Diplomacy&Trade 2022-06

2022/VI

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SZIGET, A BIG HIT AFTER A TWO-YEAR HIATUS DAY TICKETS FOR ONE OF EUROPE'S LARGEST MUSIC AND CULTURE FESTIVALS WERE SOLD OUT ON THE VERY FIRST DAY, FULFILLING ALL EXPECTATIONS

ESG is Key to Success Companies that focus on ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) principles will have a significant advantage in the post-crisis period, according to experts from KPMG. A firm with a good ESG rating reduces risks and can seize new business opportunities, thus gaining a better financial rating. Moreover, Hungary is currently leading the CEE region in ESG by having practices in place that hold up companies' sustainable efforts. see article on page 9

Large-Scale Projects in Algeria A massive deployment of fiber optic cables, the 2,000 kilometers long Trans-Sahara Highway and the 4,400 kilometers long TransAfrican gas pipeline projects will soon be completed as part of the North African country's inclusive economic and social development. The Ambassador of Algeria to Hungary speaks about current issues and diplomatic relations between the two countries. see interview on page 10

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contents

www.dteurope.com

Uncertainties over the Northern Ireland Protocol 09 BUSINESS ESG can be key to success 10 DIPLOMACY Large-scale projects in Algeria

11 WITTY LEAKS

Mexico and Hungary: shared values and good diplomatic relations 12 GASTRONOMY The best European cities for food lovers revealed 13 FESTIVAL Sziget, a big hit after two year hiatus 15 WHAT’S ON Concerts, festivals, events and exhibitions in and out of Budapest

PUBLISHER: Peter Freed PHOTO EDITOR: Dávid Harangozó COPY EDITOR: Héléna Niddam SALES & MARKETING DIRECTOR: Tamás Varga ADMINISTRATION: Blanka Szalontai CONTRIBUTORS: Sándor Laczkó, Adrienn Bakonyi-Kiss, Tamás Magyarics, Rosario Molinero PHOTO CONTRIBUTORS: Sziget (cover), depositphotos.com (cover), alstom.com, AutoWallis Facebook, depositphotos.com, Mexican Embassy, Budapest, Gergely Besenyei, Sziget, Zoltán Bakos/Studio Bakos, Disznókő Vineyards and Winery, Live Nation, Fiorenzo Niccoli, Nicolás Muller, Marco Borggreve, MTI Photos: Zoltán Máthé, Tamás Kovács, Szilárd Koszticsák, Zsolt Czeglédi

Copyright 2004-2022 DUAX Kft., all rights reserved | ISSN 1589-8075 This magazine is produced by DUAX Kft. The opinions published in the magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of DUAX Kft.

COPIES ARE AVAILABLE AT SELECTED RELAY AND INMEDIO OUTLETS IN MAJOR HUNGARIAN CITIES.

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CZECH FOCUS – COMING SOON

Diplomacy&Trade is preparing a special Focus section on Czech-Hungarian relations on the occasion of the Czech Republic holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2022. The priority areas of the Czech Presidency (managing the refugee crisis and Ukraine’s postwar recovery; energy security; strengthening Europe’s defense capabilities and cyberspace security; strategic resilience of the European economy and resilience of democratic institutions), the extensive political, economic and cultural ties will be the subject of our interview with the Czech Ambassador to Hungary, Tibor Bial. Focus topics will also include tools provided by Czech economic diplomacy to their firms in Hungary.

We welcome inquires for advertising in this issue.

PLEASE CALL TAMÁS VARGA FOR FURTHER INFORMATION +36 209 350 250 - tvarga@budapestweek.com 2 0 2 2 / VI

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SZILÁRD KOSZTICSÁK/MTI, DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM, RALLY FOR HEROES FACEBOOK, FIDE, NATIONAL DIRECTORATE GENERAL FOR DISASTER MANAGEMENT

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Brunches: Europe’s best capitals for food lovers revealed

05 ON THE RECORD 06-07 COMPANY BRIEFS 08 ANALYSIS

Peter Freed

Event guide to the Hungarian capital

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MEXICAN EMBASSY, BUDAPEST, DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM, FIORENZO NICCOLI

Ever since the 2019 general election in the UK, hard Brexiteers have wanted to achieve the reinterpretation of the Northern Ireland Protocol of the Withdrawal Agreement. One of the most important reasons for the Protocol is to retain the political achievements of the Good Friday (Belfast) Agreement to end the bloody sectarian fight between the Catholic and Protestant communities of Ulster and to settle several outstanding issues between Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland. It seems like the situation is deadlocked to a large extent. In our political analysis, there are detailed answers to the why-s and how-s.

Firms have faced many challenges during the current crisis situation. However, experts from KPMG state that companies focusing on ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) principles will have a significant advantage in the post-crisis period.

Besides, Hungary is currently leading the CEE region in ESG by having practices in place that hold up firms' sustainable efforts.

Algeria celebrated its 60th anniversary of independence this July. On this occasion, in the diplomacy column, the Ambassador of Algeria to Hungary, Ali Mokrani speaks about the strong diplomatic relations between the two countries and the large-scale projects in the North African country that are already at the finish line.

There were concerns about whether people would return to festival life following the COVID-19 pandemic, during an energy crisis as a result of the neighboring war, but Sziget, one of Europe's largest music and culture festivals, fulfilled all the expectations.

Day tickets were sold out on the very first day, followed by nearly sold-out days.

In gastronomy, 47 million user reviews investigated by a recent study reveals Europe’s best capitals for food lovers. Athens has the highest-rated restaurants. However, Budapest is also among the best European capitals; the city ranked 10th with the best brunch spots.

Mexico’s and Hungary’s links are characterized by their continuity, sincere dialogue and search for new cooperative areas. In our WittyLeaks column, the Mexican Ambassador to Hungary, Rosario Molinero talks about how many traditions and values unite the two countries. Our nations have a lot in common, including in the area of arts, architecture, literature, science and technology, gastronomy, folklore and craft traditions. Common avenues that reveal our friendship have been open between both countries in 48 years of relations.

To round off the summer, in Diplomacy&Trade, we have some very colorful topics to read and plenty of great offers for autumn activities in Budapest on our What's On page.

Wishing you all the best in these difficult times!

Mexico and Hungary: shared values and good diplomatic relations

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MEXICAN EMBASSY, BUDAPEST, DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM, FIORENZO NICCOLI

SZILÁRD KOSZTICSÁK/MTI, DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM, RALLY FOR HEROES FACEBOOK, FIDE, NATIONAL DIRECTORATE GENERAL FOR DISASTER MANAGEMENT

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POSTPONED FIREWORKS TAKE PLACE IN BUDAPEST

are followed by government ministers (16%) and advertising executives (18%).

In most of the countries surveyed, doctors were ranked first when asked which profession they considered most trustworthy. Scientists came in second, followed by teachers and the military, although there were some countries where two professions were ranked first.

Politicians scored the lowest number of good marks in Hungary, Peru, Chile, Japan and Poland (7%), and the highest number of bad marks in Peru, Argentina and Chile. However, compared to the others, politicians in Denmark and India scored exceptionally well, with 21% and 28% of their residents giving them a good mark, respectively.

