The Committee of the Regions and the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Date: 2010-12-19
Institutions: European Committee of the Regions
Subjects: EU action, European Committee of the Regions, Hungary, Presidency of the Council of the EU

The Committee of the 
Regions and the  
Hungarian Presidency  
of the Council of  
the European Union

© Gödöllő: The Royal Palace, Budapest: Mr. Tamas Cziglan, Debrecen: Mr. Gabor Nagy

Hungary: Six months to focus on the european rubik cube!

Mercedes Bresso 
President of the Committee 
of the Regions

A range of colours, strong rivets and painstaking combinations, these are the magic ingredients that give the cube 
invented by Hungarian Ernõ Rubik its solidity and flexibility.

These very same ingredients are at the core of the European Union’s progress: the diversity of our regions, the 
interdependence of our institutions, and the search for shared solutions.

It is indeed in a heartfelt spirit of cooperation that the Committee of the Regions welcomes the beginning of 
the Hungarian Presidency, which completes the institutional cube introduced by the Lisbon Treaty, the first Trio-
Presidency.

There are numerous and significant items on the Hungarian Presidency’s agenda. The Committee of the Regions 
is primed to make its contribution. Working together, we will successfully launch the new economic governance 
mechanisms and develop the framework of medium to long term policy initiatives and financial instruments.

The implementation of the Europe 2020 strategy will start on 1 January 2011, with the beginning of the so-
called European Semester. The Spring Council will have the job of strengthening the EU’s coordination of smart, 
sustainable and inclusive growth policies. The Committee will urge it on by promoting the partnership between 
local and regional authorities, national administrations and EU institutions, as well as through the implementation 
of the Territorial Pacts.

Cooperation between the Hungarian Presidency and the Committee of the Regions could also give new impetus 
to  the  EU’s  territorial  cohesion  agenda  by  linking  it  with  the  EU’s  new  operational  instruments,  such  as  the 
European Grouping for Territorial Cooperation (EGTC) and macro-regional strategies like the strategy for the 
Danube region. The invaluable experience of Hungary’s local, regional and national authorities in these areas 
will help us to make progress on the legislative framework and on medium to long term EU policy orientations.

Due to the longer timeframe, during the Hungarian Presidency, we will be able to work together to promote 
the interinstitutional platform for consensus on the review of the EU budget for the next multi-annual financial 
framework and on the structure of the future cohesion policy, a driver for development in all European regions.

In 2011, we will also be working to strengthen integration and cooperation in Central and South-Eastern Europe, 
whether by moving forward on the accession processes of the Western Balkan Countries, or by consolidating the 
local and regional dimension of the Eastern Partnership.

The solutions are within our grasp, especially if we work in a multilevel governance setting, based on coordinated 
cohesion-oriented action and involving not just one strata, but all of them.  Just like the Rubik cube, in fact! 

The Committee of the Regions and the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union

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The Hungarian Presidency: Achieving goals through 
partnership

 Dr. Tibor Navracsics, 
Deputy Prime Minister of the 
Republic of Hungary,
Minister of Public Administration 
and Justice

The Hungarian Presidency intends to continue the current initiatives which build on the achievements of the Trio 
Presidency. In the process of implementing the Lisbon Treaty it is important for us to be able to meet our common 
European challenges in the most efficient manner, applying the principles of good governance, subsidiarity and 
decentralisation in cooperation with local and regional authorities. 

We would like to further develop cooperation among EU institutions through the key elements of successful 
negotiation: partnership and dialogue. Issues discussed by the Committee of the Regions – such as neighbourhood 
policy, water issues, cohesion policy, Roma policy, energy, employment, social affairs and sport – are also priorities 
for Hungary, and our opinions can contribute to the goals identified in the EU decision-making process, as well as 
to the substantive elements of EU documents.

In  order  that  citizen  interests  can  be  taken  into  account  more  broadly,  it  is  necessary  to  strengthen  local 
participation and to involve local communities more widely in the development and implementation of those 
strategies which affect them. One possible local (as well as macro-regional) instrument for this is the European 
Grouping for Territorial Cooperation (EGTC).

Forms of macro-regional cooperation which aid cooperation and development of different regions have also 
proved  their  added  value  in  strengthening  cohesion  and  competitiveness.  We  can  cite  as  an  example  the 
European Union’s emerging Danube Strategy, the adoption and initial implementation of which will take place 
within the term of the Hungarian Presidency. 

The  efforts  of  local  and  regional  governments  should  also  be  harnessed  in  order  to  successfully  strengthen 
competitiveness and employment within the EU. One of our joint tasks in 2011 will be the launch of the Europe 
2020 Strategy, during the implementation of which we will have to take into consideration demographic factors, 
the welfare policies of Member States, and best practices. National Reform Programmes will be evaluated for the 
first time during the Hungarian Presidency, and the European semester will also start. 

Due  to  Hungary’s  special  geographical  situation,  the  Hungarian  Presidency  will  pay  particular  attention  to 
neighbourhood policy. By organising the Eastern Partnership Summit, we would like to strengthen relationships 
between participating non-EU members and the European Union, within the framework of various cooperation 
programmes.

Achieving these goals will need cooperation at EU level as well as at national, regional and local levels, and this 
cooperation can be achieved through implementation of the multi-level governance principle, in which the 
Committee of the Regions will play an outstanding role. 

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The Hungarian Presidency: Achieving goals through partnership

Is the concept of multi level governance applied when coordinating between territorial organs in your 
country? How are local self governments, territorial themes involved in the EU legislation process?

The  concept  of  multi-level  governance  and  its  practical  importance  is  increasingly  appreciated  in  Hungary, 
because as the cornerstone of the “good European governance” it serves the balanced and partnership-based 
decision-making process in the governmental task performance. 

Reinforcing  the  institutional  and  political  cooperation  and  establishing  such  mechanisms  which  ensure  the 
continuous and effective dialogue between the levels of government is not an easy task. We have released several 
initiatives. In the most important strategic issues affecting the operation of the state wide national consultations 
are being held involving the public administration, civil society and citizens. In order to greater understand the 
interests of the local governments the National Cooperation Forum of Self-Governments was set up, which is an 
institutionalized consultation, proposal-making platform between the government and local governments. All 
these already ensure that such decisions are made which are meet the real developing requirements. However, 
the process has not been finalized yet. We are working on further innovative solutions. In our work The White 
Paper on multi-level governance adopted by the Committee of the Regions help us a lot.

In  what  ways  does  the  EU  2020  Strategy  influence  the  modernization  of  the  Hungarian  public 
administration?

The  European  Union’s  new  strategic  plan  also  foresees  an  important  role  to  the  principle  of  the  multi-level 
governance. In the process of establishing the new economic model outlined by the EU2020 Strategy it is essential 
to pursue the ongoing dialogue between the governmental actors with especial regard to the local authorities. 
The need for the economic stability and the sustainable development emphasizes that the participatory elements 
and the abilities to enforce interests should be further strengthened in the public administration in the near future.

Not only is the optimal allocation of the tasks and responsibilities among our goals, but also to explore such 
inherent possibilities of the multi-level governance, which make the activities of certain governmental levels even 
more transparent and effective. The basic intention of the Hungarian Government is to create the good state, 
which is proper for strengthening the Hungarian citizens’ faith in democracy.

