This year, Hungary has once again entered several development projects in the REGIOSTARS competition, organised by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy, DG REGIO.
Since 2008, the REGIOSTARS Awards have recognised EU-funded projects that deliver tangible results for local communities, use innovative solutions, and can serve as good examples for other European regions.
Projects compete in five categories, ranging from green development to investments that strengthen social inclusion. Applications could be submitted until 22 May, and the eligibility assessment of the projects is currently under way.
Here are the Hungarian projects entered for this year’s REGIOSTARS Awards:
A Europe Closer to Citizens
Cultural Quarter
The development in Veszprém has become one of the most significant urban renewal projects in the city centre. The project not only aimed to renew public spaces and green areas, but also brought new life to the district. It connected key institutions in the area, made the city-centre environment more liveable and attractive, and strengthened Veszprém’s cultural and community role. The development is an excellent example of how urban green space renewal, community building and modern urban planning can be combined.
Development of Social Infrastructure in Újfehértó
As part of the investment, the Social Services Centre was renovated, improving the quality of day-care services and the support provided to people in need.
Creating a Green City in Homokbánya
The project in Kecskemét created new recreational and sports areas, while also significantly improving the green infrastructure of the district. The aim was to create a more liveable, family-friendly and climate-friendly urban environment.
A Social and Inclusive Europe
Establishment of a Health Centre in Újszász
A new building wing was added to the existing health centre, bringing together all adult and paediatric GP districts, as well as the health visitor service. The investment provides more modern and more easily accessible healthcare services for local residents.
Library on Four Wheels – MindenkiNet
The project modernised the services of the Bródy Sándor Library in Eger. Thanks to the library bus and the digital lab, library and digital services have become more accessible to people living in smaller settlements.
Expansion of the Municipal Nursery in Törökszentmiklós
The aim of the project was to increase the number of nursery places and modernise childcare services. The development allows more families with young children to benefit from modern nursery care.
A Competitive and Smart Europe
Creation of a Computerised, Interactive Rehabilitation Methodology Centre at the National Institute for Medical Rehabilitation
A partly robotised rehabilitation centre was established at the National Institute for Medical Rehabilitation. The new technologies support recovery after musculoskeletal and neurological injuries, while the project also promotes the wider use of modern rehabilitation methods.
A Green Europe
Development of a Geothermal Heating System in Public Institutions in Lenti
As part of the development, the energy supply of ten public institutions was converted to a geothermal system based on thermal water. In the long term, the project has made the operation of these institutions more sustainable, while also helping to reduce environmental impact and improve quality of life.
In last year’s REGIOSTARS competition, seven projects represented Hungary. Although no Hungarian project reached the final that year, we remain proud of the success achieved in 2024, when the telemedicine programme of the Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta won its category.
