Euro 2016 matches the previous day. 
 
Portugal is charged with allowing a pitch invasion, Hungary for allowing crowd disturbances and other offences and Belgium for its fans setting off fireworks and throwing objects. 
 
A fan ran on to the pitch in Portugal&#39;s 0-0 draw with Austria at the Parc des Princes in Paris on Saturday and posed for a selfie with Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. 
 
In Marseille, Hungarian fans clashed with stewards in the Stade Velodrome as they tried to climb a fence to join up with another group of Hungarians before the 1-1 draw with Iceland. 
 
Hungary is also accused of allowing its fans to set off fireworks and throwing objects. 
 
The punishment in that case will be announced on Tuesday. 
 
Belgium also faces charges that its supporters threw fireworks and other objects during the 3-0 win against the Republic of Ireland in Bordeaux. 
 
UEFA said it was yet to decide a date for its disciplinary committee to meet on the cases of Belgium and Portugal. 
(AFP)

A fan ran on to the pitch after Portugal's 0-0 draw with Austria in Paris and posed for a selfie with Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo

UEFA began disciplinary proceedings today against Portugal, Hungary and Belgium for incidents in their Euro 2016 matches the previous day. Portugal is charged with allowing a pitch invasion, Hungary for allowing crowd disturbances and other offences and Belgium for its fans setting off fireworks and throwing objects. A fan ran on to the pitch in Portugal's 0-0 draw with Austria at the Parc des Princes in Paris on Saturday and posed for a selfie with Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. In Marseille, Hungarian fans clashed with stewards in the Stade Velodrome as they tried to climb a fence to join up with another group of Hungarians before the 1-1 draw with Iceland. Hungary is also accused of allowing its fans to set off fireworks and throwing objects. The punishment in that case will be announced on Tuesday. Belgium also faces charges that its supporters threw fireworks and other objects during the 3-0 win against the Republic of Ireland in Bordeaux. UEFA said it was yet to decide a date for its disciplinary committee to meet on the cases of Belgium and Portugal. (AFP)

UEFA opens disciplinary probes against Portugal, Hungary and Belgium

Belgium captain Eden Hazard produced an inspired performance, including a fine solo goal, to lead his side to a resounding 4-0 victory over Hungary at Euro 2016 on Sunday to set up a quarter-final clash with Wales. 
 
Hazard, who has finally burst into life at the tournament after a disappointing club season with Chelsea, set up one goal and scored another as Toby Alderweireld, Michy Batshuayi and Yannick Carrasco completed a comfortable victory. 
 
&quot;If he&#39;s feeling good, he&#39;s the best in the world,&quot; Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said of Hazard. &quot; The only thing we might have done better was kill the match off earlier.&quot; 
 
Belgium dominated the opening stages and took the lead after 10 minutes when Kevin De Bruyne swung an inviting cross into the box where centre back Alderweireld rose at the far post to power a header past keeper Gabor Kiraly. 
 
Substitute Batshuayi tapped home Hazard&#39;s low cross with 12 minutes remaining shortly after coming on before the Belgium skipper cut inside Hungary&#39;s box and rifled home a superb low strike for the third, with Carrasco grabbing a late fourth. 
 
Hungary, shorn of influential midfielder Lazlo Kleinheisler who was injured in the warm-up, ceded the initiative early as Belgium found space and set the tone for a one-sided half. 
 
De Bruyne has improved significantly after being criticised by coach Marc Wilmots and was again at the heart of much that was good about Belgium&#39;s play. 
 
He lofted an early shot over the bar and teed up striker Romelu Lukaku to force a sharp save from veteran Kiraly, before testing the keeper himself from the edge of the box. 
 
Predictably, it was De Bruyne who forged the opening to cap off an excellent opening spell. 
 
After provoking a foul on the left, the 24-year-old curled in the resulting free kick and, while his delivery evaded Lukaku, Alderweireld arrived behind his team mate to head home. 
 
It was De Bruyne&#39;s 11th goal or assist in his last 12 internationals, and represented another decisive contribution for one of the Euro&#39;s leading lights. 
 
Hungary were largely reduced to pot shots from distance, with Gergo Lovrencsics and Balazs Dzsudzsak both hoping in vain for a repeat of the latter&#39;s belter against Portugal. 
 
