Monthly National Update: December
Throughout December, our NGO’s remained active across multiple platforms of policy engagement and advocacy, despite increasing challenges in the current political climate.
Monitoring EU Funding Mechanisms
We participated in several key Monitoring Committee meetings during the month. Unfortunately, most offered little in terms of transparency or meaningful progress:
- RRF Monitoring Committee: This session yielded no significant updates.
- Partnership Agreement Monitoring Committee: The discussion provided only general information on EU funds, with no concrete outcomes.
- Transport Monitoring Committee: The meeting highlighted a serious lack of available funding. More alarmingly, the government appears to be actively working to deprive the opposition-led Budapest Municipality of EU funds earmarked for modernising public transport—funds critical for the city’s sustainable development.
Climate Dialogue: Shrinking Civic Space
A meeting with Hungary’s Climate Ambassador reaffirmed concerns that the government is increasingly subordinating all policy decisions to the 2026 national election campaign. Civic engagement is being further restricted, with NGOs facing even less openness and cooperation than before.
Civil Society Cooperation
In a joint action with five NGOs, we sent a letter to the government regarding the Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) framework. The Ministry’s response was noncommittal, noting that work is ongoing and that consultation will occur once a draft is ready. We will continue pushing for meaningful involvement in shaping policy.
Advocacy for Peace
We also took part in the call and press release titled “Civil Society Tells European Mayors: Stop Funding War Against Ukraine.” Through this initiative, we reaffirmed our commitment to diplomacy, peace, and responsible international cooperation.
Photo: Annie Sprat/Unsplash