What is your opinion on the future role and development possibilities of EGTCs at national and EU 
level?

In the implementation of multi-level governance the European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation, the EGTC 
offers a golden opportunity, which is an effective tool of the cross-border cooperation. Its legal personality and 
full legal capacity is a guarantee for the success of the joint work of all EU member states. The EGTC allows two or 
more legal persons of the member states to achieve their common objectives, without binding to an international 
treaty, but between legal guarantees. The European Commission is currently reviewing the experiences of EU 
legislation till 1 August, 2011. The trio presidency has the most experience on how to found EGTCs and also in the 
field of the domestic legislation. The review process which began in the first half of 2010 will be completed during 
the Hungarian Presidency. These experiences and the efficient assistance of the cooperation have increased 
this area up to one of the priorities of the Hungarian Presidency. Our local self-governments and other public 
authorities being in difficult economic situation can overcome their problems in cooperation.

The Committee of the Regions and the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union

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Why a Committee of the Regions?
The three main decision-making institutions in the EU are the European Parliament, which represents the EU’s 
citizens and is directly elected by them, the Council of the European Union, which represents the individual 
member states, and the European Commission, which upholds the interests of the Union as a whole. However, 
local and regional authorities are responsible for implementing the vast majority of the decisions taken at the 
European level - around two-thirds of EU legislation is put into practice at the sub-national level. That is why the 
Committee of the Regions (CoR) was set up in 1994, to give local and regional authorities the opportunity to 
express a view on the substance of EU legislative proposals at the drafting stage in order to make them better 
adapted to the needs of citizens.

The European treaties stipulate that the Committee of the Regions must be consulted whenever proposals are 
made in areas likely to have repercussions at local or regional level. In practice, this means that the Committee of 
the Regions is consulted as of right on most European legislation.

The Maastricht Treaty (1992) laid down five areas for mandatory consultation: economic and social cohesion, trans-
European networks, health, education and culture. The Treaty of Amsterdam (1997) added a further five areas: 
employment policy, social policy, the environment, vocational training and transport.

Following the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, the CoR has acquired new powers, both in the area of territorial 
cohesion and in terms of monitoring the subsidiarity principle The CoR now has a greater consultative role to play 
, and also new leverage for implementing multilevel governance. The European Parliament, the Commission and 
the Council now have to consult the Committee of the Regions when making laws in any area with a regional 
impact.  And  the  Committee’s  opinions  now  cover  several  new  policy  areas,  including  energy  and  climate 
change. However, all three institutions may also consult the CoR outside these areas if they see local or regional 
implications in their work. The Committee of the Regions can also put its priorities onto the European Union’s 
agenda by issuing own-initiative opinions and drafting reports on subjects of interest to it.

But the CoR’s involvement does not stop once it has issued its opinion on a Commission proposal. The CoR also 
has the right to question the Commission, Parliament and Council if they fail to take on board its viewpoint. In 
extreme cases, the CoR also has the right to go to the European Court of Justice if it believes it has not been 
correctly consulted.

How does the Committee of the Regions work?

The Committee of the Regions is made up of 344 members and the same number of alternates. These members 
are appointed by the Member States for a five year term, which may be renewed. They must hold elected office 
or be politically accountable to an elected assembly. For this reason, members who cease to hold such office 
automatically lose their seat on the Committee of the Regions. Each country chooses its members in its own way, 
with the proviso that members must reflect a political and geographical balance and be taken from both the 
regional and local level. The CoR members elect their own President – currently Mrs Mercedes Bresso from the 
Piedmont region in Italy.

The CoR’s work is split between six specialised commissions:

-  Territorial Cohesion policy (COTER)
-  Economic and Social policy (ECOS)
-  Environment, Climate change and Energy (ENVE)
-  Culture, Education and Research (EDUC)
-  Citizenship, Governance, Institutional and External Affairs (CIVEX)
-  Natural Resources (NAT)

© Architectes: ART & BUILD + atelier d’architecture Paul NOËL

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Why a Committee of the Regions?

The commissions, which are made up of CoR members, draw up draft opinions on legislative proposals submitted 
by the European Commission, the Council or the European Parliament. The draft is then voted on during one of 
the five plenary sessions that take place each year. It is only adopted if it receives a majority of votes cast.
Four political groups are represented at the Committee of the Regions: the European People’s Party (EPP), the 
Party of European Socialists (PES), the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) and the European 
Alliance (EA).

The purpose of the Committee for Administrative and Financial Affairs (CAFA) 

The CAFA of the Committee of the Regions was set up to facilitate and encourage a closer relationship with the 
budget authority, in order to ensure that the COR’s priorities are taken into account and implemented in the 
annual budget procedure. Mr. Gabor Bihary, Hungarian Member of the General Assembly of Capital (Budapest), 
is the current President of the CAFA.

The work of the Committee of the Regions, a truly political assembly, is based on three fundamental 
principles:

- 

- 

- 

 The subsidiarity principle: this principle requires that decisions be taken at the level of government that best 
serves the public interest. The European Union must not pursue initiatives that would be better carried out by 
national, regional or local authorities .

 The proximity principle: all levels of government must work as transparently as possible and as close as possible 
to the public so that citizens know who is responsible for what and how they can make their views known.

 The partnership principle: European, national, regional and local authorities must work together throughout 
the decision-making process.

Bringing the European Union closer to its citizens 

While much of the CoR’s work lies in its involvement in the legislative process, its role does not stop there. The 
CoR members live and work on a day-to-day basis in their regions and cities as regional presidents, mayors or 
local councillors. This enables them to stay in touch with the concerns of the people they represent, which puts 
them in a position to bring these views to the heart of the European system when they come to Brussels for CoR 
meetings. In addition, the CoR regularly raises the profile of local and regional authorities on the European stage 
by organising conferences, seminars and exhibitions all year round in cooperation with its regional and local 
partners, including the “OPEN DAYS - European Week of Regions and Cities”, which brings together more than 
7000 stakeholders each October.

The Lisbon Treaty: more democracy for Europe

The Lisbon Treaty was signed on 13 December 2007 and entered into force on 1st December 2009. It improves 
the standing of regions and cities in the European Union’s political system and boosts the institutional role of 
their  representative  body  in  Brussels  -  the 
Committee  of  the  Regions  -  throughout  the 
legislative  process.  In  addition  to  extended 
consultation requirements during the adoption 
of EU legislation, the CoR now also has the right 
to  bring  legal  actions  before  the  European 
Court of Justice in two instances: to protect its 
own  institutional  prerogatives;  and  to  request 
the  annulment  of  new  EU  legislation  that  it 
considers  to  be  in  breach  of  the  subsidiarity 
principle in the policy areas where the EU Treaty 
requires that the CoR be consulted. 

“The European Commission 
has been pursuing a “better 
lawmaking” programme 
for several years. Since 
70% of EU legislation 
is implemented by local and regional 
authorities, the CoR is closely involved in 
this effort to improve transparency and 
simplify lawmaking.” 

