Hungary, Romania and Serbia have all warned that falling river levels are affecting nuclear and hydroelectric generation. Officials say continued hot and dry weather could further reduce electricity production in the coming days.

The Danube, one of Europe’s most important waterways, fell to about 10 centimeters (4 inches) in Budapest on Monday—well below the previous record low of 33 centimeters (13 inches) set in 2018.

Forecasters expect temperatures to exceed 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit) this week, increasing electricity demand for cooling while limiting power generation.

Hungary’s Nuclear Plant Faces Possible Shutdown

Hungary’s Paks Nuclear Power Plant has sharply reduced electricity production because low Danube water levels have restricted the amount of cooling water available for its reactors.

The facility generated about 240 megawatts on Monday, compared with its normal output of roughly 2,000 megawatts.

Prime Minister Péter Magyar said engineers had managed to keep the plant’s final operating turbine running, temporarily avoiding a complete shutdown that had been expected over the weekend.

He cautioned, however, that the plant could still suspend operations later this week if river levels continue to fall.

Located about 90 kilometers (55 miles) south of Budapest, the Paks facility produces nearly half of Hungary’s electricity and accounts for about one-third of the country’s total power consumption.

To offset lower production, Hungary has increased electricity imports from neighboring countries and expanded its use of renewable energy sources.

Governments Introduce Power Conservation Measures

Hungary has asked major industrial users to reduce electricity consumption and urged households to conserve energy during peak demand between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Beginning Monday, authorities also prohibited electric freight trains from operating during peak hours. Officials estimate the measure will save between 70 and 90 megawatt-hours of electricity each day.

After initially relying on voluntary reductions, the government approved emergency powers allowing mandatory electricity limits for large industrial and commercial consumers if conditions worsen.

According to Magyar, conservation efforts reduced electricity demand by about 700 megawatts on Sunday.

Romania and Serbia Also Face Growing Pressure

The drought has also disrupted electricity production elsewhere along the Danube.

In Romania, military engineers used explosives near the Bala Canal on Monday to redirect more water toward the Danube’s main channel and help maintain cooling operations at the state-owned Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant.

Officials said river flow had dropped to about 1,500 cubic meters per second—less than one-third of the average July level.

One reactor at the plant has already been shut down, leaving the facility operating at about half of its normal capacity.

Acting Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan declared a nationwide energy alert on Friday and warned that the remaining reactor could also be forced offline if water levels continue to decline.

Several major manufacturers have also reduced operations. Automakers Dacia and Ford suspended vehicle production and began scheduled maintenance until Aug. 19, while other industrial companies agreed to lower electricity use during evening peak hours.

Hydropower Output Falls in Serbia

Serbia is facing similar challenges as historically low Danube levels reduce hydropower generation.

Officials said the country’s main hydroelectric plant is operating at only about 20% of its normal capacity.

Prime Minister Djuro Macut convened an emergency meeting on Monday and appealed to residents to reduce electricity consumption, particularly by limiting the use of air conditioners and other high-energy household appliances.

Macut described the situation as “serious and demanding,” warning that continued drought could place additional pressure on Serbia’s electricity system.

The ongoing drought highlights the growing vulnerability of Europe’s energy infrastructure to prolonged periods of extreme heat, with governments across the region balancing rising electricity demand against declining water supplies needed to sustain power generation.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

The post Record Low Danube Water Levels Push Eastern Europe Toward Energy Emergency appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

The demonstration, held outside the presidential offices at Budapest’s Sándor Palace in the Castle District, was organized by Orbán’s far-right Fidesz party after the former prime minister urged supporters to take part through social media.

Although Orbán promoted the protest, he did not attend.

Constitutional amendment targets presidency

The protest comes ahead of a parliamentary vote next week on a constitutional amendment that would terminate Sulyok’s presidency.

The proposal would also introduce term limits for members of parliament, implement judicial reforms and establish a new authority to investigate alleged financial abuses committed during Orbán’s administration.

Since taking office after a landslide election victory in April, Magyar has moved rapidly to dismantle institutions he says helped sustain Orbán’s authoritarian-style rule.

His government has removed numerous political appointees and senior officials while pledging to restore democratic checks and strengthen Hungary’s ties with the European Union.

Protesters defend the presidency

Demonstrators argued that removing the president before the end of his term would undermine democratic institutions regardless of Sulyok’s personal popularity.

“The point is not whether Tamás Sulyok is popular or not, but that this is simply unacceptable in a democracy,” protester Krisztina Nemerkényi said.

Orbán and Fidesz have portrayed the government’s effort as an attack on the rule of law and warned it could mark the beginning of authoritarian governance under the new administration.

Government says voters gave it a mandate

Magyar has defended the proposal, arguing that Sulyok failed to fulfill his constitutional responsibilities by not challenging what he describes as anti-democratic actions taken during Orbán’s years in office.

