Hungarian Rural Pact initiated by civil society organisations
Twenty-one national organisations called for the launch of a joint effort – involving representatives from the institutional, academic, and civil sectors – to develop an integrated, long-term rural and agricultural strategy based on the broadest possible consensus. The call to action was adopted at a consultation meeting on 17 April 2026 in Budapest.
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Participating organisations included rural and regional development, environmental and nature conservation, and agriculture actors.
A Hungarian Rural Pact, modelled after the European Rural Pact, could provide an appropriate framework for the development of a long-term rural and agricultural strategy. Therefore, the participating organisations are also initiating the launch of the Hungarian Rural Pact.
The agenda of the meeting reflected this objective: following opening remarks and introductions, Edina Ocsko, Vice-Chair of the Rural Pact Coordination Group (RPCG), was invited to present the European Rural Pact process, its objectives, and operational model, providing inspiration for the Hungarian initiative. This was followed by the presentation, discussion, and formal adoption of a Declaration, as well as agreement on next steps and further communication.
As a next step, the call to action will be sent directly to representatives of the government, institutional, and academic sectors by the initiating organisations.
The Rural Pact Support Office will support processes around the Hungarian Rural Pact throughout 2026, in close cooperation with its national partner, the Rural Workshop Foundation.