De Bruyne fired a free kick against the bar in the 34th, while the overworked Kiraly denied Dries Mertens and Hazard from close range as Belgium threatened to extend their lead. 
 
Hungary improved after the break as Dzsudzsak got more of the ball and he fashioned an excellent chance for Adam Szalai, while Adam Pinter&#39;s deflected strike drew a fine save from Courtois and Roland Juhasz sent a low drive just wide. 
 
With Belgium failing to kill off the game, Wilmots turned to Batshuayi, so far unused at the finals, after 76 minutes. 
 
The switch paid off almost immediately as the highly regarded forward scored with his first touch, a simple finish following a sublime cross from Hazard in the 78th. 
 
Just as De Bruyne had imposed himself during the opening stages of the match, so Hazard shone at the finale. 
 
Ninety-four seconds later, the forward killed the game with a magnificent solo effort, cutting in from the left, evading two challenges and thumping the ball home from the edge of the area. 
 
Substitutes Marouane Fellaini and Carrasco combined at the death to add a breakaway fourth as Belgium secured a quarter-final date with Wales in Lille on Friday. 
 
(Reuters)

Belgium captain Eden Hazard produced an inspired performance, including a fine solo goal, to lead his side to a resounding 4-0 victory over Hungary at Euro 2016 on Sunday to set up a quarter-final clash with Wales. Hazard, who has finally burst into life at the tournament after a disappointing club season with Chelsea, set up one goal and scored another as Toby Alderweireld, Michy Batshuayi and Yannick Carrasco completed a comfortable victory. "If he's feeling good, he's the best in the world," Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said of Hazard. " The only thing we might have done better was kill the match off earlier." Belgium dominated the opening stages and took the lead after 10 minutes when Kevin De Bruyne swung an inviting cross into the box where centre back Alderweireld rose at the far post to power a header past keeper Gabor Kiraly. Substitute Batshuayi tapped home Hazard's low cross with 12 minutes remaining shortly after coming on before the Belgium skipper cut inside Hungary's box and rifled home a superb low strike for the third, with Carrasco grabbing a late fourth. Hungary, shorn of influential midfielder Lazlo Kleinheisler who was injured in the warm-up, ceded the initiative early as Belgium found space and set the tone for a one-sided half. De Bruyne has improved significantly after being criticised by coach Marc Wilmots and was again at the heart of much that was good about Belgium's play. He lofted an early shot over the bar and teed up striker Romelu Lukaku to force a sharp save from veteran Kiraly, before testing the keeper himself from the edge of the box. Predictably, it was De Bruyne who forged the opening to cap off an excellent opening spell. After provoking a foul on the left, the 24-year-old curled in the resulting free kick and, while his delivery evaded Lukaku, Alderweireld arrived behind his team mate to head home. It was De Bruyne's 11th goal or assist in his last 12 internationals, and represented another decisive contribution for one of the Euro's leading lights. Hungary were largely reduced to pot shots from distance, with Gergo Lovrencsics and Balazs Dzsudzsak both hoping in vain for a repeat of the latter's belter against Portugal. De Bruyne fired a free kick against the bar in the 34th, while the overworked Kiraly denied Dries Mertens and Hazard from close range as Belgium threatened to extend their lead. Hungary improved after the break as Dzsudzsak got more of the ball and he fashioned an excellent chance for Adam Szalai, while Adam Pinter's deflected strike drew a fine save from Courtois and Roland Juhasz sent a low drive just wide. With Belgium failing to kill off the game, Wilmots turned to Batshuayi, so far unused at the finals, after 76 minutes. The switch paid off almost immediately as the highly regarded forward scored with his first touch, a simple finish following a sublime cross from Hazard in the 78th. Just as De Bruyne had imposed himself during the opening stages of the match, so Hazard shone at the finale. Ninety-four seconds later, the forward killed the game with a magnificent solo effort, cutting in from the left, evading two challenges and thumping the ball home from the edge of the area. Substitutes Marouane Fellaini and Carrasco combined at the death to add a breakaway fourth as Belgium secured a quarter-final date with Wales in Lille on Friday. (Reuters)

Belgium overwhelm Hungary 4-0

European Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker said that the EU&#39;s deal with Turkey on halting the flow of migrants towards the bloc is at risk of breaking down, in comments published on Friday. 
 