When comparing the results of the two Visegrád Four countries participating in the survey, Hungary and Poland, there is no difference in the top two places for the professions considered most untrustworthy, with politicians and government officials in both countries receiving this title. In third place, however, were journalists in Hungary and priests in Poland.

The survey was conducted in 28 countries around the world, via the Ipsos Online Panel system in Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, India, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, Peru, Poland, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, and the United States.

BRITISH CHARITY GIFTS FOR HUNGARIAN CHILDREN

Hungarians consider scientists the most trustworthy and politicians the most untrustworthy of all professions, according to a global survey published by Ipsos early August.

Across 28 countries around the world, a Global Country Average of 59% rate doctors as trustworthy, while 57% say the same about scientists, with teachers in third place at 52%. As in previous years, politicians are considered the least trustworthy with just 12% considering them trusted. They w w w . d t e u r o p e . c o m

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Vietnam Brazil North Macedonia Mexico Chile Malta Armenia Saudi Arabia Cyprus China Nigeria Germany Iraq Taiwan Cuba Spain Azerbaijan Hungary Zambia Austria Czech Republic Turkey

National day Independence day Independence day Independence day National day National day National day National day National day Independence day Independence day Independence day National day National day National day National day Independence day National day Independence day National day Independence day National day

JUDIT POLGÁR, AN INTERNATIONAL CHESS FEDERATION ICON

The traditional August 20th national holiday fireworks display – claimed by the Hungarian government to be the largest on the continent – that had been postponed a week before by the government-appointed operative board in charge of the event took place on August 27.

This time, the operative board gave the go ahead while the government introduced a special HUF 2,000 return ticket for those who wished to come to the capital to watch the spectacle.

At 18.00 hours, barges took up their positions on the Danube for the pyrotechnics to be launched from them at 21:00 hours. This year's fireworks show, called the ‘Game of Fire and Lights’, ran for more than four kilometers from Margaret Bridge to Petőfi Bridge. The 40,000 pyrotechnic effects were complemented by easily recognizable, spectacular motifs and shapes, and the event included a drone show with 600 drones, light painting and a light show.

THE MOST TRUSTWORTHY PROFESSION IN HUNGARY IS SCIENCE

UPCOMING NATIONAL DAYS September 2 7 8 16 18 21 21 23 October 1 1 1 3 3 10 10 12 18 23 24 26 28 29

A convoy of 60 special cars arrived in Budapest on August 13. The ‘Rally for Heroes’ has been on the road since 2010, collecting donations of some GBP half a million since. This time, they stopped in the Hungarian capital and brought donations for Hungarian children.

On that Saturday afternoon, the special vehicles lined up at Heroes' Square in Budapest, where visitors had the opportunity to see them up close, take photos alongside them or even get inside one of the wonder cars.

The event also served to support children in need in Hungary, as part of the ‘Operation Shoe Box’ campaign. This year's Rally for Heroes shoebox donation is delivered to disadvantaged children in this country by the International Children’s Safety Service, in partnership with the British Embassy in Budapest.

The 65 shoe-boxes contain a variety of gifts, separately for girls and boys, including age-specific gifts.

The Rally for Heroes is a bi-annual charity rally, organized by British soldiers, with a convoy of 60 luxury and vintage cars travelling through ten countries across Europe, including Hungary. The charity’s primary aim is to help the families of British military heroes. The organizers believe that every five miles driven represents the life of a soldier who has died in combat since the start of the war in Afghanistan. Since 2010, Rally for Heroes participants have covered more than 18,000 miles. This year's ride is the last of its kind.

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Hungary's Judit Polgár, the strongest female chess player of all time, has received the ICON award, given out by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) at its 'Year of the Woman in Chess Awards' gala as part of the 44th Chess Olympiad in Chennai, India. This was the first time that the FIDE ICON Award was presented, given to Judit Polgár in recognition of “her work over the decades, inspiring millions.”

"It is a great honor to receive the FIDE ICON Award. This award is a recognition of my decades-long career as a chess player and my work promoting chess and encouraging women's orientation towards chess. We must continue to work to ensure that more girls experience this ancient game's beauty, knowledge and benefits. I take every opportunity to convey the message to girls and people around them: strive to make the most of their talents. Because if we do not limit girls, if we encourage and inspire them to persevere and build their confidence, they will succeed in any field of life," the Hungarian chess legend said after receiving the award.

HUNGARIAN RESCUE DOG BECOMES WORLD CHAMPION Karma, a Hungarian rescue dog, stood on the top step of the medal podium at the 1st FCI World Individual Rescue Dog Championships, held between August 16-21 in the northern Italian town of Provaglio d’Iseo, the news site 24.hu reported.As the National Directorate General for Disaster Management at the Hungarian Ministry of the Interior announced on a social media page, Karma achieved the highest overall score, ahead of her Austrian and Danish competitors. The dog teams from 18 countries competed in three phases – tracking or area search or debris search.

The master of the seven-year-old Malinois rescue dog is Sarolta Leczki, a senior firefighter working in the Budapest Fire Brigade.

Members of the Hungarian team were delegated to the world competition by the Association of National Associations of Hungarian E-breeders (MEOESZ), while the professional management of the team was coordinated by the Pest County Research and Rescue Service, a member organization of MEOESZ. The Rescue Dog Association of Pécs and the Budapest Emergency Services Directorate participated in the preparation of the competitors, the social media report adds.

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­company briefs

SIXT OPENS NEW TECHNICAL BASE NEAR THE AIRPORT Sixt, a member of the AutoWallis Group, has built its new technical base in Vecsés, near Budapest's Ferenc Liszt International Airport. Of the HUF 705 million investment project, 40% (HUF 282 million) is subsidized by Hungarian taxpayers through a government decision.

Classified as a green project, AutoWallis has focused on sustainability, ensuring that the new location is suitable for servicing electric vehicles for car sharing programs and fleet providers.

The technical base of 1,349 square meters and 210 parking spaces were constructed on a site of almost 6,000 square meters by renovating and converting existing structures.

This investment project has prepared AutoWallis for the increase in tourism following the end of the pandemic, for the more costeffective operation of Sixt, and for quick support to be provided to any mobility services the Group may launch in the future (such as car sharing and fleet management).

A major initiative of the investment project was to increase the effectiveness of car rental services and the connected logistics, operations, technical and vehicle servicing. The project is part of the AutoWallis Green Finance Framework, financed, in addition to the state aid fund, with AutoWallis proceeds from the green bonds issued last year. The green investment of Sixt’s new technical base was executed by ALTEO based on a cooperation agreement last year.

In line with AutoWallis’ green commitments, the technical base operates using heat exchangers for heating and cooling and uses only LED lighting, vehicles are cleaned with both dry and wet handwashing methods. Furthermore, ALTEO has installed a 50-kW solar panel system on the property and 13 electric charging points, preparing the system for future connection to an energy storage facility.

The fact that rental cars will no longer have to be moved between Sixt’s service points results in significant fuel savings, in addition to which the increasing proportion of hybrid or fully electric vehicles in the fleet can also be charged using electricity obtained with solar energy.

