Hungary’s Regional Stakeholder Meeting Advances Rural Development in the CASPER Project

Kaposvár, Hungary – On July 5, 2025, the Hungarian regional stakeholder working group convened in Kaposvár, bringing together eight key stakeholders from smaller towns, rural municipalities, and the South Balaton Wine Route Association. This meeting was an important step in the CASPER Project’s mission to enhance social development and resilience in rural areas.

Key Challenges and Workshop Insights

The meeting included an interactive workshop where stakeholders reviewed progress in the CASPER Project and discussed their submitted social development projects under the Territorial and Settlement Development Operational Programme Plus – 3.1.3 Local Human Developments.

Stakeholders identified several key challenges in rural Hungary:

• Aging Population & Youth Outmigration: Young people are leaving rural areas, requiring targeted efforts to retain youth and create local opportunities.

• Limited Access to Services: Healthcare, education, and other public services remain difficult to access, calling for innovative local solutions.

• Economic Dependence on Agriculture & Tourism: A lack of diverse employment options creates vulnerabilities in rural economies.

• Infrastructure Gaps: Poor transportation and digital infrastructure limit growth and connectivity.

Community-Led Solutions and Development Projects

Several promising community-based initiatives were presented, showcasing efforts to improve quality of life and foster engagement:

• Senior Community Engagement: Organizing bus trips for elderly residents to enhance social interaction and well-being.

• Youth Skill Development: Supporting early education programs to help young children develop key learning and socialization skills.

• Environmental Awareness: Hosting bird-ringing summer camps to educate children about wildlife conservation and biodiversity.

• Scouting and Leadership Training: Running Scouting Week, a program focused on teamwork, outdoor survival skills, and leadership training.

• Educational Excursions: Organizing school trips to cultural and scientific sites, enriching education through real-world experiences.

Incorporating Projects into Future Development Plans

Stakeholders discussed strategies to ensure these initiatives are sustainable and impactful:

• Expanding Partnerships: Strengthening collaboration with municipalities, schools, and NGOs to enhance project reach.

• Securing Additional Funding: Exploring opportunities through EU grants and national programs to ensure long-term sustainability.

• Community Involvement: Encouraging local engagement to ensure projects align with real needs and foster ownership.

• Leveraging Digital Tools: Using technology to improve communication, coordination, and impact measurement.

Next Steps and Future Engagement

The submitted social development projects are currently under evaluation, with results expected in the coming weeks. These initiatives aim to enhance infrastructure, community resilience, and quality of life in rural Hungary.

The next regional stakeholder meeting is scheduled for February 2025, where stakeholders will review project progress, discuss new proposals, and explore further collaborative opportunities.

Visual Highlights and Community Participation

Photos from the July 5 meeting, taken by Zoltán, capture the engaged discussions and collaborative efforts among stakeholders. These images showcase the commitment to rural revitalization and emphasize the importance of local contributions in shaping policy and development efforts.

Conclusion

Hungary’s regional stakeholder meetings play a crucial role in ensuring community-driven solutions are central to policy discussions. The CASPER Project continues to foster collaborative approaches to addressing rural challenges, creating pathways for a stronger and more resilient future.

For more updates on the CASPER Project in Hungary, stay tuned for upcoming announcements.