&quot;The risk is big. The success so far of the pact is fragile. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has already hinted several times that he wants to scrap it,&quot; Juncker told Austrian daily Kurier. 
 
&quot;(If that happens) then we can expect migrants to start coming to Europe again,&quot; he told the paper in an interview to be published today. 
 
The March accord between the European Union and Turkey succeeded in stemming the flow of migrants but there are concerns that it could fall apart after a failed coup against Erdogan on July 15. 
 
A subsequent purge in Turkey has seen thousands of arrests among the army, the police and judiciary, and hundreds have lost their jobs in every major Turkish ministry. 
 
Three days after the attempt on the government, a group of Turkish officials assigned to monitor the migration deal on the Greek side returned home, and have yet to be replaced. 
 
In a wide-ranging interview, Juncker also said he was &quot;very concerned&quot; about developments within the 28-nation EU, particularly with regard to Poland and Hungary. 
 
&quot;In Poland the government&#39;s course of action has damaged the rule of law... I am watching with concern preparations for Hungary&#39;s referendum on migration,&quot; Juncker was quoted as saying. 
 
On Wednesday the European Commission handed Poland&#39;s right-wing government a three-month deadline to reverse changes to its Constitutional Court or face sanctions for breaching EU norms on the rule of law and democracy. 
 
The move by the EU&#39;s executive arm is the second step in an unprecedented procedure which could eventually see Warsaw&#39;s voting rights suspended in the council of ministers, the EU&#39;s highest decision-making body. 
 
Hungary meanwhile has refused to accept a single migrant under a mandatory EU quota plan to share them around the bloc, and will hold a referendum on the scheme on October 2. 
 
Right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban this week called migration &quot;poison&quot; for Europe and said that his country &quot;does not need a single migrant&quot;. 
 
&quot;If referendums are going to be organised on every decision of the council of ministers and the European Parliament, then legal security is in danger,&quot; Juncker said. 
 
&quot;The Commission should really - although we&#39;re not that far yet - launch a breach of treaty procedure against Hungary. Orban though would then claim that the Commission is taking the Hungarian people to court.&quot; 
 
(AFP)

March accord between EU and Turkey succeeded in stemming the flow of migrants but there are concerns that it could fall apart

European Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker said that the EU's deal with Turkey on halting the flow of migrants towards the bloc is at risk of breaking down, in comments published on Friday. "The risk is big. The success so far of the pact is fragile. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has already hinted several times that he wants to scrap it," Juncker told Austrian daily Kurier. "(If that happens) then we can expect migrants to start coming to Europe again," he told the paper in an interview to be published today. The March accord between the European Union and Turkey succeeded in stemming the flow of migrants but there are concerns that it could fall apart after a failed coup against Erdogan on July 15. A subsequent purge in Turkey has seen thousands of arrests among the army, the police and judiciary, and hundreds have lost their jobs in every major Turkish ministry. Three days after the attempt on the government, a group of Turkish officials assigned to monitor the migration deal on the Greek side returned home, and have yet to be replaced. In a wide-ranging interview, Juncker also said he was "very concerned" about developments within the 28-nation EU, particularly with regard to Poland and Hungary. "In Poland the government's course of action has damaged the rule of law... I am watching with concern preparations for Hungary's referendum on migration," Juncker was quoted as saying. On Wednesday the European Commission handed Poland's right-wing government a three-month deadline to reverse changes to its Constitutional Court or face sanctions for breaching EU norms on the rule of law and democracy. The move by the EU's executive arm is the second step in an unprecedented procedure which could eventually see Warsaw's voting rights suspended in the council of ministers, the EU's highest decision-making body. Hungary meanwhile has refused to accept a single migrant under a mandatory EU quota plan to share them around the bloc, and will hold a referendum on the scheme on October 2. Right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban this week called migration "poison" for Europe and said that his country "does not need a single migrant". "If referendums are going to be organised on every decision of the council of ministers and the European Parliament, then legal security is in danger," Juncker said. "The Commission should really - although we're not that far yet - launch a breach of treaty procedure against Hungary. Orban though would then claim that the Commission is taking the Hungarian people to court." (AFP)

European Commission head Juncker: EU-Turkey migrant deal at risk of breaking down

Hundreds of migrants from the Middle East and Asia marched through Belgrade today on their way to Hungary, and announced a hunger strike to underline their demand for passage to western Europe. 
 