WABERER'S ESTABLISHES A JOINT VENTURE WITH MAGYAR POSTA The Hungarian trucking company WABERER’S INTERNATIONAL announced on the Hungarian Stock Exchange website that – with Waberer's Group as the majority shareholder and Hungarian Post (Magyar Posta) as the minority shareholder (collectively the ‘Parties’) – a joint venture will be established to serve the Parties' existing and future customers with full range of parcel logistics support.

According to the announcement, the Parties shall provide the necessary resources for the joint venture in the form of a contribution in kind and shareholder’s loan.

The joint venture will provide its customers – particularly web shops – with a full range of logistics outsourcing services, including warehousing, packaging, shipping and delivery, providing them

the opportunity to focus their resources on their core sales activities. The delivery of web shop orders becomes faster and simpler, generating an increase in customer satisfaction.

In a joint statement, Waberer's CEO, Zsolt Barna, and Magyar Posta CEO, György Schamschula commented that “the joint venture – to be created by Hungarian Post and Waberer's – will be able to provide a highly efficient service and an attractive value proposition to our customers from the very beginning of the operation, based on the owners' relevant experience, customer base and existing infrastructure. We are confident that in a market with high growth potential, the JV will be able to gain and maintain a significant market share in the long term.”

UNILEVER CLOSES DOWN PLANT IN RÖSZKE

The eMAG Logistic Ltd. new logistics center in Dunaharaszti, south of Budapest, will be the largest of its kind in the Central and Eastern European region. In addition to Hungary, it will serve six additional regional markets: Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and Czechia. As the leading player of the domestic e-commerce market, eMAG-Extreme Digital is to meet steeply growing demand with this new e-commerce storage center.

The HUF 35 billion investment will create 213 jobs and a facility of 117,000 sqm will be built, applying several automated

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solutions. Approximately 14% of the investment is financed by Hungarian taxpayer money through a decision of the government. Operations can start as early as at Christmas.

The large-scale investment will rely on several state-of-the-art automation solutions to make work processes even more efficient. The expansion further strengthens the role of the company and thousands of Hungarian merchant partners in the local e-commerce market. Furthermore, headcount is expected to go up to 600 in the logistics department within the upcoming four years.

The new storage facility can process not only eMAG-Extreme Digital’s own orders but also those of over six thousand companies in Hungary and the region that offer their products and services to domestic customers. With this investment, the company intends to help local small businesses become professional online merchants and remain competitive vis à vis foreign online behemoths that are expanding their operations in the region.

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EMAG BUILDS GIGANTIC LOGISTICS CENTER

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Unilever is to cease production at its plant in Röszke, southeastern Hungary. The planned group redundancies affect 80% of the 190 workers, the remaining 20% are to be taken over by the new owner of the plant, Mezőker Ltd. Unilever will transfer nearly a third of its current product range in Röszke to Mezőker Ltd. for contract manufacturing, while the majority of the products will be transferred to its own Romanian and German plants and to a European contract manufacturing partner by the end of March 2023.

Hungarian-owned Mezőker Ltd. has been a supplier of vegetable dehydrated products to Unilever for nearly three decades. The company aims to further strengthen its cooperation with Unilever by taking over the production of Delikát and some Knorr products. Mezőker has also expressed its intent to purchase the site in Röszke and its production equipment.

With changing consumer trends in recent years, namely the preference of fresh food over pre-packaged products, Unilever needs to adapt to the changed market conditions by reorganizing its production capacity, concentrating production in larger plants. Managing Director of Unilever Hungary Ltd., Alberto di Leo, said that "while a future partnership with Mezőker would provide a more sustainable future for our brands, we know that our announcement will also have a difficult impact on our 190 colleagues and 18 temporary workers at our factory in Röszke. We will inform our colleagues about our plans and work with employee representatives to develop solutions that will help our workers".

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­company briefs

NEW KOREAN INVESTMENT IN BATTERY PRODUCTION

plant will be built in Vác thanks to a greenfield investment with the purpose of manufacturing aluminum battery cases. The project is to improve to meet needs of clients not only in the field of battery production, but also in automotive, defense, ICT as well as sports and leisure product manufacturing.

The Asian country brings investments to Hungary in a conveyor belt fashion.

Accordingly, it is not surprising that South Korea is the 5th largest investor in the country in terms of FDI that amounted to USD 5.2 billion in 2019. That accounts for 5.5% of total FDI stock in Hungary, the Hungarian Investment Promotion Agency reports.

An important supplier of the battery industry, South Korean-owned Nice LMS Hungary Ltd. sets up a new production plant of some 6,000 sqm for EUR 14.4 million in Vác, north of Budapest. The project will result in creating up to 60 jobs.

The Hungarian subsidiary of the South Korean Nice Group, Nice LMS Hungary Ltd. started its operation in Hungary in 2019 at its Gödöllő site, east of Budapest, and it has become a key supplier of battery components for Samsung SDI and LG Chemical. Now, a new

ALSTOM EXPANDS ITS ACTIVITIES IN HUNGARY

Alstom has expanded its activities in Hungary: it is producing a bogie frame for its hydrogen-powered passenger train at its factory in Mátranovák, NE Hungary, and plans to hire 100 new employees.

The first bogie was recently completed in Mátranovák, where an investment of more than HUF 1.3 billion is under way. The company is planning new developments and an expansion of its workforce, a statement by the company said.

The Coradia iLint is the world's only hydrogen-powered passenger train, built by Alstom at its Salzgitter plant in Germany.

Designed for non-electrified lines, the train has already been ordered by Germany, Italy and France.

The bogie frame, which is made in Hungary, is a key part of the rail wagons, on which the axles, springs and brakes are mounted.

Its quality is crucial for railway safety. The quality of the products manufactured at the Nógrád plant is outstanding, and the ‘Made in Mátranovák’ designation has become a trademark of reliability and high professional standards, Alstom said. Gáspár Balázs, CEO of Alstom Transport Hungary Plc., said in the

statement that they foresee a great future for the use of hydrogen propulsion in rail transport both in Hungary and in Europe, which is why they are planning continuous developments and related staff increases this year and in the coming years. Alstom has been present in Hungary for more than 20 years and is one of the country's largest suppliers of metro trains. In January 2021, the company acquired the Mátranovák bogie factory, one of the largest employers in Nógrád County with 660 employees. The factory was built in the early 1970s and has been producing bogies since 1982.

AUTOWALLIS SETS RECORDS IN ALL ITS BUSINESS LINES The AutoWallis Group has set records in all its business segments in the first half of the year, with 60% of last year's total annual vehicle sales already achieved in the first six months of this year.

According to the statement, the group, which is present in 14 countries in the region, sold 15,379 vehicles in the first half of the year, 32% more than in the same period last year, despite the difficulties in the automotive industry.

The biggest increase of 44.3% was achieved by the wholesale business, with 10,659 vehicles sold in the first half of the year, with the SsangYong and Opel brands accounting for the sharp rise, the company said. The Diplomacy-n-Trade.ai 1 2017. 02. 27. 11:22:30 retail division's performance in the second

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FEMTONICS MANUFACTURES VENTILATORS AND COVID TESTS With the support from the European Union and the Hungarian government, Femtonics Ltd. has invested HUF 914.75 million to develop its COVID-19-specific ventilator and diagnostic manufacturing capacity in Kővágószőlős near Pécs, southern Hungary. The company received a conditional reimbursable grant of HUF 731.80 million.

