Hungary launches St. Stephen Rural Development Program

The Hungarian government has announced the launch of the St. Stephen Rural Development Program, a pilot initiative targeting ten micro-regions across the country. Prime Minister Péter Magyar stated that the program aims to restore dignity to rural life by allowing local communities to decide how to utilize development funds.

Each selected micro-region, consisting of ten settlements, will receive an annual development budget of one billion forints. The first phase of the program is expected to affect approximately 100 settlements and 100,000 people. Selected areas include Gyöngyös, Zalakaros, Harkány, Bács, Pásztó, Medgyesegyháza, Igal, Tiszaújváros, Nyírbátor, and Gönc. These regions were chosen based on criteria such as per capita income and complex development indicators.

Local communities will have the authority to direct funds toward various sectors, including transportation, healthcare, education, economic development, renewable energy, water management, and tourism. The program is designed to complement existing frameworks like the Hungarian Village Program and LEADER, rather than replace them, serving as a foundation for rural development policy beyond 2028.