For  the  first  time,  ‘territorial  cohesion’  is 
enshrined in the Lisbon Treaty as a fundamental 
objective  of  the  European  Union.  The  Treaty 
also  recognises  local  and  regional  autonomy 
and provides for greater subsidiary monitoring 
by national and regional parliaments with legislative powers. European legislation will also, in future, take greater 
account of the needs of European citizens and their elected local and regional representatives. 

José Manuel Barroso, President of the European 
Commission

The Committee of the Regions and the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union

5

The Hungarian CoR Members at work

“Coherent measures, smoothly implemented”

Hungary takes over the European Union presidency at a time of change 
and realignment, which will have an impact on the country itself in the 
years to come. The new Europe 2020 strategy for growth and jobs, and 
reforms  of  the  Cohesion  Policy  and  the  common  agricultural  policy 
(CAP) are all high on the EU agenda for the coming six months. 

“The agri-food sector is of strategic importance for Hungary, and Europe 
as well,” says Gábor Bihary, president of the Hungarian delegation on 
the  Committee  of  the  Regions.  “A  coordinated  food  and  agriculture 
policy in the EU is more necessary than ever, to secure Europe’s food 
independence and security.” That means overhauling the CAP to create 
a long-term strategy with clearer guidelines, plus the financial resources 
it needs to address forthcoming challenges. “The European Commission 
needs to define the relationship between rural development policy and 
Cohesion Policy, to improve coherence between different measures in 
the same area,” he argues.

Gábor Bihary
President of the Hungarian delegation in  
the Committee of the Regions

As a member of the General Assembly of Budapest and former deputy 
mayor of the Óbuda-Békásmegyer district, Mr. Bihary has experience of 
working at both Budapest and district level with a first-hand insight into the impact of EU policies on communities. 
He is optimistic about the prospects for EU budgetary reform: “I hope that the new proposals will draw on the 
experience we have gained as a result of the economic crisis,” he emphasises. Yet, at the same time, he is anxious 
about the potential impact of restraints on cohesion funding. 

“Cuts could definitely jeopardise social and regional cohesion. The use of funding has helped Hungary to come up 
to the same level as other Member States, but it has sometimes worked against internal cohesion within the country. 
There are some development poles – especially the city of Budapest – which have advanced well, but some rural 
areas are still very far behind. Further funding is necessary, and that is why cutting resources would be damaging. 
Without internal cohesion the political far-right poses a real danger.”

Mr Bihary would like to see radical reforms in political and financial thinking, but they need to be implemented 
“smoothly” and gradually to secure public support. “I think deepening European political co-operation is an 
absolute necessity. The financial crisis showed it is a must 
for Europe, but we must take the time needed for these 
changes.” In the long run, he would like to see the EU 
raising its own revenues. “It should cover as much of its 
budget as possible from its own income, and be able to 
count on those revenues for years to come, and not have 
to  undertake  a  bargaining  procedure  year  after  year,” 
he  insists.  “Inside  the  single  market,  we  need  to  avoid 
competition between countries, especially on taxes. It’s 
the same thing with regard to jobs – there should be a 
single labour market. In Hungary, we have a real problem 
of well-qualified people leaving the country to work in 
other Member States, especially in the health sector. National economic policies should not be competitive within 
Europe, because Europe itself should be competitive on the global market.” 

“The European Commission needs to 
define the relationship between rural 
development policy and regional and 
cohesion policy, to improve coherence 
between different measures in the 
same area.”

Mr Bihary believes the Hungarian Presidency will be important for his country. “It’s a good opportunity to develop 
knowledge among Hungarian citizens and politicians about Europe, which is not only useful for the EU, but also for 
Hungary.” 

6

 
The Hungarian CoR Members at work

Developing the Danube, supporting and learning from neighbours 

The  development  of  a  Danube  Strategy  is  a  new  initiative  of  great 
significance  for  Hungary  and  Hungarians.  “At  the  Committee  of 
the  Regions,  we’re  pushing  for  an  EU  strategy  for  the  Danube 
area,  which  is  evidently  important  for  Hungary.  It  draws  on 
existing  strategies  for  large  regions,  like  the  Baltic  strategy,”  says  
Dr György Gémesi, mayor of Gödöllő, a town located on the flood plain 
of the Danube – which explains his close involvement in developing a 
strategy to unite all the EU regions the Danube flows through. Different 
regions confront different problems and need different approaches, 
he  emphasises  –  but  the 
structures and organisations 
involved  in  applying  these 
policies  can  share  valuable 
experience.

“The cultures along 
the Danube will stay 
very diverse – and very 
colourful, as always.”

Dr György Gémesi, 
Mayor of Gödöllő, Central Hungary region.

“The  concept  of  an  EU 
strategy  for  the  Danube 
region  is  an  ‘own  initiative’ 
from the Committee of the Regions, which was launched by Hungarian, 
Austrian and German members, and I’ve been closely involved in the 
discussions as they have developed,” continues  the mayor. And  he  points  to the  growing interdependence 
of  EU  regions  and  the  need  for  cross-border  co-operation  to  solve  common  problems,  as  a  driving  force.  A 
recent Hungarian contribution to the discussions highlights improving the living standards of citizens, better 
management of water resources, and more sustainable transport and 
energy systems as key themes in an eventual strategy. “On the ground, 
we could expect benefits such as closer attention to water quality, 
more regional trade opportunities and a growth in tourism – all of 
which would benefit the citizens who live and work on the banks of 
the Danube. And the cultures along the Danube will stay very diverse 
– and very colourful, as always,” explains Dr Gémesi.

“The Committee of the Regions is becoming more proactive in issuing 
its ‘own initiative’ opinions because they are more timely and effective 
– as opposed to just reacting to requests from the other institutions. I 
certainly encouraged this when I was chair of the RELEX commission,” 
explains Dr István Sértő-Radics, mayor of Uszka in the Észak-Alföld 
region which borders Ukraine. His regional knowledge helped greatly 
when he acted as rapporteur for the Committee’s work on local and 
regional  government  co-operation  between  the  EU  and  Ukraine 
–  producing  a  CoR  opinion  that  is  currently  being  updated  in  the 
context of the role of local authorities in implementing the Eastern 
Partnership with Ukraine and the countries of the Caucasus region. 

Dr. István Sértő-Radics  
Mayor of Uszka, Northern Great Plain region.

“Interregional cooperation 
can bring many benefits”

 “In 2008, as the chair of RELEX, I was invited to Moldova to build contacts between the Committee of the Regions 
and the Moldovan government and regions. At the time, Moldova was just starting to set up local organisations, 
like regional development agencies, and was experiencing problems 
with  EU  procedures.  So,  with  the  Moldovan  minister’s  agreement,  I 
invited their young experts to Hungary to learn from our experience 
– exchanging good practice we call it – and they learned a lot, seeing 
how a Member State organises these things. But it’s a two-way process: 
the Moldavians’ success in integrating their minorities has lessons for us, 
for example, in my region where we have ethnic Hungarians, Ukrainians 
and Roma living together. We see this often in co-operation between regions – it can be a win-win process. And I 
expect to see it again in the Eastern Partnership initiative where we will all have something to contribute.”