The aim of the project is to provide the necessary conditions for the domestic production of exportable Hungarian medical technology and medical diagnostics products, including the company's LUCA ventilator and its ultra-fast Femto-ID COVID-19 test. As a result of the development, it will be possible to manufacture the critical components of the ventilator family and the COVID-19 test developed in Hungary, they said.

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quarter was boosted by the Slovenian Avto Aktiv, but even without it, growth was strong across the board. The business sold 3,783 new and 937 used vehicles in the first six months, up 10.4% and 11.3% respectively year-on-year.

In the retail services business, the number of service hours rose by 24.4%. The Group's vehicle rental business also performed well, with the number of rental events more than doubling. The number of rental days grew at a slower rate of 26%.

The figures continue to show that the number of tourist rentals of shorter duration, typically with higher cover, continued to grow in the quarter prior to the peak summer season, they said.

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the opportunity to conduct neuroscience research, including laser microscopy measurements, and to produce mechanical components. The production line can also manufacture ventilator components and chip components for COVID tests, with built-in EU quality control processes.

Femtonics Research and Development Ltd. is an innovative and fast-growing spin-off company founded in 2005 by researchers of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, focusing on the development, production and export of state-of-the-art two-photon microscopes optimized for neuroscience research and R&D activities.

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analysis a ’third country’, agricultural prices could go up 10%, while the price of dairy products as high as 35%.) Besides the potential political implications, the financial costs of customs formalities are also a matter of concern for the British and the Northern Irish alike. The EU is determined to stick to the words of the Agreement. However, there is a loophole for the British government.

Article 16 of the Agreement allows safeguard measures if the Protocol is leading to serious "economic, societal or environmental difficulties."

Hard Brexiteers, such as Brexit Opportunities Minister Jacob Rees Mogg and, in general, Tory politicians around the European Research Group, argue that the Protocol is a ’constitutional’ and ’cultural’ threat to the U.K., and to ’peace’ and ’stability’ for the whole region. The Tory government has indicated that it would introduce a bill to dismantle the Protocol. So far, it has not made good on this promise, but a growing dissatisfaction among the Tory backbenchers might push PM Johnson to introduce the bill in the Commons in order to prevent a vote of no confidence on this matter within his own party.

New set-up in the Stormont The situation is complicated by the results of the recent Northern Ireland Assembly election on May 5. For the first time in decades, it has been the Sinn Féin that has gained a plurality in the 90-member body with 27 seats, while the DUP, which enjoyed this position for a long time, has come only second with 25 representatives.

The DUP is closely allied with the Conservatives in Britain, and is supporting the Johnson government’s attempts at changing the Protocol.

Sinn Féin – and the EU, including the Irish government in Dublin – would have none of it.

The Good Friday Agreement, among others, provides for cross-community consent in specific cases, including the election of the Speaker of the Assembly, but the DUP is blocking the nomination, and – by implication – the restoration of devolved power to the Stormont from London.

The party, led by Jeffrey Donaldson, does not wish to suffer the fate of the UUP, which was punished by the unionist voters at the Assembly election for its perceived soft position on the revision of the Protocol. If no solution is found within 24 weeks, then Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis has another 12 weeks to call a new election in Ulster – practically sometime late October 2022. The political fight is likely to threaten the sometimes rather frail truce between the Catholics (in general, the republicans), and the Protestants (whose great majority is unionist), and one of the potential outcomes might be the collapse of the Good Friday Agreement.

WIDE IRISH SEA UNCERTAINTIES OVER THE NORTHERN IRELAND PROTOCOL

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Sticking to the words of the Agreement or not The carefully balanced applecart was upset by the Johnson government. The Protocol, wishing to avoid the reinstatement of a ’hard’ border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland with all its security and political implications, provided that Northern Ireland should remain within the EU single market regime; in short, there would not be new checks on goods crossing the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

This provision provoked strong reactions among the ’hard’ unionists on both sides of the Irish Sea. They fear that this continuing economic and trade integration in the EU would ultimately result in Ulster’s joining the Republic of Ireland and therefore, in the destruction of the United

Kingdom. The ’hard’ Brexiteers in Britain, as well as the committed unionists in Ulster, practically the followers of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) (the other major unionist party, the UUP is more moderate in questions related to the Protocol and the British attempts to modify it unilaterally). The Conservative government is determined to keep Northern Ireland within the British trade and customs zone. The measure is technically violating the Withdrawal Agreement, and London is engaged in an ongoing debate with Brussels in this question.

London, personally, among others, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss came up with a sort of compromise solution with a ’green’ channel for goods to stay in Northern Ireland; these items would be subject to UK regulations and standards, and a ’red’ one for goods which would go to the Republic of Ireland, i.e., to the EU, and they would be treated as items entering the EU single market from a ’third country.’ (For instance, if the U.K. is treated as 2 0 2 2 / VI

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The situation is deadlocked to a large extent.

It is true that the Protocol can be removed by a majority vote of the Stormont Assembly in 2024 – that is, if London’s and Belfast’s intention coincide. However, the majority of the current MLAs (Members of the Legislative Assembly), namely 53 out of 90, are in favor of meeting the conditions of the Protocol. If a new election were to be held later this year because of the impasse over the appointment of the Speaker, there might be newly party realignments – with potentially new problems. The Irish Sea, figuratively, might become narrower or wider.

DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM

Europe has had to navigate in rough waters for some time. No matter how you spin Brexit, the short-sighted and time-serving leadership of the European Union had its fair share in the decision of the majority in the U.K. to leave the Union. It was bad news for the EU that the hard Brexiteers got into power after the 2019 general election in the U.K. They have been putting pressure on PM Boris Johnson to reinterpret – and, possibly, to renegotiate – the Northern Ireland Protocol of the Withdrawal Agreement ever since. One of the most essential reasons for the Protocol is to retain the political achievements of the Good Friday (Belfast) Agreement, which has been instrumental in putting an end to the Troubles, the decade-long bloody sectarian fight between the Catholic and Protestant communities of Ulster, i.e. Northern Ireland. In fact, the Agreement was more than that: it was also to settle a number of outstanding

issues between Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland. In short, the stability and the security of the whole region was – and is – at stake.

Tamás Magyarics is a foreign policy analyst

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business

ESG CAN BE KEY TO SUCCESS COMPANIES APPLYING ESG WILL GAIN A SIGNIFICANT ADVANTAGE AFTER CRISIS, ACCORDING TO KPMG EXPERTS Sustainability Reporting Directive, which will enter into force at the EU level next year, extending the obligation to produce sustainability reports to many more companies, the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act, which will enter into force in early 2023 and the EU's existing Taxonomy Regulation.