Last month Hungary, Serbia&#39;s northern neighbour and an European Union member, allowed police to send back illegal migrants detained within eight kilometres of its razor wire-fenced frontier with Serbia. It has also limited the number of daily entries to a maximum of 30, creating a bottleneck in Serbia. 
 
A group of around 300 men, mainly from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran, marched across the main bridge between Belgrades city centre and the Novi Beograd area, with a police car leading the column. There were no women or children in the group.&nbsp; 
 
A police officer who declined to be named said the migrants had started a march to the Hungarian border, around 200 kilometres to the north. &quot;We are here to guarantee their safety and prevent accidents en route,&quot; he said. 
 
Earlier in the day, the group also announced a hunger strike, said Vladimir Sjekloca, a manager of Belgrade&#39;s Asylum Info Centre. 
 
&quot;They want to go to Hungary, they want borders open,&quot; he said. &quot;Most of them spent the night in the park.&quot; To cope with the inflow of over 100,000 migrants that passed through Serbia so far this year, the country&#39;s police and army last week formed joint border patrols. More than 650,000 people passed through Serbia last year on their way to the EU. 
 
On Friday, Aleksandar Vulin, Serbia`s minister for social affairs, said as many as 3,000 migrants were stranded in the country. 
&quot;Serbia cannot allow that,&quot; Vulin was quoted as saying by the Tanjug news agency. &quot;It will not suffer because EU countries cannot find a joint solution.&quot; 
 
Unlike in 2015, when countries tried to organise the orderly passage of migrants, the closure of the Balkan route prompted many to cross borders illegally or through human trafficking networks. 
 
(Reuters)

More than 650,000 people passed through Serbia last year on their way to the EU

Hundreds of migrants from the Middle East and Asia marched through Belgrade today on their way to Hungary, and announced a hunger strike to underline their demand for passage to western Europe. Last month Hungary, Serbia's northern neighbour and an European Union member, allowed police to send back illegal migrants detained within eight kilometres of its razor wire-fenced frontier with Serbia. It has also limited the number of daily entries to a maximum of 30, creating a bottleneck in Serbia. A group of around 300 men, mainly from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran, marched across the main bridge between Belgrades city centre and the Novi Beograd area, with a police car leading the column. There were no women or children in the group. A police officer who declined to be named said the migrants had started a march to the Hungarian border, around 200 kilometres to the north. "We are here to guarantee their safety and prevent accidents en route," he said. Earlier in the day, the group also announced a hunger strike, said Vladimir Sjekloca, a manager of Belgrade's Asylum Info Centre. "They want to go to Hungary, they want borders open," he said. "Most of them spent the night in the park." To cope with the inflow of over 100,000 migrants that passed through Serbia so far this year, the country's police and army last week formed joint border patrols. More than 650,000 people passed through Serbia last year on their way to the EU. On Friday, Aleksandar Vulin, Serbia`s minister for social affairs, said as many as 3,000 migrants were stranded in the country. "Serbia cannot allow that," Vulin was quoted as saying by the Tanjug news agency. "It will not suffer because EU countries cannot find a joint solution." Unlike in 2015, when countries tried to organise the orderly passage of migrants, the closure of the Balkan route prompted many to cross borders illegally or through human trafficking networks. (Reuters)

Migrants in Serbia march to Hungary, announce hunger strike

Ride-hailing service Uber will suspend its operations in Hungary due to government legislation that makes it impossible for it to operate, the company said on Wednesday. 
 
&quot;We will be suspending Uber X in Budapest effective on July 24,&quot; Rob Khazzam, general manager for Uber in central Europe, said in an interview. 
 
&quot;Unfortunately, the logic of legislative developments that have unfolded in Hungary over the last 18 months have led us to this difficult decision.&quot; 
 
In June, Hungary&#39;s parliament, where Prime Minister Viktor Orbans right-wing Fidesz party has a strong majority, passed legislation with the aim of curbing the activities of Uber. 
 