The Committee of the Regions and the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union

7

  
The Hungarian CoR Members at work

EU enlargement is another priority for the Hungarian Presidency, which 
the CoR is following closely. “For Hungary, Croatia’s anticipated accession 
to the European Union will be a breath of fresh air. The two countries 
have a relationship that goes back 1 000 years,” says József Ribányi. 
As mayor of the town of Tamási in Hungary’s Southern Transdanubia 
region, he is well placed to understand the practical and historical links 
binding these areas of Europe, regardless of frontiers. “It will reconnect 
families, villages and cities in the border area”, he explains, “and it will 
generate new economic opportunities for both Southern Transdanubia 
and the next-door Slavonia region of Croatia. It will be up to us to make 
use of these opportunities.” 

József Ribányi, mayor of Tamási,  
Southern Transdanubia region.

Hungarians  foresee  few  –  if  any  –  problems  when  their  neighbour 
joins the EU, says Mr Ribányi. “We are very much in favour of Croatian 
accession.  It  will  benefit  both  sides.  There  are  so  many  similarities 
between  the  two  nations:  we  have  the  same  values,  traditions,  way 
of thinking, and history.” Formal Hungarian-Croatian cross-border co-
operation has been under way since 2002, before Hungary joined the 
EU. During 2004-2006, it developed into a trilateral partnership with Slovenia, within the Union’s Neighbourhood 
Programme, giving Croatian partner organisations access to EU funds. Under the 2007-2013 Hungary-Croatia 
cross-border co-operation programme, projects covering a wide range of topics from infrastructure development 
to environmental protection, from tourism to employment, research, cultural events and sports competitions, are 
all eligible for funding. 

Although Tamási is situated to the north of Southern Transdanubia, it is involved in the new EGTC (European 
Grouping  for  Territorial  Cooperation)  in  the  Pannonian  region,  covering  the  two  countries  and  their  close 
neighbours, and Mr Ribányi is also co-chair of the Southern Transdanubia Regional Development Council. From 
December 2010, he assumed responsibility for the council’s external relations. “I want to strengthen co-operation 
with Croatian partners,” he explains. “I’m trying to establish a region of multicultural values, involving Slovenia, 
Austria, Italy, Croatia and Hungary. This area is rich in culture.” Indeed, 
the regional capital, Pécs, was a European Capital of Culture in 2010. 

Another priority is renewing the transport infrastructure. “The cross-
border railway links were closed 100 years ago, but now the system will 
be reconnected. Transport is important for the economy and for people. 
It will give more scope for sharing language, for cultural co-operation 
– it’s all linked.” Croatia’s EU membership could also bring jobs for local 
people. “In the future, there could be big opportunities for Croatian 
workers in Hungary, for example in seasonal agricultural activities in the vineyards of Southern Transdanubia. At 
the same time, we can provide labour for Croatian seaside resorts during the tourist season – they are important 
because they are the closest beaches to Hungary.” 

“We are very much 
in favour of Croatian 
accession. It will benefit 
both sides.”

In November 2010, unveiling the latest set of progress reports on candidate countries’ progress towards EU 
accession, Enlargement Commissioner Štefan Füle underlined that from now on, incoming states must be 100% 
ready to comply with European rules before joining the club. Mr Ribányi endorses this approach. “EU Member 
States are part of the same family: the responsibilities, obligations and rights must be common as well. By following 
the rules, we will strengthen the system we have in Europe,” he concludes.

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The Hungarian Delegation to the Committee of the Regions

The  Hungarian  delegation  to  the  Committee  of  the  Regions  (CoR)  is  comprised  of  12  full  members  and  12 
alternates. The Hungarian members have been represented in the CoR since the 1st May 2004 and all are elected 
representatives of local governments.

The  Ministry  of  Public  Administration  and  Justice  of  Hungary  draws  up  a  list  of  candidates  who  have  been 
nominated by the national associations of local governments together with the regional development councils.
The  Ministry  takes  the  final  decision  based  on  the  proposed  list  of  candidates  and  through  the  Permanent 
Representation  of  Hungary  to  the  EU  submits  this  to  the  Council  of  Ministers  which  then  appoints  the  CoR 
Hungarian members. The CoR mandates enter into force by publishing them in the Official Journal.

Due to the Hungarian local elections held on 3 October 2010, 4 full members and 4 alternates have lost their CoR 
mandate. The national nomination procedure for the replacement of the lost mandates is under process currently 
(December 2010). 

Gábor BIHARY (PES)
Member of the General 
Assembly of Capital (Budapest)

Dr. Csaba MOLNÁR (PES)
Member of the General 
Assembly of Győr- Moson-
Sopron County

József RIBÁNYI (EPP)
Mayor of Tamási

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Dr. György GÉMESI 
(EPP)
Mayor of Gödöllő

Sándor NAGY (EPP)
Mayor of Kistelek

Dr. István SÉRTŐ-RADICS 
(ALDE)
Mayor of Uszka

Gyula SZABÓ 
(PES)
Member of the 
General Assembly of 
Heves County

Zoltán VARGA 
(PES)
Member of the 
General Assembly of 
Békés County

The Committee of the Regions and the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union

9

 
The Hungarian delegation to the Committee of the Regions

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Dr. István Bóka (EPP)
Mayor of Balatonfüred

Árpád MOLNÁR (EPP)
Mayor of Balatonszabadi

Helga MIHÁLYI (PES)
Member of the General 
Assembly of Borsod-
Abaúj-Zemplén County

Attila KISS (EPP)
Mayor of 
Hajdúböszörmény

Szilárd SZÉKELY (EPP)
Mayor of Sásd

Dr. Imre SZAKÁCS (EPP)
President of the General 
Assembly of Győr-Moson-
Sopron County

Kata Zsuzsanna Tüttő (PES)
Member of the General 
Assembly of Capital (Budapest)

László József VÉCSEY 
(EPP)
Mayor of Szada

The public administration structure in Hungary
Hungary, officially the Republic of Hungary is an independent democratic republic. The political system of Hungary 
is parliamentary democracy. The republic is based on the principle of the popular sovereignty; the exercise of the 
public power is possible only within the framework of the rule of law.

The territory of the Republic of Hungary is divided into the capital, the counties, the cities and the municipalities. 
The capital is divided into districts. Districts may be formed in cities. In Hungary there are two basic types of local 
authorities (local self-government units): municipalities and counties. Municipalities and counties each have their 
own independent spheres of duties and jurisdiction and are independent from one another. According to the 
provisions of the Hungarian Constitution the community of voters of the municipalities, cities, the capital and 
its districts, as well as the counties, have the right to local government. Local government is the independent, 
democratic  management  of  local  affairs  affecting  the  community  of  voters  and  the  exercise  of  local  public 
authority  in  the  interests  of  the  population.  The  fundamental  rights  of  all  local  governments  are  equal,  but 
the duties of local governments may differ. The total number of the Hungarian local authorities is 3194. (3175 
municipal and 19 county local self-governments)

State  administration  comprises  central  agencies  and  state  administration’s  local-territorial  agencies 
(deconcentrated agencies). Central state administration agencies refer to the Government and the agencies 
affiliated therewith or subordinated (governmental auxiliary agencies, ministries, government offices, central 
offices) on the one hand, and to quasi-autonomous or autonomous non-government agencies on the other hand. 