Hungary tops the CEE region

In a geopolitical and economic climate of uncertainty unprecedented in decades, companies are now having to adapt to change faster than ever before. In the post-crisis period, companies that focus on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles during the crisis mode, will have a significant advantage, according to experts from KPMG at the KPMG Press Meetup 2022 event on

12 July. The resilient business process of the new approach is flexible enough to adapt to unforeseen situations. Moreover, it pays off on a market basis for investors, lenders and borrowers alike.

ESG, which can be defined as a standardized, measurable effort to create conditions for comparability in the pursuit of sustainability, is now consolidated in some international and European frameworks. These include the Corporate

"Hungary is currently leading the CEE region in ESG/ sustainability. Regulatory and financial institutions commitments and programs, which are pulling the real economy along with them, contribute significantly to this," stressed István Szabó, Director, Head of Sustainability of the CEE region. A company with a good ESG rating reduces its risks and can seize new business opportunities, thus gaining a better financial rating, which attracts financiers and investors, added Gergő Wieder, Senior Manager of the company, an expert in financial risk management and ESG consulting. With the support of the central bank, Hungary already has practices in place that hold up companies' sustainable efforts.

On the financing side, the fact that the banking system in Hungary is at the forefront of ESG mainstreaming is a strong incentive for companies. Although it is essential to strengthen transparency, pointed out the ESG expert.

Hungarian banks are currently not always able to apply the green lending and other sustainability practices of their parent banks, because corporate reporting is often unreliable and there is a lack of consistent data. This requires close cooperation between legislators, rating agencies, the financial sector and central banks.

Real estate investments: prioritizing environmental awareness is a mistake In Hungary, the ESG awareness of property developers is ahead of that of property

tenants or buyers. Green bond issuance relying on green loans can help to realize large projects on more favorable terms, while the buyer-tenant side is still looking for direct, quantifiable benefits when choosing green real estate, according to Pál Dános, associate partner at KPMG and spokesperson for the real estate advisory business. The good news is that more than the half of large companies, according to KPMG’s survey, consider a rent increase of 5 to 10 percent acceptable for a green property. However, it would be a mistake to put environment awareness above all other ESG considerations in real estate investments, the spokesperson pointed out, as the built environment is also a key factor in strengthening social cohesion, the 'S' leg of ESG.

KPMG aiming for the strongest ESG-focused advisory role While the current situation requires business leaders to adapt quickly, KPMG is warning that managing longer-term risks is not incompatible with solving short-term problems.

That is why the accounting firm is placing a particular emphasis on ESG preparation for its advisors, investing USD 1.5 billion over 3 years to become the most robust ESG-focused advisor. In the current uncertain environment, "we have an even greater responsibility to our colleagues, clients and society to shape a better, more sustainable future together," said Ágnes Rakó, ESG partner at KMPG, who also reported that the firm has organized webinars, workshops and multi-client series in Hungary with 500 participants from 10 sectors. KPMG has also set up a team of 40 ESG experts in Hungary with regional responsibility.

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Account No: Unicredit Bank 10918001-00000106-89200006 Please, invoice me at the address: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................................................

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DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM

PAYMENT BANK TRANSFER

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diplomacy

LARGE-SCALE PROJECTS AT THE FINISH LINE IN ALGERIA

ALGERIAN AMBASSADOR SPEAKS ABOUT CURRENT ISSUES ON THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE COUNTRY’S INDEPENDENCE ”Hungary is among the top countries in terms of innovative technologies in all fields. It is clearly shown by the fact that very few countries have 13 Nobel prizes,” according to the Ambassador of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria to Hungary, Ali Mokrani. The Ambassador emphasized that political relations between the two countries are excellent, marked by several exchanges of visits of their leaders.

ALGERIA, A COUNTRY WITH HUGE RESERVES • Algeria holds 12,200 million barrels of proven oil reserves (as of 2016), ranking 16th in the world and accounting for about 0.7% of the world's total oil reserves. It is equivalent to 78 times its annual consumption meaning that without net exports, there would be about 78 years of oil left.

• The country has 159 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves (as of 2017), ranking 11th in the world and accounting for about 2% of the world's total natural gas reserves.

• The national state-owned oil company of Algeria, Sonatrach is known as the seventh largest gas company in the world and the largest one in Africa with 154 subsidiaries. Sonatrach employs nearly 200,000 workers. The forex income of the enterprise in 2021 was USD 35 billion.

• Algeria is among the countries with the highest solar potentials in the world, estimated at 13.9 TWh per year.

Pillars of economic development Six decades after gaining independence, Algeria is now ranked among the world’s emerging countries. The adoption of the new Constitution led to the emergence of the New Algeria with substantial projects on the way. The North African country opted for inclusive economic and social development. As a result, the Trans-

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Sahara Highway connecting Algiers to Abuja will serve as an economic corridor and is almost finished, the Ambassador tells Diplomacy&Trade.

After paving the last 100 kilometers, it will link Tunisia, Mali, Chad and Niger in the framework of an integration project facilitating trade within the African Continental Free Trade Area in which Algeria is a member. The two thousand kilometers long route will be beneficial for Algeria to serve as a gateway to Europe.

In the middle of the energy crisis, Trans-Sahara gas pipeline (also known as NIGAL pipeline and Trans-African gas pipeline) project has been recently relaunched. The 4,400 kilometers long investment is highly beneficial for Africa and is also a priority for Europe in terms of energy security. The project is supported by the European Union as it is seen as an opportunity to enhance the union's gas supplies. Algeria is also implementing a massive deployment of fiber optic cables throughout the country between Algiers and Abuja, the Ambassador notes.

The key element for Algeria’s development, as shown by the pandemic, is aiming to strengthen the use of digital solutions.

Traditional friendship and cooperation Close diplomatic ties between Algeria and Hungary lie on the foundations of the multifaceted support offered by Hungary during the Algerian struggle for independence in 1962. Besides contributing to Algeria’s reconstruction after gaining independence and voting in favor of the Algerian issue at the UN, the Hungarian government offered scholarships to Algerian students. This tradition continues today in the framework of the Stipendium Hungaricum program with Algerians receiving 100 scholarships each year in high-quality Hungarian universities. Students are performing very successfully. Some of them even finish at the top, the Ambassador highlights. He also mentions that there is a huge potential in Algeria in terms of tourism, which is now among the top priorities of the Algerian government.

DÁVID HARANGOZÓ

Now, that COVID-19 restrictions have eased, the Embassy of Algeria in Budapest could finally organize a physical gathering on July 5th for the occasion of a double celebration: the 60th anniversary of the independence of Algeria after 132 years of French colonization and the establishment of Algeria-Hungary diplomatic relations. In his speech at the event and in an interview with Diplomacy&Trade, Ambassador of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria to Hungary, Ali Mokrani assured that Algeria would continue to be a reliable partner to the European Union in the current energy security context. ”We should never give up, keep our country safe and stable and hope that peace and solidarity remain key elements in international relations”, the Ambassador said in his message to the Hungarian people.

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In the middle of a tough period

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witty leaks WITTY

IN THIS SERIES, DIPLOMATS SHARE PERSONAL ACCOUNTS OF THEIR EXPERIENCES ON “EXCURSIONS” into Hungarian culture, art, gastronomy & scenery.