The move followed months of protests by taxi drivers and bans on some Uber services in other countries. 
 
The new law, which comes into force this month, will permit the Hungarian national communications authority to block internet access to &quot;illegal dispatcher services&quot;. 
 
Taxi drivers in Hungary have demanded Uber be outlawed and its smartphone app blocked as they say its drivers breach regulations other taxis firms must adhere to. 
 
Uber says more than 160,000 people use its services in Budapest, but now its 1,200 drivers risk losing their driving licences for up to 3 years despite being professionally licensed and tax compliant. 
 
&quot;It is not a ban. Uber has not been banned in Budapest, it is simply a forced suspension, we have been left no other alternative by the authorities in Hungary in response to these developments,&quot; Khazzam said. 
 
Khazzam said Uber hoped to be back in Hungary. 
 
(Reuters)

After protests by taxi drivers, the new law will permit Hungarian authority to block internet access to 'illegal dispatcher service'

Ride-hailing service Uber will suspend its operations in Hungary due to government legislation that makes it impossible for it to operate, the company said on Wednesday. "We will be suspending Uber X in Budapest effective on July 24," Rob Khazzam, general manager for Uber in central Europe, said in an interview. "Unfortunately, the logic of legislative developments that have unfolded in Hungary over the last 18 months have led us to this difficult decision." In June, Hungary's parliament, where Prime Minister Viktor Orbans right-wing Fidesz party has a strong majority, passed legislation with the aim of curbing the activities of Uber. The move followed months of protests by taxi drivers and bans on some Uber services in other countries. The new law, which comes into force this month, will permit the Hungarian national communications authority to block internet access to "illegal dispatcher services". Taxi drivers in Hungary have demanded Uber be outlawed and its smartphone app blocked as they say its drivers breach regulations other taxis firms must adhere to. Uber says more than 160,000 people use its services in Budapest, but now its 1,200 drivers risk losing their driving licences for up to 3 years despite being professionally licensed and tax compliant. "It is not a ban. Uber has not been banned in Budapest, it is simply a forced suspension, we have been left no other alternative by the authorities in Hungary in response to these developments," Khazzam said. Khazzam said Uber hoped to be back in Hungary. (Reuters)

Uber to suspend operations in Hungary due to govt legislation

A population slump in Hungary is presenting Prime Minister Viktor Orban&#39;s anti-immigration government with a headache: how to plug labour supply shortages without turning to foreigners. 
 
Hungary, a member of European Union (EU) since 2004, has seen 400,000 people leave the country since 2008, and 850,000 over the past 35 years. 
 
&#39;Hungarian economic train can&#39;t get out of the station because there are no wheels&#39;&nbsp; 
 
In addition, since the 1980s, the ex-communist central European country has had one of the lowest birth rates in Europe, bringing the overall population below the 10-million mark. 
 
As a result, at least a quarter of Hungarian firms are experiencing problems finding workers, said the Confederation of Hungarian Employers and Industrialists (MGYOSZ) in a recent study. 
 
&quot;The Hungarian economic train can&#39;t get out of the station because there are no wheels,&quot; said the report. 
 
Call centre employee Mark Stern and his teacher wife Rita, about to move to Ireland with their toddler Marci, are among the latest to join the exodus. 
 
&quot;We have friends in Ireland, we speak English and there are lots of opportunities for people there who want to work,&quot; Rita, 32, told AFP in Gyomro, a town outside Budapest, as she made her farewells. 
 
Hungarians being encouraged to return from abroad have more babies&nbsp; 
 
The conservative Orban, in power since 2010 and a father of five himself, has attempted to redress the dire situation with a raft of measures aimed at getting Hungarians to have more babies or return from abroad. 
 
Since June 2015, Hungarians returning have been able to benefit from a welcome-back present of 3,000 euros ($3,330) as well as help finding work and accommodation. 
 
Only 105 people have taken up the offer, however. 
 
Couples planning to have three children in the next decade, or those with three kids already, can get 10 million forints (35,700 euros, $35,480) towards buying a property, and a low-interest loan of the same amount. 
 