One of the most important priorities of the Hungarian Government is to establish a more efficient, coordinated 
and customer-oriented public administration and as its part to create a cost saving territorial state administration. 
Currently  the  territorial  state  bodies  operate  in  a  very  different  organizational  structure  and  the  sectoral 
distribution is also uneven. From 1 January 2011, as state territorial representatives of the Government the capital 
and county government offices will operate. Into the offices several sectoral territorial bodies will be integrated. 
Thus, the functional task performance will be unified; and the integrated bodies will retain their autonomy while 
maintaining their professional supervision. 
In addition to the public administration units there are other territorial units to be distinguished. These are the 
planning-statistical regions and the micro-regions. Originally, both were created for statistical purposes and for 
regional development purposes, but some public administrational and local governmental tasks are organized 
on their basis.

10

 
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Investing in the EU regions

Cohesion policy 2007-2013

Northern Hungary 

Central Hungary 

Northern Great Plain 

Central Transdanubia 

Western 
Transdanubia

Southern 
Transdanubia 

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© EuroGeographics Association for the administrative boundaries

 Convergence objective
 Competitiveness and employment objective

Central Hungary includes the county of Pest and the capital Budapest.
Central Transdanubia includes the counties Komárom-Esztergom, Fejér and Veszprém.
 Convergence objective
Northern Hungary includes the counties Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén, Heves and Nógrád
Northern Great Plain includes the counties Hajdú-Bihar, Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok and Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg
 Competitiveness and employment objective
Southern Great Plain includes the counties Bács-Kiskum, Békés and Csongrád.
Southern Transdanubia includes the counties Baranya, Somogy and Tolna.
Western Transdanubia includes the counties Győr-Moson-Sporon, Vas and Zala.

EU support to Europe’s regions is dominated by three ‘Structural Funds’: 

• The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) which finances mostly infrastructure projects; 
• The European Social Fund (ESF) which supports employment and job creation; and 
•  The Cohesion Fund which finances environmental protection, transport and energy networks in the less-wealthy 
Member States.

Together, these funds are spending around €347 billion over the period 2007-2013 to make all Europe’s cities, towns and 
communities richer, healthier and ready for the future. In addition, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development 
(EAFRD) disposes of €96 billion to fund projects in agriculture and forestry.

Convergence and competitiveness

Each  EU  region  is  assigned  to  a  funding  ‘objective’  based  on  its  average  wealth  per  head  of  population.  The  two 
objectives are: the ‘convergence objective’ which covers less-wealthy regions that share €283 billion of Structural Fund 
financing – around 82% of the total; and the ‘regional competitiveness and employment objective’ that covers wealthier 
EU regions with funding of €55 billion.

All Hungarian regions fall within the convergence objective, apart from Central Hungary – including Budapest – which is 
a regional competitiveness and employment region. For the period 2007-2013, Hungary is eligible for € 24,9 billion of 
Structural Funding. Hungary’s priorities for this funding include: € 5.5 billion for new transport infrastructure, including 
500km of new rail links; €1.5 billion for research, development and innovation; close to € 5.2 billion for education and 
training; and € 2.9 billion for supporting SMEs.

The following pages present some examples of the many projects that have been completed or are currently under 
way in the cities and regions of Hungary.

The Committee of the Regions and the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union

11

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Supporting convergence and competitiveness in Hungary

Mini-Europe: enhancing Hungary’s SMEs

“Sharing ‘good practices’ is a well-established method 
for  helping  politicians  understand  which  types  of 
policies and projects can work well, and which less so,” 
explains Dr István Sértő-Radics, mayor of Uszka. “We 
conceived the idea for the Mini-Europe project in 2007 
in collaboration with our CoR colleagues Harry Dijksma 
from the Netherlands and Flo Clucas from Britain. Other 
partners  joined  later  and  today  the  project  is  proving 
an outstanding example of the opportunities that the 
Committee  of  the  Regions  can  create.”  In  the  Mini-
Europe  project,  the  Észak-Alföld  region  has  teamed 
up  with  regional  authorities  from  the  Netherlands, 
Romania,  Sweden,  the  UK,  Spain,  Italy  and  Greece  to 
share  experiences  on  the  best  ways  of  supporting 
entrepreneurship  and  the  development  of  small  and 
medium-sized  enterprises.  Successful  SMEs  are  vital 
for  EU  regions  because  of  their  potential  to  drive  job 
creation, innovation performance and economic growth.

One Hungarian success story that is being shared with 
the project partners is the Innovoucher project launched 
by  the  National  Office  of  Research  and  Technology 
which allowed Hungarian SMEs to buy-in the technical 
and innovation expertise they needed from universities 
and  other  innovation  providers.  Another  is  the 
Genomnanotech  Regional  Knowledge  Centre  that 
brings SMEs and researchers from the University of Debrecen together to speed up the transfer of medical and 
biotechnology R&D to the market place, thus raising regional competitiveness. Likewise, the national Hungarian 
Pole Programme which is developing innovative industrial R&D clusters throughout the country’s regions is also 
part of the catalogue of good practice the partners are compiling.

Safer and healthier waste management

“The proper disposal of solid waste from households and 
businesses is vital for many reasons, safeguarding public 
health  and  protecting  the  environment  among  them,” 
explains Uszka’s mayor, Dr István Sértő-Radics. “Back in 
1996,  Uszka  organised  a  first  solid-waste-management 
programme for 16 settlements in the Szatmár region, but 
we needed to upgrade that programme, to bring it to EU 
standards and expand it.” To implement this upgrade, the 
Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County authorities deployed ERDF 
funding for a regional solid-waste-disposal management 
programme  to  deal  with  the  250  000  tonnes  of  waste 
generated  by  households  and  businesses  every  year 
in  the  wider  region.  The  project  involved  building  two 
regional disposal sites with a waste-separation facility and 
associated access roads with the aim of ensuring safe and 
clean waste disposal including pre-treatment and chemical 
neutralisation and, significantly, a high degree of recycling 
with up to 40% as the target.

The waste-management programme is benefiting the 600 
000 inhabitants of Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County based in 217 000 homes in nearly 240 towns and villages. 
Furthermore, the project is not only running the new solid-waste facility, but it has also closed down the earlier 
rubbish dumps, many of which were illegal, and will move to rehabilitate and replant them.

12

Supporting convergence and competitiveness in Hungary

ÉlőDuna project

The ÉlőDuna waste-water-treatment project for Budapest 
was one of the largest environmental projects in Europe. 
Part financed through the Cohesion fund, the €529-million 
project  involved  the  fundamental  modernisation  of 
Budapest’s  waste-water-treatment  system,  including 
implementation  of  the  latest  technologies.  New  plant 
built on Csepel Island in the Danube can process over 
half  of  the  city’s  liquid  waste  and  ensures  that  95%  of 
the  waste-water  discharged  into  the  Danube  daily  is 
biologically treated, up from 45% previously. The small-
footprint closed-loop technology employed means that 
the area around the plant remains a green belt zone. And 
the plant also complies with the most stringent noise- 
and odour-emission norms.