LE A K S

MEXICO AND HUNGARY: TRADITIONS AND VALUES THAT UNITE US

COUNTLESS AVENUES AND BRIDGES OF UNDERSTANDING ARE OPEN BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES

BY T HE M E XIC AN AM BAS S A DOR TO HUNG A R Y, R OSA R IO MOLINER O

September, month of Mexican national holidays, invites us to make a reflection on the ties with friendly countries such as Hungary, with whom we share values, principles and good diplomatic relations. It is also a proper occasion to make a brief recount of our aspirations, coincidences and similarities.

Both countries have strategic geographic locations, which makes them geopolitical, geoeconomic and connectivity world zones, allowing them to build bridges of knowledge, innovation, culture, multiple cooperation and economic opportunities.

Our multiculturalism, pride of identity, diversity and common values are the product of our historical evolution and are fundamental elements that bring us closer.

Despite our differences, we share principles and values that strengthen our dialogue, our identity and the mutual search for international peace and security. We believe that the well-being and prosperity of our peoples are our priorities.

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MEXICAN EMBASSY, BUDAPEST

Links characterized by continuity Both countries are cautious but pragmatic in their relations with other states and international actors. Our history full of invasions gives us a unique and special character. Our links are characterized by their continuity, sincere dialogue and search for new cooperative areas.

Despite tragic episodes in the history of the two nations, Mexicans and Hungarians share multiple international spaces as members of international organizations. Common avenues that reveal our friendship have been open between both countries in 48 years of relations, leaving behind bridges of understanding and knowledge. But mostly they have created bridges between people.

Collections of Mexican shells or birds such as the so-called hummingbird (named after Hungarian zoologist János Xántus) are part of Hungarian museums, just as Hungarian paintings can be appreciated in Mexico.

Hungarian painters, architects, athletes, dancers and other artists have developed their talents in Mexico. Among them the photographer Miklós Muray, friend and lover of Frida Kahlo or the architect Géza Maróti, who designed the glass dome of the Mexican Palace of Fine Arts and the sculptures on the roof of this wonderful building.

Painter Victor Vasarely also built, hand by hand with the Mexican architect Juan Cortina del Valle, the Church of the Resurrection, located in Bosques de las Lomas in Mexico w w w . d t e u r o p e . c o m

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Common gastronomy

City, with its 325-square-meter-stained glass windows, while sculptor Pál Kepenyes (1926-2021) settled in Acapulco.

Literature has also strengthened Mexico and Hungary. Carlos Fuentes, Octavio Paz, Sergio Pitol, Mario Bellatin and Juan Rulfo have been translated to Hungarian, as well as Hungarian authors like Imre Kertész, Sándor Márai and Péter Esterházy have been translated into Spanish.

We have also shared science, technology and innovation. Hungarian subsidiaries such as Gedeon Richter, Sanyn and Sanfer were innovators of the Mexican pharmaceutical industry and today, we are sharing our scientific knowledge in oenology between the universities located in the Valle de Guadalupe and Pécs.

We, both countries, love thermal waters and we believe in tourism as a source of understanding and wealth. The Kiss hotels and the famous Ritz Café were founded by Hungarians in Mexico City and the Tortuga and Pohánka bakery, the Tereza, Amigos and Papitos were founded in Budapest with the inspiration of Mexican cookers.

Sport has not been the exception – with Hungarians exceling in Mexico. Szigfrid Róth played with the football teams Marte and Necaxa, while György Orth and Árpád Fekete directed the Jalisco, Morelia and Irapuato football teams.

In Hungary, there are places that bear the name of Mexico: in Sarród and in Andocs.

The last station on the metro line 1 is named after Mexico and a couple of months ago the street of Milan in Mexico City was renamed with the name of Budapest.

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It is amazing to see so many similarities while checking our common gastronomy and taste of food. We, both nations, enjoy tasting corn while we share the love for tomato and chili, although in different degrees of spiciness.

Mexican products like vanilla, tomato and cocoa are part of the vast Hungarian gastronomy and are shared as hot chocolate, the Dobos cake or Sissi’s favorite sweet, among others. Fresh tomato is part of the Hungarian national dish, goulash. Hungarians and Mexicans think that sour cream is essential in the kitchen. Hungarian special traditional food like kürtőskalács [‘chimney cake’], gulyás and lángos can be found in Mexico City, while spicy sauces, tacos, fajitas and quesadillas can be tasted in Hungary.

Before sitting down at the table, both Hungarians and Mexicans like to drink spirits: pálinka, mezcal or tequila, depending on the palate and wish good appetite to our guests. A hearty appreciation or blessing is also popular.

Folklore and craft traditions Mexican traditions such as the poinsettia flower or the handmade Christmas nativities and angels unite us and show our religion beliefs in Catholicism. Nevertheless, pagan symbols as well as natural elements among them birds, horses, flowers are also found in both cultures, especially in our handmade crafts. Horses represent our glorious cavalcades in favor of our nation. We both share similar colors of our flags.

Both countries have great folklore and craft traditions. The similarities of cross-stitch embroidery, colorful combinations, and nature

inspiration – flowers and birds – show common traits and our mutual national pride. Cushions, scarves, blouses, aprons and men's clothing are delicately decorated just as boxes, spoons, dolls and other items are painted with similar techniques. A common technique is the use of leaves of corn to make dolls as well as nativities.

Green-glazed pottery from Michoacán and Zsolnay also show their similarities and charms, as do the angels which decorate plates, vases, jars and Talavera chandeliers from Puebla in Mexico and Herend in Hungary.

Both countries are rich in fine frays, lace, linen or cotton tablecloths as those of from Aguascalientes or Kalocsa. Chiapas masks with goat horns seem to haunt the town of Mohács; while the baskets and the markets of Taxco resemble those of Hungary.

Hungarians and Mexicans love going to the market place and organizing local craft fairs, which can open new avenues of understanding between our countries.

Similarities can be found between Christmas fairs of Puebla or Tlaquepaque, Mexico and the Vörösmarty square fair of Budapest, where techniques and knowledge are based on family heritage. Working in family and passing the knowledge from generation to generation is essential for both countries.

Today, after 48 years, we have to reevaluate the countless avenues and bridges of understanding we have open without even noticing them.

These small things can make the difference, while strengthening our political, economic and cultural relations and our common future.

Viva Hungría y Viva México!

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gastronomy

BUDAPEST AMONG EUROPE'S BEST BRUNCH AND CAFE CAPITALS THE BEST EUROPEAN CITIES FOR FOOD LOVERS REVEALED

Athens has the highest-rated brunches, though Budapest is also among the best European capitals for generous late morning meals – reveals a recent study by Uswitch, a United Kingdom-based price comparison service and switching website. The research was investigating 47 million user reviews from a reputable restaurant review site of more than 235,000 restaurants with four stars or more, across each European capital. To uncover the best city to enjoy an alfresco brunch this summer, the analysis structured and examined data collected in September 2021. The results yielded interesting outcomes for the best-rated and cheapest brunch, vegetarian and fast-food restaurants and pubs in European capitals.

