Hungary releases interactive map to track NKA cultural funding

The Hungarian Prime Minister's Office has launched an interactive database to track the distribution of National Cultural Fund (NKA) grants awarded between 2021 and 2026. The platform uses maps and charts to show which organizations and individuals received funding, the amounts granted, and the specific decision-making bodies or officials responsible for the allocations.

The initiative follows a major investigation into the alleged misuse of approximately 17.3 billion HUF from the NKA. Prosecutors suspect that in 1,079 cases, funds were diverted from their legally intended purposes. Allegations suggest that a portion of these funds may have been used to cover costs for the 2026 parliamentary election campaign or for the personal interests of applicants.

This transparency measure comes amid the arrest of Balázs Hankó, the former minister responsible for culture and innovation, who is suspected of breach of trust in a criminal conspiracy causing significant financial loss. While the government stated that the publication is not intended to stigmatize recipients, it aims to ensure accountability and investigate whether past cultural funding decisions complied with legal requirements and the fund's objectives.