As  well  as  constructing  the  new  main  treatment 
facility,  the  project  increased  the  capacity  of  the  main 
collection system and built three pumping stations and a 
composting plant as well as flood-prevention measures. 
As  a  result,  the  environmental  burden  on  the  Danube 
has been significantly reduced, with clear health benefits 
for the capital city’s citizens, and it has helped Hungary 
comply with environmental conventions on the protection and sustainable use of Europe’s largest river. “With 
this development we have paid off a debt to history by making the Danube viable and clean again,” says Gábor 
Bihary, member of the General Assembly of Budapest. “And significantly”, he emphasises, “the project has resulted 
in environmental benefits for the residents of Budapest that go well beyond the cost of the actual investment.”

Békés County: training for the future

“For  Europe’s  regions  to  remain  competitive  in 
the  global  economy  it  is  vital  to  make  continual 
investments in human capital – in people and workers 
–  to  ensure  they  have  the  right  skills  that  will  help 
regional businesses thrive and grow,” explains Zoltán 
Varga,  member  of  the  General  Assembly  of  Békés 
County. The authorities in Békés County used European 
Social  Fund  finance  to  achieve  this  end  by  setting 
up  a  Regional  Integrated  Vocational  Training  Centre 
(TISZK). Three separate teaching institutions have been 
brought  together  to  create  an  integrated  training 
system:  the  János  Harruckern  educational  institution, 
the Gyula Farkas educational institution, and the János 
Hunyadi public educational institution. They adopted a 
common procurement system, upgraded their teaching 
facilities and installed new laboratories, implemented 
an  e-management  system,  and  developed  a  digital 
content system and new adult education programmes.

The new integrated vocational training centre, spread 
across the three institutions, is now offering the people 
and workers of Békés County the opportunity to acquire new skills in the fields that are important for the regional 
economy, for example in the construction, agro-business, forest products and the food sectors. This development, 
explains Zoltán Varga, “provides the opportunity for young people to learn competitive professions, which will 
significantly improve their chances of getting a job on the labour market in the future.”

The Committee of the Regions and the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union

13

Supporting convergence and competitiveness in Hungary

Geothermal power in Kistelek

The  small  town  of  Kistelek  in  southern  Hungary 
used  €1.1  million  of  ERDF  funding  to  tap  into 
Hungary’s abundant supplies of hot water lying deep 
underground. But they were not drilling for the thermal 
spa facilities for which Hungary is well-known; rather, 
they were looking to harness the waters’ geothermal 
energy  for  heating  purposes.  Today,  a  1.7km-deep 
well  brings  thermal  energy  to  the  surface  where 
pipelines  carry  it  to  eight  public  institutions  whose 
heating systems have been adapted to use this new 
technology. 

The  new  heating  systems  are  automated  and  have 
resulted in a 10% drop in heating costs – as well as 
a reduction in pollution levels in the town. Kistelek’s 
mayor, Sándor Nagy believes the Kistelek experience 
is sending a clear signal to other local councils that this 
renewable energy technology works, and does so at 
a cost below that of the gas-fired systems it replaces. 
“For  me,  this  project  serves  as  a  prime  example  for 
other settlements as well,” he says. “The chimneys of 
the town’s public buildings no longer emit smoke and 
their carbon dioxide emissions have been reduced to zero. This makes it possible for us to be independent of gas 
suppliers and rely on our own resources.”

Upgrading Orosháza

The  town  of  Orosháza  in  Békés  County  is  an 
important  cultural  and  recreational  centre  for  its 
region.  However,  the  picturesque  town  centre 
and  a  nearby  residential  area  built  in  the  1970s 
faced  several  challenges.  These  included  a  lack 
of  facilities,  such  as  modern  shopping  centres, 
an  ageing  population  as  young  families  moved 
outwards,  and  a  general  lack  of  attention  over 
past decades. In response, the regional authorities 
drew  up  a  plan  for  socio-urban  renewal  to  turn 
the area into an attractive town centre that would 
serve as a magnet for the wider region and attract 
young families back to live there. “Improving and 
renovating small regional centres like Orosháza is 
important”, explains Zoltán Varga, member of the 
General Assembly of Békés County and with ERDF 
support, we can provide a modern environment for 
those who live here.”

Integrating  the  traditional  town  centre  with  the 
adjoining  residential  area  was  at  the  core  of  the 
plan. This has been achieved through rehabilitating 
roads and squares, providing more parking spaces, 
and building a cycle path between the two areas. 
And to serve families better, a children’s playground 
has  been  renovated  to  EU  standards  and  a  new 
sports park built to cater for teenagers. To improve 
housing quality, solar panels have been fitted to 24 
social housing units and a programme is under way to modernise heating systems and improve energy efficiency 
in other homes. The ongoing project – supported by the ERDF – is giving a new lease of life to the area and 
providing an attractive environment for the area’s inhabitants as well as those of the wider Orosháza municipality.

14

Supporting convergence and competitiveness in Hungary

Kapuvár: health at the heart

The  provision  of  modern  health  services  and  facilities 
in Europe’s regions is an important factor in supporting 
both  social  and  economic  development.  With  this  in 
mind, the authorities in the ancient spa town of Kapuvár 
in Győr-Moson-Sopron County in north-western Hungary 
deployed ERDF funding to upgrade the town’s Sándor 
Lumniczer  Hospital  with  the  addition  of  a  modern 
angiological  rehabilitation  centre  to  serve  the  region’s 
citizens.  The  project  involved  bringing  the  current 
rehabilitation  facilities  on  to  a  single,  new,  dedicated 
site,  upgrading  the  quality  of  the  patients’  rooms  and 
improving patient care. 

The new centralised facilities mark a clear improvement 
for recovering heart patients who often need treatment 
to improve their mobility and motor functions. They also 
enable the hospital, which has an established reputation 
for its rehabilitation treatments, in particular for chronic 
and progressive cases, to expand its work and offer its 
therapeutic  services  more  widely  within  the  country. 
Dr Imre Szakács, president of the General Assembly of 
Győr-Moson-Sopron County is proud of the new centre 
and has high hopes for its future: “It is unique even on 
the national scale with its special carbon dioxide bath, modern medical technology and thoroughly trained staff, 
and I hope it will make the town of Kapuvár a centre for angiological rehabilitation both at the Hungarian and 
international levels.”

The Mátra Museum: capitalising on cultural heritage

The  recognition  that  cultural  heritage  plays  an 
important role in the social and economic life of a 
region was the driving force for the Heves County 
authorities to use ERDF funds to restore the historical 
Orczy Mansion and turn it into a first-class museum. 
Named  after  its  original  owner,  Baron  Orczy,  the 
mansion  –  built  in  the  finest  style  and  originally 
set  in  an  English  garden  –  is  sited  in  the  town  of 
Gyöngyös,  close  to  the  Mátra  Mountains  east  of 
Budapest where it was used as a local museum. An 
earlier archaeological study had revealed the many 
Baroque  architectural  and  decorative  elements  of 
the buildings as well as the layout and feature of the 
original garden. 