Athens, the absolute winner Offering more than 1,100 restaurants, the Greek capital ranks first in the categories of vegetarian, café, pub, fast food and brunch ratings. Moreover, the seaside city is not a place where you have to dig deep into your pockets compared to other European cities.

The average price of a brunch is just EUR 16.66, the third cheapest of all capitals analyzed.

Besides Budapest, Zagreb, Valletta and Lisbon are also among the most highly rated cities. All scored close to the maximum in the analysis, which included the locations, the cuisine, the food on offer and the user reviews of restaurants.

Zagreb takes second place but despite the flattering customer reviews, the average price for a meal in the Croatian capital costs almost twice as much as in Athens, EUR 32.48.

Valletta, the capital of Malta, came third for its brunch restaurants. In addition, the Mediterranean city took the top spot for vegetarian restaurants and pub ratings as well. However, average prices are higher than in Athens or Budapest, EUR 23.55.

Valletta is followed by the Portuguese capital, Lisbon, with more than 2,000 restaurants available – ranking it the 6th city with the most available restaurants in the study-, is also reasonably cheap; a meal costing EUR 20.48 on average.

Budapest: among the best and cheapest cafes and brunches

Bratislava, the cheapest capital The Slovakian capital is the cheapest place in the old continent when it comes to restaurants.

In the city, placed seventh-best in the brunch rating, a meal costs an average of EUR 16.42, 76% cheaper than Copenhagen and 73% cheaper than Stockholm. The average cost of a brunch in a city in the ranking is therefore very different, with a gap of EUR 51.47 between the cheapest and the most expensive places.

Copenhagen and Stockholm the most expensive cities The average meal prices in the two northern capitals are quite different from the rest of the field, coupled with the low number of restaurants available. Nevertheless, it is not reflected in the scores, although neither city scores particularly well. The highest rating of Copenhagen is in the brunch category, two places behind Budapest in the ranking, coming to 13th place. Meanwhile, Stockholm received its highest scores for cafe services and finished far from the front, just ahead of the last city, Madrid.

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DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM

Budapest ranked 10th with the best brunch spots in Europe, but the Hungarian capital not only excels in brunch restaurants but cafés too, the fifth-highest of all European capitals analyzed. The city, with 993 restaurants available in the research, is not only one of the brunch capitals of Europe but also the

fourth cheapest of all European cities of the study. A brunch in Budapest is almost three-quarters cheaper than in Copenhagen.

It will set you back at just EUR 17.92.

Although Budapest didn't score as highly in the fast-food category as in the other categories, it still beats Helsinki, Dublin, Luxembourg, Madrid, Brussels and Stockholm. The Hungarian capital was rated behind Bratislava, Prague, Riga, Lisbon and 12 other cities in the pub's category, yet it scored better in the vegetarian evaluation, coming 12th right after Vilnius and ahead of cities such as Amsterdam, Paris or Rome.

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festival

SZIGET, A BIG HIT AFTER A TWO-YEAR HIATUS

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GERGELY BESENYEI, SZIGET

The Sziget Festival, one of the largest musical and cultural festivals in Europe, has re-opened its doors after a two-year hiatus following the COVID-19 pandemic, occurring during an energy crisis as a result of the neighboring war. Top performers on stages, sold-out and near sold-out days, a huge variety of colorful programs and a continuous fight against airborne dust, sum up this year's amusement on the Island of Freedom.

There were concerns whether people would return to festival life, according to Tamás Kádár, chief organizer of Sziget. However, these fears were futile: Tickets were sold out on the first day and the island reached its full capacity of 95,000 people. Both Friday and Saturday were also nearly full. In total, approximately 452,000 people from more than 100 countries visited the festival. This enthusiasm is unsurprising considering two years of planning had allowed Sziget organizers to feature renowned and popular performers, added Tamás Kádár.

Sziget is not only a music festival. It offers a plethora of extraordinary activities including theater workshops, unique art performances, creative activities and shows accessible to everyone as stated by József Kardos, Head of Programming.

Providing a platform to support emerging artists is an important part of Sziget’s policy, he added.

Through international collaboration, the Sziget Festival has created an extremely colorful program of artists from many nations: this year’s performers came from more than 60 countries.

An initiative that represents the plight of refugees opened an exhibition this year dedicated to Ukraine, such that festival-goers could have a discussion with Ukrainian artists from the band Drum Divas regarding the situation of refugees.

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discovering new artists: this year, Afuma from Togo performed. Additionally, Palestinian-Hungarian cooperation was realized with a joint circus show as highlighted by József Kardos. Festival-goers could learn about EU rights, studying and job opportunities within the EU at the European Meeting Point, hosted by the Representation of the European Commission in Hungary and the European Parliament Liaison Office in Hungary.

Moreover, environmental consciousness and sustainable development played a central role throughout the festival, including the use of reusable cups, promotion of SzigEthical Wear, working with climate-friendly restaurants and many others. To reduce the amount of airborne dust which, at the time, caused much concern,

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the organizers used water from the Danube in watering cars to attempt to amend the situation.

As half of the visitors come from abroad, the Embassies for You (E4U), an initiative of different embassies in Hungary that provide consular help during the Sziget Festival, was also present.

Several embassies were represented on the Island, including the Danish, Irish and Dutch.

The embassies provided advice and could also issue emergency passports on the spot for their citizens. Though many festival-goers were from the UK, most visitors by country came from the Netherlands, the chief organizer of the festival said.

Compared to 2019, this year’s Sziget Festival has introduced many changes. The absence of K-bridge decorations for safety reasons is

an apparent difference on arrival. However, the entry process is now much smoother than before, given that the entrance gates were located on the festival grounds. The festival’s budget had to be reconfigured due to the massive labor shortage, the high inflation rate and the energy crisis. Nonetheless, the operational and infrastructural elements of the festival and the quality of the performances had not been affected. A manifestation of the cost-cutting solution, this year's modest decoration is the most striking change. However, the chief organizer of the festival stressed that “after this season … I can promise you that this will be the first thing we will build back into our budget.

Because we are missing it very-very much”.

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wine

Disznókő Vineyards and Winery is launching a new limited dry wine series from an excellent 2021 vintage. The intensely flavored Disznókő Visus Hárslevelű 2021 is the result of a collaboration that allows wine enthusiasts to enjoy a unique wine and, at the same time, support a charitable cause.

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Disznókő Visus Hárslevelű 2021 is unique considering its grapes were harvested by visually impaired individuals, with some assistance. After careful destemming and a short maceration, the hand-picked bunches were pressed with the must fermented in two small three-yearold aged, wooden barrels. The light green-gold toned wine displays a rich, intense bouquet with notes of elderflower and spices. A nice structure, pleasant fullness and a little residual sugar are counterpointed by lively, fresh acidity, making the experience a harmonious blend. The attractive floral and vegetal notes on the palate are typical of the variety.

Supporting the visually impaired The cooperation between the Disznókő and the First Miskolc Lions Club, led by László Kiss, reaches back many years. One of the main objectives of the Club is to fight for the cause of preventable and reversible blindness and to support those who have permanently lost their sight or were born blind. This led to the

Limited Edition Visus

‘visually impaired and blind harvest’ program.