The prime minister repeatedly pledged during the election campaign to replace Sulyok and has argued that his party’s two-thirds parliamentary majority gives the government a clear democratic mandate to do so.

Although Hungary’s presidency is largely ceremonial, the officeholder signs legislation into law and may refer bills to the Constitutional Court for review, powers that government supporters fear could be used to delay or obstruct reforms.

Fidesz rejects accusations

Speaking at the protest, Fidesz lawmaker János Pócs defended his party’s record after criticism over numerous constitutional amendments enacted while Orbán was in power.

Fidesz rewrote Hungary’s constitution in 2011 and later amended it 15 times.

Pócs said those changes were made “always in the interest of the country, in order to protect the country, but not for the sake of dictatorship.”

Orbán’s government faced years of criticism from the European Union and international watchdogs over judicial independence, media freedom and democratic governance.

Reform agenda continues

Since taking office in May, Magyar’s administration has implemented several campaign pledges, including suspending the news service of Hungary’s public broadcaster, which the government says functioned as a political propaganda outlet under Orbán.

The government has also introduced an eight-year term limit for future prime ministers and replaced the leadership of Hungary’s national security and intelligence agencies.

In addition, Budapest secured the release of approximately €16.4 billion ($19 billion) in previously frozen European Union funding after introducing reforms aimed at reversing democratic backsliding identified during Orbán’s tenure.

The outcome of next week’s constitutional vote is expected to shape the next phase of Hungary’s political transition as the new government continues efforts to overhaul institutions established during Orbán’s years in power.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

Article Topics: Hungary | Viktor Orbán | Péter Magyar | Tamás Sulyok | Budapest Protest | Constitutional Reform | European Union | Politics

The post Orbán Allies Rally in Budapest Against Hungarian Government’s Plan to Remove President appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

Hungary has announced plans to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), a move that comes just as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Budapest to a grand reception. The decision aligns with Hungary’s vocal opposition to the ICC’s recent arrest warrant against Netanyahu over alleged war crimes.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán welcomed Netanyahu with full military honors at Budapest’s historic Castle District. The two leaders stood side by side as a military band played, while soldiers on horseback and in ceremonial uniforms paraded in a show of state-level support.

During the reception, Orbán’s chief of staff, Gergely Gulyás, issued a statement confirming that the Hungarian government will initiate the process of leaving the ICC. This process could take over a year to complete. Later, Orbán criticized the ICC as a “political court,” arguing that it had lost its impartiality.

Netanyahu’s trip to Hungary marks only his second foreign visit since the ICC issued an arrest warrant against him and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in November. The court claims there is evidence suggesting their involvement in crimes against humanity during the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The war escalated following Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which left approximately 1,200 dead and resulted in 251 hostages. In response, Israel launched an aggressive military campaign in Gaza, leading to over 50,000 Palestinian deaths, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Israel, however, asserts that 20,000 of those killed were militants but has not provided verification.

The ICC also issued warrants for three Hamas leaders, all of whom were later killed.

Following the ICC’s indictment, Orbán invited Netanyahu to Budapest, openly defying the court’s authority. Hungary, a signatory to the ICC since 2001, is technically obligated to enforce arrest warrants issued by the court. However, Orbán has dismissed these obligations, accusing the ICC of politically motivated interference in ongoing conflicts.

During a joint news conference, Orbán reiterated his stance:

“The ICC is no longer an impartial court, but a political tool. This is most evident in its decisions regarding Israel.”

He further declared that Hungary “cannot and does not want to engage” with an institution he views as compromised.

Netanyahu, in turn, praised Hungary’s decision, calling it a “bold and principled move.”

“The ICC targets those fighting just wars with just means. Hungary is the first country to walk away from this corruption, and I believe it will be deeply appreciated worldwide.”

The ICC has strongly condemned Hungary’s refusal to comply with its arrest warrant, with spokesperson Fadi El Abdallah stating:

“Hungary remains under a duty to cooperate with the ICC.”

Hamas also denounced the move, calling it an “immoral stance” that enables a “war criminal to escape justice.” The group urged Hungary to reverse its decision and comply with international law.

Netanyahu’s foreign visits serve not only as diplomatic engagements but also as efforts to bolster his political standing at home. His government faces growing protests over its handling of the war, concerns over hostages still held by Hamas, and internal political maneuvering perceived as an attempt to consolidate power.

Israel recently resumed military operations in Gaza, breaking a ceasefire and halting all food, fuel, and humanitarian aid to the enclave in an effort to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages.

With Hungary now set to exit the ICC, the move raises broader questions about the court’s influence and the future of international legal cooperation in prosecuting war crimes. The decision also underscores Orbán’s willingness to challenge EU norms and further align with Netanyahu’s embattled leadership on the world stage.

Source: AP News – Hungary announces plan to quit International Criminal Court as Netanyahu arrives in Budapest

The post Hungary to Leave ICC as Netanyahu Receives Grand Welcome in Budapest appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.