More than 12,500 people have signed up for this scheme in the past year, contributing to a rise in real estate prices of between 10 and 30 percent, according to economists. 
 
There is more the government can do, said Balazs Kapitany, head of the national demographics office, not least when it comes to cutting red tape for re-entering the education and health systems. 
 
But longer term, he says, it will be difficult for Hungary`s population to grow.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;The children from Hungary&#39;s 1970-75 baby boom will soon be too old to have children, and the succeeding generations are not very numerous,&quot; he said.The answer, and one turned to by other European countries facing similar, if less acute, challenges may be immigration, Mihaly Varga, Hungary&#39;s economy minister, said last week. 
 
Importing workers would be difficult 
 
But, in spite of employer woes, importing workers would be a difficult measure to swallow for a government that has put up billboards telling foreigners not to take Hungarians&#39; jobs. 
 
The premier has often argued that immigration cannot compensate for labour shortages, and has been anything but welcoming to foreigners, particularly Muslims, in the last year. 
 
The influx of mostly Muslim refugees and migrants into the EU over the last 12 months poses a security threat and threatens the continent`s Christian identity, Orban has said.&nbsp; 
 
Around 400,000 migrants and refugees passed through Hungary in 2015 before the government sealed off the southern borders with razor wire and fences. 
 
An EU plan for member countries to take in migrants according to a mandatory quota meanwhile has also been furiously slammed by Budapest which will put the issue to a referendum in October. 
 
The need to reconcile Orban&#39;s anti-foreigner stance with Hungary`s growing demand for new sources of manpower looks though to have already caused a shift in approach. 
 
According to Varga, the ministry is mulling a plan by MGYOSZ that proposes allowing non-EU citizens to live and work in the country. 
 
The scheme could copy countries like Poland, the body said, where around one million people from neighbouring Ukraine are employed. 
 
Labour shortages in sectors like tourism and construction could be filled by &quot;skilled, culturally integrable guest workers,&quot; according to MGYOSZ.&nbsp; 
 
(AFP)&nbsp;

Influx of Muslim refugees, migrants into the EU poses a security threat and threatens the continent's Christian identity: PM Orban

A population slump in Hungary is presenting Prime Minister Viktor Orban's anti-immigration government with a headache: how to plug labour supply shortages without turning to foreigners. Hungary, a member of European Union (EU) since 2004, has seen 400,000 people leave the country since 2008, and 850,000 over the past 35 years. 'Hungarian economic train can't get out of the station because there are no wheels' In addition, since the 1980s, the ex-communist central European country has had one of the lowest birth rates in Europe, bringing the overall population below the 10-million mark. As a result, at least a quarter of Hungarian firms are experiencing problems finding workers, said the Confederation of Hungarian Employers and Industrialists (MGYOSZ) in a recent study. "The Hungarian economic train can't get out of the station because there are no wheels," said the report. Call centre employee Mark Stern and his teacher wife Rita, about to move to Ireland with their toddler Marci, are among the latest to join the exodus. "We have friends in Ireland, we speak English and there are lots of opportunities for people there who want to work," Rita, 32, told AFP in Gyomro, a town outside Budapest, as she made her farewells. Hungarians being encouraged to return from abroad have more babies The conservative Orban, in power since 2010 and a father of five himself, has attempted to redress the dire situation with a raft of measures aimed at getting Hungarians to have more babies or return from abroad. Since June 2015, Hungarians returning have been able to benefit from a welcome-back present of 3,000 euros ($3,330) as well as help finding work and accommodation. Only 105 people have taken up the offer, however. Couples planning to have three children in the next decade, or those with three kids already, can get 10 million forints (35,700 euros, $35,480) towards buying a property, and a low-interest loan of the same amount. More than 12,500 people have signed up for this scheme in the past year, contributing to a rise in real estate prices of between 10 and 30 percent, according to economists. There is more the government can do, said Balazs Kapitany, head of the national demographics office, not least when it comes to cutting red tape for re-entering the education and health systems. But longer term, he says, it will be difficult for Hungary`s population to grow. "The children from Hungary's 1970-75 baby boom will soon be too old to have children, and the succeeding generations are not very numerous," he said.The answer, and one turned to by other European countries facing similar, if less acute, challenges may be immigration, Mihaly Varga, Hungary's economy minister, said last week. Importing workers would be difficult But, in spite of employer woes, importing workers would be a difficult measure to swallow for a government that has put up billboards telling foreigners not to take Hungarians' jobs. The premier has often argued that immigration cannot compensate for labour shortages, and has been anything but welcoming to foreigners, particularly Muslims, in the last year. The influx of mostly Muslim refugees and migrants into the EU over the last 12 months poses a security threat and threatens the continent`s Christian identity, Orban has said. Around 400,000 migrants and refugees passed through Hungary in 2015 before the government sealed off the southern borders with razor wire and fences. An EU plan for member countries to take in migrants according to a mandatory quota meanwhile has also been furiously slammed by Budapest which will put the issue to a referendum in October. The need to reconcile Orban's anti-foreigner stance with Hungary`s growing demand for new sources of manpower looks though to have already caused a shift in approach. According to Varga, the ministry is mulling a plan by MGYOSZ that proposes allowing non-EU citizens to live and work in the country. The scheme could copy countries like Poland, the body said, where around one million people from neighbouring Ukraine are employed. Labour shortages in sectors like tourism and construction could be filled by "skilled, culturally integrable guest workers," according to MGYOSZ. (AFP)

