Hungary announces SME support and housing energy renovation plans

István Kapitány has outlined a significant financial framework aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Hungary. Out of a 4,000 billion forint budget, 1,300 billion forints are allocated to various Széchenyi Card program loans, while approximately 1,000 billion forints will be distributed through Eximbank programs. The initiative focuses on improving SME competitiveness through digitalization, management culture, and export capabilities, with 25 billion forints specifically dedicated to export support.

The government is also introducing the Wekerle+ program, which targets the energy modernization of 120,000 homes by 2030. For family houses, a 15 million forint framework is available, offering non-refundable subsidies of 30 to 50 percent depending on energy efficiency gains. For apartment buildings, financing of up to 5 million forints per unit is possible, featuring 15-year terms with zero percent interest and potential non-refundable subsidies of up to 50 percent.

Regarding utility cost reductions, officials stated the current focus is on securing cheaper and more diverse energy sources for Hungary rather than restructuring existing subsidy models.