The RegioStars competition, which celebrates the most outstanding initiatives supported by the European Union’s Cohesion Policy, has officially launched once again. The 2025 edition has already set a new record, with over 266 projects submitted for consideration. This prestigious contest aims to highlight the most impactful EU-funded developments that bring tangible improvements to the lives of citizens across Europe’s regions. This year, Hungary is represented by seven projects.
Applicants are recognized in several categories, including green transition, digital innovation, and social inclusion. In the latter category, Hungary achieved a notable triumph last year: the Naszlady Attila Health Development Program, implemented by the Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta, won first prize. The program provides innovative healthcare access to residents of disadvantaged regions, enabling fast and efficient medical consultations through remote technology. This initiative demonstrates how technological innovation can contribute significantly to social inclusion and equal opportunities, particularly for the most vulnerable groups in society. It stands as an exemplary project and a source of inspiration for this year’s competitors.
In 2025, the majority of Hungarian entries—five in total—are competing in the category of “Green and Sustainable Europe.” Among the projects submitted through the Environmental and Energy Efficiency Operational Programme are the Harkályház Visitor, Educational and Management Centre in Mátrafüred and an infrastructure investment aimed at modernizing Lake Balaton’s drainage system to enhance regional water management. The Economic Development and Innovation Operational Programme Plus features several agricultural innovations, including genomic-based selection and hybrid production in sorghum, the development of crop cultivation technologies using plant conditioners, and environmentally friendly orchard utilization techniques.
Another Hungarian project, promoting the nationwide implementation of same-day surgical procedures, has been entered in the “Competitive and Smart Europe” category. Meanwhile, the seventh entry, entitled “Kiskun Memorial Site at the Camp of Chief Zank,” will compete in the “Europe Closer to Citizens” category.
The list of finalists will be announced by the European Commission in July. The winners will be revealed at the prestigious “European Week of Regions and Cities,” taking place from 13 to 15 October 2025 in Brussels.
Let us extend our support to the Hungarian contenders and express our hope that, building on last year’s remarkable success, Hungary will once again earn a distinguished place on the European stage.