Hungary's 'anti-immigration' PM faces workforce shortage amid population slump

Hungary will hold a referendum on October 2 on EU plans to relocate migrants among member states, a scheme fiercely opposed by right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban, the President said Tuesday. 
 
&quot;As President of the republic I decree that the referendum will be held on October 2,&quot; President Janos Ader said in a statement. 
 
Orban&#39;s government voted against the European Union&#39;s plan to relocate 160,000 migrants around the 28-nation bloc via mandatory quotas but the scheme was approved by a majority of member states in September. 
 
Joining Slovakia in filing a legal challenge against the plan, Orban said earlier this year that the government would put the issue to a referendum. 
 
Voters will be asked: &quot;Do you want the EU to prescribe the mandatory relocation of non-Hungarian citizens to Hungary without the approval of the Hungarian parliament?&quot; 
 
Budapest says that the plan, which has been extremely slow to get going, violates its national sovereignty and that &quot;terrorists&quot; might enter the country disguised as migrants. 
 
Orban has said that Brussels has no right to &quot;redraw Europe&#39;s cultural and religious identity&quot;. 
 
Around 400,000 migrants and refugees passed through Hungary in 2015 before the government sealed off the southern borders with razor wire and fences in the autumn. 
 
The authorities also brought in tough new laws punishing illegal entry and vandalism of the fences. 
 
(AFP)

PM Orban's government voted against the EU's plan to relocate 160,000 migrants around the 28-nation bloc via mandatory quotas

Hungary will hold a referendum on October 2 on EU plans to relocate migrants among member states, a scheme fiercely opposed by right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban, the President said Tuesday. "As President of the republic I decree that the referendum will be held on October 2," President Janos Ader said in a statement. Orban's government voted against the European Union's plan to relocate 160,000 migrants around the 28-nation bloc via mandatory quotas but the scheme was approved by a majority of member states in September. Joining Slovakia in filing a legal challenge against the plan, Orban said earlier this year that the government would put the issue to a referendum. Voters will be asked: "Do you want the EU to prescribe the mandatory relocation of non-Hungarian citizens to Hungary without the approval of the Hungarian parliament?" Budapest says that the plan, which has been extremely slow to get going, violates its national sovereignty and that "terrorists" might enter the country disguised as migrants. Orban has said that Brussels has no right to "redraw Europe's cultural and religious identity". Around 400,000 migrants and refugees passed through Hungary in 2015 before the government sealed off the southern borders with razor wire and fences in the autumn. The authorities also brought in tough new laws punishing illegal entry and vandalism of the fences. (AFP)

Hungary to hold referendum on EU migrant scheme on October 2

Hungary will hold a referendum on October 2 on European Union (EU) &nbsp;plans to relocate migrants among member states, a scheme fiercely opposed by right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban, the President said today. 
 