In 2000, it was realised that restoration could not be 
put off any longer, and in 2002 the local authority 
owners launched a project to renovate the buildings 
and  gardens  and  upgrade  it  in  its  function  as  a 
museum. Today, the upgraded Mátra Museum is a 
cultural focal point for the whole region with new 
exhibition  spaces  for  science  and  natural  history 
exhibitions, expanded storage rooms and workshop 
facilities, and a palm house and aquarium. And as 
well  as  the  museum  area,  the  restored  mansion 
buildings  and  gardens  are  open  to  the  region’s 
citizens  and  visitors  to  enjoy.  “The  Mátra  Museum 
renovation sends an important message,” says Gyula Szabó, member of the General Assembly of Heves County, 
“EU support is not only about economic infrastructure and investments, but it also supports projects to preserve and 
enrich our local cultural heritage and values.”

The Committee of the Regions and the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union

15

Towards a future Cohesion Policy

The EU spends around one-third of its budget on implementing EU Cohesion Policy by investing in people 
and infrastructure in Europe’s regions. As the current funding period moves towards its end, the EU, 
including the CoR, is already discussing the shape of future Cohesion Policy – and the first draft proposals 
should hit the table during the Hungarian Presidency.

© DG REGIO

During the Hungarian Presidency, a key issue under discussion in all EU Institutions and the Member States is the shape 
of a future Cohesion Policy from 2013 onwards. Indeed, it is a priority of this presidency to develop a wide-ranging and 
in-depth debate on the policy’s future. These discussions are particularly critical as they are taking place against the 
backdrop of a severe financial crisis affecting the whole of Europe – a crisis 
which is causing national treasuries to cut spending and rebalance their 
budgets. Will a new Cohesion Policy cover all regions, or only the poorest 
ones?  Will  it  take  a  new  sectoral  approach  as  opposed  to  its  current 
regional character? These are some of the issues that policy-makers are 
debating under the coordination of the Hungarian Presidency.

As cohesion funding is so critical to economic, social and territorial 
development in European regions, the CoR is heavily involved in the 
debate to forge a new Cohesion Policy for the future. It is supporting 
some early proposals, for example to move to a ten-year spending 
framework  with  more  flexibility,  although  many  other  ideas,  such 
as the move towards a more sectoral approach or making cohesion 
funding conditional on results, remain highly controversial. In addition, 
the  relationship  between  Cohesion  Policy  and  the  Europe  2020 
strategy is an important issue for the CoR which is arguing for territorial 
pacts between local, regional and national authorities to ensure that 
all initiatives in a region are pulling together in the same direction – 
towards making Europe 2020 a success. 

The CoR proposals for a future Cohesion Policy were highlighted in the 
Committee’s ‘outlook opinion’ published in 2010, which underlined 
the clear links between Cohesion Policy with its devolved approach 
and system of multi-level governance; the goals of the Europe 2020 
strategy;  and  local  and  regional  authorities.  It  is  essential,  the  CoR 
opinion stressed, that Cohesion Policy continues to be geared towards 
the goals of growth, sustainability and employment. 

“Cohesion 
Policy offers 
an excellent 
example – and a 
key instrument 

– of how financial support 
and mutual learning benefit 
all regions across Europe, 
while making the most of 
their particular characteristics 
and addressing their needs.
The recent entry into force 
of the Lisbon Treaty takes 
into account the fundamental 
importance of the “territory” 
as the primary level of 
action and identification for 
citizens”, 

Jerzy BUZEK, President of the 
European Parliament.

In  November  2010,  the  European  Commission  published  the  5th 
Cohesion Report which presents an assessment of the impacts of Cohesion Policy and how it might contribute 
even better to the goals of the Europe 2020 strategy. This report is playing an important role in the deliberations 
on a future Cohesion Policy in the CoR and more widely during the Hungarian Presidency.

16

Cohesion policy must drive convergence and competitiveness

Dr. Tamás Fellegi
Minister of National Development
Republic of Hungary

What effects will the EU 2020 Strategy have on future cohesion policy objectives?

The Europe 2020 Strategy objectives, set to promote competitiveness and economic growth, are likely to be given 
an emphatic role in planning future Cohesion Policy. It is important to point out that as an integrated development 
policy, Cohesion Policy is a highly significant, but not the only means to achieve the Europe 2020 Strategy’s 
competitiveness objectives. In addition to competitiveness, Cohesion Policy also has important convergence-
related objectives, which offer this policy a rationale for independent existence. Cohesion between, and the 
balanced development of the various territories within the European Union are fundamental preconditions of the 
competitiveness of the European Union. For this reason, local development needs must be given special attention 
in the future too, as cohesion-related objectives remain relevant.

Based on the 5th Cohesion Report, what structural reforms do you consider significant in cohesion policy?

Hungary warmly welcomes the publication of the Fifth Cohesion Report and the fact that this document advocates 
the significance of Cohesion Policy. 
We agree with the objectives set in the conclusions of the Report. In the future, Cohesion Policy development 
projects should be financed in a more focused way, and more attention needs to be paid to effectiveness, the 
measurability and visibility of achievements. The integrated approach that brings about synergies is already 
considered as one of the most significant features of this policy, and in the future, even more emphasis must 
be placed on it. A similarly important consideration is the improvement of efficiency in Cohesion Policy through 
streamlining its implementation system. Finally, one should not forget the various considerations of territorial 
cohesion, implemented through a place-based approach in cohesion policy. 

However, the details of these complex issues need further discussion and the development of common positions. 
I am convinced that the details of execution will rest on the mutual agreement of the Commission and the 
Member States.

What system of relations do you consider feasible between the current ESF and ERDF?

The support objectives of ESF and ERDF mutually complement and reinforce one another. An integrated approach to 
the use of these Funds is also significant for the achievement of the Europe 2020 Strategy objectives. As an essential 
precondition, the European Social Fund must remain part of Cohesion Policy. In the current system of Structural Funds 
allocation however, the coordinated use of budgetary resources from various Funds is frequently troublesome. For this 
reason, important tasks include the revision and streamlining of the individual Funds’ financing regulations, rendering 
higher flexibility to the Funds, the transferability between region borders and the simultaneous improvement of 
territorial coordination of Funds. In order to achieve the Europe 2020 Strategy objectives, we consider maintenance of 
the current support areas of ESF justified, with special attention to the dimension of social inclusion.

The Committee of the Regions and the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union

17

 
Calendar of events

January
- 

- 

 Open Conference of the European Year of Voluntary Activities Promoting Active Citizenship (2011)  
Budapest, 8 January 2011
 Committee of the Regions: Forum on Regional and local authorities in action during the European Year of 
Volunteering 2011
Brussels, 26 January 2011

-  Committee of the Regions : Plenary Session

Brussels, 27-28 January 2011

-  Committee of the Regions: CAFA Commission,

Brussels, 31 January 2011

-  Committee of the Regions: 5th Cohesion Forum,

Brussels, 31 January - 1st February 2011

February
-  Committee of the Regions: COTER Commission

- 

Brussels , 3 February 2011
INTERREG IVC Info Day, Budapest
3-4 February 2011

-  Committee of the Regions: ECOS Commission

Brussels, 9 February 2011

-  Committee of the Regions: CIVEX Commission

Brussels, 10 February 2011

-  Committee of the Regions: ENVE Commission

Brussels, 14 February 2011

-  Committee of the Regions: EDUC Commission

Brussels, 21 February 2011
 Sport Forum, Budapest, 21-22 February connected to the Informal meeting of Sport Ministers