To mark the White Cane Safety Day on October 15th, a special harvest was organized in 2021. Alongside members of the Lions Club, members of the Blind and Visually Impaired Association of Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén County, an organization regularly supported by the Lions Club, harvested two rows of Hárslevelű vines in the Berekalj vineyard of the Disznókő Estate.

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The wine harvested from Hárslevelű grapes proved to be so outstanding that it was bottled as a unique batch – a rare event in the life of Disznókő Vineyards and Winery. This is the origin of the limited 300 bottles of Hárslevelű, named Visus in honor of the harvesters, complete with a label featuring Braille inscription.

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VISUS - HÁRSLEVELŰ FROM DISZNÓKŐ VINEYARDS AND WINERY DONATED TO CHARITY

Bouquet of Harmony

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VISUALLY IMPAIRED AND BLIND HARVEST

Disznókő Visus Hárslevelű 2021 is a limited production wine: only 300 numbered bottles were produced.

This vibrant varietal wine beautifully combines the minerality of the Berekalj vineyard with the complex, fruity notes of Hárslevelű.

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what's on

NICOLÁS MULLER: THE COMMITTED GAZE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 4, CAPA CENTER, BUDAPEST

The Committed Gaze exhibition sheds light on the work of Nicolás Muller (Born Miklós Müller, Orosháza, Hungary, 1913, died in Andrín, Spain, 2000). A leading figure of Hungarian socio-documentary photography, he is also considered one of the most important representatives of post-war photography in Spain, the country where he spent most of his life.

The exhibition at the Capa Center explores the landscapes of his lifelong journey of the countries where Muller lived.

It includes 126 mostly unpublished photographs taken between 1930 and 1967 exhibited promoted by the Cervantes Institute and the Ministry of Culture of Spain.

Jewish-born Nicolás Muller lived in his native Hungary before World War II. He was given his first camera at the age of thirteen and immediately began to explore its capacity as a means of worldly expression. He maintained this passion while studying law and politics at Szeged University where he became friends with famous Hungarian figures such as Gyula Ortutay, Miklós Radnóti and Fanni Gyarmati. During his years at university, he would explore the nearby Hungarian plains and villages on foot, by train and by bike, photographing children, scenes of rural life and workers building the dykes on the river Tisza.

Similar to many of his counterparts, such as André Kertész, László Moholy-Nagy, Martin Munkácsi, Francisco Aszmann, Eva Besnyö, Brassaï, Lucien Hervé, Mari Mahr or Robert Capa, Muller spent much of his life in exile. Nicolas Muller cultural contributions enriches the extraordinary list of internationally recognized Hungarian photographers.

VOLBEAT photo by LIVE NATION, FIORENZO NICCOLI, NICOLÁS MULLER (AIR SHOW. MOROCCO - ANA MULLER COLLECTION 1941, UNLOADING SALT. PORTO PORTUGAL REGIONAL ARCHIVE OF THE COMMUNITY OF MADRID - NICOLÁS MULLER COLLECTION 1939, LA MADELEINE. PARIS FRANCE - ANA MULLER COLLECTION 1938), MARCO BORGGREVE

NOVEMBER 5, BARBA NEGRA TRACK, BUDAPEST

Danish rock'n'roll rebels Volbeat have announced the 32-date European leg of the diverse ‘Servant Of The Road World Tour’. Here, we will see them sharing the spotlight with special guests Skindred and openers Bad Wolves (mainland Europe), creating a truly intense show.

Volbeat comments how "finally, after so much time away, we’re thrilled to be able to bring a proper Volbeat headline tour to our friends across mainland Europe and the UK. We are so excited and cannot wait to see everyone out there!

We’re extremely lucky to be able to bring Skindred and Bad Wolves along for the ride and share this experience with these incredible bands that we are fortunate enough to call friends."

Described by Louder magazine as "titanic heavy metal riffs colliding head-on with rock'n'roll groove," fans can expect a mix of Volbeat classics, deep cuts, and fan favorites from their storied career, including singles from their latest acclaimed album, ‘Servant Of The Mind’.

The Danish icons recently wowed British fans on the Download Festival main stage. According to Hot Press magazine, "as always, Volbeat were tight and punishing."

Metal Talk described it as "a real spectacle, but you'll only believe it when you see it... a great, genuine show that's as entertaining as it is musically respectable." But it's not just at festivals that Volbeat captivate audiences, last month, Distorted Sound magazine snapped up a London club show which gave them a 10/10 rating, stating "this is a band born to entertain, a band at the top of their game."

livenation.hu

capacenter.hu

BRIDGING EUROPE – AMSTERDAM-BUDAPEST SEPTEMBER 16-28, MÜPA PALACE OF ARTS, BUDAPEST

LISZT FEST

OCTOBER 7-22

MÜPA PALACE OF ARTS, BUDAPEST Launched on the 210th anniversary of Ferenc Liszt’s birth, the Liszt Fest International Cultural Festival presents leading artists and the latest productions from both the Hungarian and international scene. The internationally renowned Hungarian composer’s work is characterized by its virtuosity, experimental form and a rich diversity of genre – these values are fundamental features of the Liszt Fest.

Müpa Budapest’s new event series offers large-scale concerts, classical and contemporary chamber music productions, organ recitals, pop and jazz concerts, dance shows, as well as literary and visual art events and unconventional open-air performances found in Budapest’s principal arts spaces.

Exceptional programs at the Liszt Fest International Cultural Festival include Plácido Domingo, Víkingur Ólafsson and the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, Ravi Coltrane, Hiatus Kaiyote and the Neue Oper Wien, who bring Jörg Widmann’s opera, the Janoska Ensemble, the Rajkó Orchestra, Michael Volle, Studio 5 and Kálmán Oláh, among others. The eagerly awaited event series offers cultural delights, premieres, exciting fusions of genres, brilliant soloists and orchestras celebrating musical anniversaries.

Müpa Budapest and the Budapest Festival Orchestra’s joint festival creates an excitement that precedes the new season. Featuring classical concerts, jazz, popular music and film screenings, the center of each instalment has been culture-rich countries with diverse and significant musical tradition. A country’s music reveals a great deal about its people, considering the event’s launch in 2013, the longevity of this program is therefore culturally insightful. From 2021, the concept behind the festival has undergone change: the focus remains on Europe, yet the organizers collaborate with major cultural centers and organize joint events in both locations (Hungary and a given country), thus promoting the creation of co-productions between countries.

This September, Müpa will partner with the Royal Concertgebouw, bridging Budapest with Amsterdam. One of the highlights of the Bridging Europe Festival will be a concert by the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra conducted by Iván Fischer, illustrating the interoperability among different genres, such as the bridge between classical music and jazz, and between early and contemporary music. An exciting example of this is the Organ Duel, where Dutch organist Sietze de Vries and László Fassang, who also curates the organ concerts at Müpa Budapest, will have to face off with their improvisational skills across several different styles and genres. The festival will include film projections, involving directors and cinematographers from the Netherlands, masters of Dutch painting like Rembrandt and Vermeer, as well as thrilling jazz concerts and popular music productions featuring Dutch and Hungarian musicians. mupa.hu

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