NEWSROOM

Parliament adopts law to restore 20% of EU’s land and sea by 2030

A shocking figure: based on the European Environmental Agency (EEA) Report No 10/2020, over 80% of European habitats are in poor shape. To contribute to the long-term recovery of damaged nature across the EU’s land and sea areas, a new EU law sets a target to restore at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030 and all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050.

The social tax on interest income remains with us

Since 1 July 2023, interest income has been subject to a 13% social contribution tax (‘szocho’) in addition to the 15% personal income tax (‘szja’). Originally this was only for the duration of the emergency caused by the armed conflict in Ukraine. However, a new act published in the Hungarian Official Gazette on 18 June 2024, changed the situation.

A two-stage procedure could help in environmental authority cases in Hungary from 1 July 2024

To further safeguard Hungary’s natural values and resources, promote a greener economy, and enhance the circular economy, the Hungarian Government introduced the possibility of two-level proceedings in environmental authority cases starting from 1 July 2024. This measure aims to strengthen the protection of public health and the environment.

Dr. Réka Fülöp - Attorney at Law

We congratulate our colleague Réka Fülöp, who took her oath as a lawyer today, which crowned her efforts and hard work over the past years.

New gatekeeper on the horizon: stricter competition rules will apply on Booking.com

The European Union’s competition legislation has undergone a major transformation in recent years, particularly in digital markets and large online platforms. The new regulatory framework has been introduced by the European Commission to deal with the increasing concentration and distortions of competition in digital markets. Large online platforms such as Google, Amazon, Facebook and Booking.com have become key players with a significant impact on the functioning of the market and the opportunities for smaller competitors.

Is Hungary at the forefront of artificial intelligence in Europe?

Recently, the Artificial Intelligence Coalition (MIK) informed the relevant committee of the Hungarian Parliament about possible trends in the sector. The MIK’s goal is clear: to put Hungary at the forefront of AI developments and applications in Europe and to become a member of the international AI community. In this process, it will bring together users, market players, academia, professional organisations and public institutions.

The new obligation of common representatives

Approximately 1.5 million condominiums are affected by an amendment of the Condominium Act regarding the registration of common representatives. According to the latest change, effective as of 1 October 2024, the condominium assembly must immediately and mandatorily dismiss the representative and revoke their property management mandate if the representative does not initiate their registration with the land registry authority within the prescribed deadline following their election.

Member States urge EU Commission to publish the Heat Pump Action Plan

In December 2023 the European Commission, the Council and the Parliament reached an agreement to gradually ban the installation of new fossil fuel heating systems. Starting in 2025, state subsidies for such systems will be prohibited. From 2030, new houses will no longer be allowed to install gas boilers, and by 2050, even older buildings must be made emission-free. To support this transition, the spread of renewable, clean energy systems will be promoted with financial incentives under the Fit for 55 program at both the EU and Member State levels. In addition to the ban on gas boilers, this program includes measures to encourage the adoption of heat pump systems, requiring member states to announce new energy efficiency grants for home renovations.

Strict amendment to the law: compulsory liability insurance for certain electric scooters, segways and small tractors

According to a statement made by the Association of Hungarian Insurers, from 16 July 2024, the range of vehicles for which compulsory motor vehicle liability insurance must be taken out will be extended. Based on the new provisions of the act on compulsory motor vehicle liability insurance, adopted on 30 April 2024 and published on 9 May 2024, certain micromobility devices, including certain electric scooters, will be covered by compulsory motor vehicle liability insurance. The net weight of the vehicle and its maximum design speed determine whether or not liability insurance is required for the vehicle.

Thanks to the Hungarian Competition Authority’s decision Viber has become more secure and more transparent

In February 2020 the Hungarian Competition Authority initiated a competition supervisory procedure against Viber Media (operator of the Viber app, seated in Luxembourg) which was likely to infringe the prohibition of unfair commercial practice against consumers. During the procedure, Viber made commitments aiming at the avoidance of penalties. The procedure ended on 16 May 2024 with a decision where the authority, without finding an infringement or lack of infringement, obliged Viber to fulfil its commitments.