2nd Regional Stakeholder Meeting in Hungary

On March 24th, 2025, the Hungarian project partner MGFÜ hosted the 2nd Regional Stakeholder Meeting (RSM) of the INSPIRE project at its headquarters in Budapest. The event brought together representatives from national ministries, LEADER groups, academic institutions, and the private sector, all committed to fostering smarter, more resilient rural development across Hungary.

The meeting kicked off with an update from MGFÜ, which presented the progress of the INSPIRE project and reiterated its central aim: to align local and national policy instruments in support of smart village development and digital transformation in rural areas.

Participants explored the broader European framework for smart villages with insights from Poliedra (Politecnico di Milano), who outlined six key dimensions of the concept: economy, governance, people, mobility, environment, and living. Its presentation drew from EU-level initiatives and served as a launchpad for discussions on adapting these principles to Hungary’s unique context.

A highlight of the meeting was the introduction of Hungary’s new Smart Village pilot program under the CAP 2023–2027, presented by a Ministry of Agriculture attendant. This ambitious initiative includes:

• Mandatory Smart Village Strategies co-designed by local actors
• Funding for digital public services and smart infrastructure
• Support for local innovation in rural and remote areas

Hungary’s approach stands out in the EU for giving LEADER groups a more strategic role, not only in funding but also in shaping and delivering smart rural development policies. This includes increased autonomy, flexible project selection, and up to 80% national co-financing—a significant boost to local capacity.

Zempléni Tájak LEADER Group shared practical insights from one of Hungary’s most economically challenged regions. The group’s work in tourism, SME support, and job creation demonstrates how bottom-up innovation can align with national strategies.

However, discussions also revealed ongoing challenges:

• A need for a shared understanding of what “smart village” means in the Hungarian context.
• Structural limitations, such as the rule allowing each village to join only one LAG, restrict collaboration near regional borders.

Participants reflected on lessons from a recent study visit to Wetzlar, Germany, and discussed plans for the upcoming international exchange in Cantabria, Spain (May 2025). Hungary will be well represented by representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, MGFÜ, and the Zempléni Tájak LEADER Group to ensure a continued and meaningful exchange of ideas between the national and international levels.

The meeting concluded with a strong commitment to ongoing collaboration. A third stakeholder meeting is planned for Tokaj, hosted by the Zempléni Tájak LEADER Group, giving participants a chance to see smart village development firsthand. Stakeholders also agreed to involve additional actors not present at the current session, ensuring broader engagement across Hungary.

As the INSPIRE project moves forward, the Hungarian stakeholder group is emerging as a strong driver of innovative, inclusive rural development, bridging national strategies and local needs, and positioning smart villages as a key pillar of the country’s rural future.