&quot;As president of the republic I decree that the referendum will be held on October 2,&quot; President Janos Ader said in a statement.&nbsp; 
 
Orban`s government voted against the EU plan to relocate 160,000 migrants around the 28-nation bloc via mandatory quotas but the scheme was approved by a majority of member states in September. 
 
Joining Slovakia in filing a legal challenge against the plan, Orban said earlier this year that the government would put the issue to a referendum. 
 
Voters will be asked: &quot;Do you want the EU to prescribe the mandatory relocation of non-Hungarian citizens to Hungary without the approval of the Hungarian parliament?&quot; 
 
Budapest says that the plan which has been extremely slow to get going -violates its national sovereignty and that &quot;terrorists&quot; might enter the country disguised as migrants. 
 
Orban has said that Brussels has no right to &quot;redraw Europe&#39;s cultural and religious identity&quot;. 
 
Around 400,000 migrants and refugees passed through Hungary in 2015 before the government sealed off the southern borders with razor wire and fences in the autumn. 
 
The authorities also brought in tough new laws punishing illegal entry and vandalism of the fences.&nbsp; 
 
(AFP)

Around 400,000 migrants and refugees passed through Hungary in 2015 before the government sealed southern borders with razor wire and fences

Hungary will hold a referendum on October 2 on European Union (EU) plans to relocate migrants among member states, a scheme fiercely opposed by right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban, the President said today. "As president of the republic I decree that the referendum will be held on October 2," President Janos Ader said in a statement. Orban`s government voted against the EU plan to relocate 160,000 migrants around the 28-nation bloc via mandatory quotas but the scheme was approved by a majority of member states in September. Joining Slovakia in filing a legal challenge against the plan, Orban said earlier this year that the government would put the issue to a referendum. Voters will be asked: "Do you want the EU to prescribe the mandatory relocation of non-Hungarian citizens to Hungary without the approval of the Hungarian parliament?" Budapest says that the plan which has been extremely slow to get going -violates its national sovereignty and that "terrorists" might enter the country disguised as migrants. Orban has said that Brussels has no right to "redraw Europe's cultural and religious identity". Around 400,000 migrants and refugees passed through Hungary in 2015 before the government sealed off the southern borders with razor wire and fences in the autumn. The authorities also brought in tough new laws punishing illegal entry and vandalism of the fences. (AFP)

Hungary to hold October referendum on EU migrant scheme

Hungary&#39;s government is drawing up a list of incentives to lure companies leaving Britain after the Brexit vote, economy minister Mihaly Varga told business daily Vilaggazdasag in an interview published today. 
 
The interview did not go into details on what sort of offers would be made to persuade companies to move to Hungary, or how far the plan had progressed. 
 
Varga said Britain&#39;s exit from the EU would probably affect Hungary in the longer term, as it would hit the EU&#39;s budget, and thus the development funds flowing to eastern Europe. 
 
But Varga said this was not an immediate issue, as Britain&#39;s negotiations with the EU would last at least for two years, and there was no need to amend Hungary&#39;s budget this year or next. 
 
He said Hungary also had no plan to follow Britain&#39;s example in leaving the EU. 
 
&quot;There is no such intention, no such plan, no such scenario or idea,&quot; Varga told the paper. 
 
He said he expected market turbulence to subside this week after Friday&#39;s sharp falls. 
 
(Reuters)

Budapest has no plan to follow London's example in leaving the EU, said economy minister Mihaly Varga

Hungary's government is drawing up a list of incentives to lure companies leaving Britain after the Brexit vote, economy minister Mihaly Varga told business daily Vilaggazdasag in an interview published today. The interview did not go into details on what sort of offers would be made to persuade companies to move to Hungary, or how far the plan had progressed. Varga said Britain's exit from the EU would probably affect Hungary in the longer term, as it would hit the EU's budget, and thus the development funds flowing to eastern Europe. But Varga said this was not an immediate issue, as Britain's negotiations with the EU would last at least for two years, and there was no need to amend Hungary's budget this year or next. He said Hungary also had no plan to follow Britain's example in leaving the EU. "There is no such intention, no such plan, no such scenario or idea," Varga told the paper. He said he expected market turbulence to subside this week after Friday's sharp falls. (Reuters)

Hungary prepares incentives to lure firms leaving Britain after Brexit vote

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