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In this issue, DT – Diplomacy and Trade, has focused in on the issue of migration. We have looked into how open Hungarians are toward migration to Hungary as well as changes in the system granting or denying immigrants settlement in Hungary. This month we also examine repercussions of a recent referendum on dual-citizenship for ethnic Hungarians outside Hungary’s borders. This issue has proved to be a very divisive one, and the negative vote outcome may have consequences for years to come.

Also in DT this month, we look at the impact of another referendum, this time on hospital privatization in Hungary. While that vote was deemed void due to low voter turnout, the issue remains a burning one. Healthcare reforms are not happening and the system is plagued by corruption. The question of how to clean-up the Hungarian healthcare system weighs heavily and reforms are inevitable.

This month’s Straight Talk features Slovakian Foreign Minister Eduard Kukan.

Ongoing consolidation in the oil and gas sector, and Hungarian giant MOL’s fight for regional primacy in this field is also given ample space this month.

On the political front, all eyes are on the Ukraine. As we head to press, debates between the two candidates have taken place and were as heated as they get. Ukraine is a potential flashpoint between two worlds, and our correspondent has been closely following these potentially historic events. While the European Union has re-drawn the map, this clash of ideas and leadership may well change the direction the whole CEE region takes in the coming years.

We have also looked into a small, but important sector of the tourism industry. Creating specialized packages and meeting the needs of an increasingly older demographic of tourists is an issue tourism authorities face. We also feature an extensive travel story from one of Europe’s most dynamic locations, Ireland. Hungary’s cultural institutions are also about to undergo a shakeup. As you will read, at long last there has been a change in the leadership at Budapest’s Museum of Fine Arts. László Báan takes over this floundering institution and says he would like to bring it to a European and international level.

Finally, we look at recent developments in Macedonia, where similarly to Hungary, the country recently experienced a failed referendum.

Peter Freed
Publisher - Kiadó