Progress in understanding the structural evolution of the Pannonian
Basin is reported. This has been driven by the application of seismic
stratigraphy constrained by magnetostratigraphic data and the recent
release of a great amount of hydrocarbon exploration data. This has led
to a redefinition and better understanding of the syn-rift period and
style of rifting. In addition, a complex structural evolution history
during the post-rift phase has been recognized. Two compressive events
are defined: one in the early stage and another in the late stage of
evolution. The importance of these findings for hydrocarbon exploration
includes an improved knowledge of the timing of trap formations and a
possible explanation for remarkably variable reservoir pressures in
pools of the Great Hungarian Plain.