- 
  Gödöllő on 23 February 2011
-  Territorial Dialogue: implementation of the 7 flagships Europe 2020 Strategy
  Hungary, 23-24 February 2011
- 

 Conference: The contribution of Culture to the Implementation of the Europe 2020 Strategy
Budapest/Gödöllő, 27 February - 1 March 2011

March
-   Committee of the Regions’ Extraordinary Bureau
  Gödöllő , 3-4 March 2011
-  Committee of the Regions: NAT Commission

Brussels, 10-11 February 2011

-  Committee of the Regions: CAFA Commission

Brussels, 14 February 2011

-  Conference on Multilevel Governance and EGTC
  Gödöllő, 22-23 March 2011
-  Conference on the future of EU water policy

Budapest, 23-25 March 2011

-  Conference on the Future of the Cohesion policy

Budapest, 31 March – 1 April 2011

-  Committee of the Regions: COTER Commission

Brussels, 25 March 2011

-  Committee of the Regions, Forum: Decentralised cooperation Europe’s regions and developing countries

Brussels, 29 March 2011

-  Committee of the Regions, Plenary Session

Brussels, 31 March - 1 April 2011

18

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Calendar of events

April
-  EU Roma Platform

Budapest, 7-8 April 2011

-  Committee of the Regions: CIVEX Commission

Brussels, 8 April 2011

-  Committee of the Regions: ECOS Commission

Venice, 11-12 April 2011

-  Committee of the Regions: EDUC Commission

Brussels, 14 April 2011

May
-  High Level Conference: Urban development

Budapest, 2-3 May 2011

-  Committee of the Regions: NAT Commission

Brussels, 4 May 2011

-  Committee of the Regions: ENVE Commission

Brussels, 5 May 2011
 Structural Dialogue on the involvement of civil society and local authorities in EC development cooperation

- 
  Gödöllő, 5-7 May 2011
-  Committee of the Regions: Open Doors of the EU Institutions

Brussels, 8 May 2011

-   Committee of the Regions, Plenary Session

Brussels, 11 - 12 May 2011
Informal meeting of Territorial Development Ministers

- 
  Gödöllő, 19 May 2011
-  Committee of the Regions: COTER Commission

 EU Presidency Conference on SME policy incorporating European Enterprise Awards Ceremony

Brussels, 19 May 2011
Informal meeting of Cohesion Policy Ministers

- 
  Gödöllő, 20 May 2011
- 
  Gödöllő, 23-24 May 2011
-  Eastern Partnership Summit
  Gödöllő, 27 May 2011
- 
  Debrecen, 29-31 May 2011
-  Committee of the Regions: CAFA Commission

Informal Meeting of Rural Development and Agriculture Ministers (AGRI)

Brussels, 30 May 2011

June
-  Committee of the Regions: CIVEX Commission

- 

Cyprus, 6-7 June 2011
 Week of Innovative Regions in Europe 2011 - WIRE2 and European Scientific Forum for Research 
Infrastructure (ESFRI)
  Debrecen, 7-9 June 2011
-  Committee of the Regions: EDUC Commission
  United-kingdom, 9-10 June 2011
- 

 Conference of the Danube Countries on hydrological forecasting and hydrological bases of water 
management
Budapest, 16-17 June 2011

-  European Regional Conference on the sustainable consumption and production

Budapest, 20-21 June 2011

-  Committee of the Regions: NAT Commission

Brussels, 22 June 2011

-  Committee of the Regions: ENVE Commission

- 

Brussels, 23 June 2011
 Expert Conference: Digitalization of Cultural Heritage and Long Term Preservation – The Role of 
e-Infrastructures
Budapest, 23-24 June 2011

-  Committee of the Regions: Plenary Session

Brussels, 30 June-1 July 2011

The Committee of the Regions and the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union

19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contacts

Permanent Representation of Hungary to the 
European Union
Ambassador, Permanent Representative: 
Dr. Péter Györkös
Address: Rue de Trèves 92-98, 1040-Brussels, Belgium
Phone: +32-2-234-1204
Fax: +32-2-230-4351
E-mail: Cor2.BEU@kum.hu
Comittee of the Regions contact: Dr. Hajnalka Szabó
Phone: +32-2-234-1293
Fax: +32-2-230-4351
E-mail: hajnalka.szabo@kum.hu
Homepage: www.hunrep.be

Representation of the Hungarian Regions
Chief coordinator: Mr. Csaba Harsányi
Address: Bld. Bischoffsheim 11 2nd Floor, 
1000-Brussels, Belgium
Phone: +32-2-737-1405
Fax: +32-2-735-6599
Mobile: +32-474-790-124
E-mail: mfbbruxel@skynet.be  
Homepage: www.regionsofhungary.eu

Representation of Budapest to the EU
Head of representation: Dr. Dávid Bencsik
Address: Avenue d’ Auderghem 63, 1040-Brussels, 
Belgium
Phone: +32-2-230-7857
Fax: +32-2-230-9004
E-mail: bencsikd@budapest.eu; bpoffice@skynet.be
Homepage: www.budapest.eu

Representation of Észak-Alföld Region in 
Brussels
Regional representative: Mr. Zoltán Balogh
Address: Bld. Bischoffsheim 11 2nd Floor, 
1000-Brussels, Belgium
Phone: +32-2-737-1401
Fax: +32-2-735-6599
Mobile: +32-485-977-384
E-mail: zoltan.balogh@eszakalfold.hu 
Homepage: www.eszakalfold.hu

Brussels Representation of the South 
Transdanubian Region
Regional representative: Mr. Zsolt Pálmai
Address: Rue Montoyer 18/b, 1000-Brussels, Belgium
Phone: +32-2-230-6652,
Fax: +32-2-230-2733
Mobile: +32-484-947-647
E-mail: palmai.zsolt@deldunantul.hu 
Homepage: www.deldunantul.eu

South Transdanubian Regional Innovation 
Agency - Brussels Office 
Head of office: Ms. Anita Derjanecz 
Address: Rue Montoyer 18/b, 1000-Brussels, Belgium
Phone: +32-2-230-6652
Fax: +32-2-230-2733
Mobile: +32-489-569-377
E-mail: anita.derjanecz@ddriu.hu
Homepage: www.ddriu.hu

South-East Hungarian Regional Representation 
in Brussels
Head of Office: Mr. József Krikovszky
Address: Avenue du Roi Chevalier 13, 1200 Brussels 
Belgium
Mobile: +32-475-625-459
E-mail: jkrikovszky@se-hu.hu; info@se-hu.hu
Homepage: www.se-hu.hu

Brussels Representation of West Pannon Region 
Representative: Mr. Tamás Kocsondi 
Address: Avenue de Tervueren 84, 1040-Brussels, 
Belgium 
Mobile: +32-479-424-847 
E-mail: tamas.kocsondi@westpa.hu
Homepage: www.westpa.hu

2020

Catalogue N°: QG-02-23-030-EN-N
ISBN:978-92-895-2575-6
doi: 10.2863/781238

Edited by the Directorate for Communication, Press and Protocol of 
the Committee of the Regions - December 2010

Rue Belliard/Belliardstraat, 101 _ 1040 Bruxelles/Brussel _ BELGIQUE/BELGIË

www.cor.europa.eu/hungary