BASIC INFORMATION

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HungaryHungary
Last updated on:
Thursday, 28 August 2025
National Sustainable Development Strategy or Action Plans

Hungary adopted its first National Sustainable Development Strategy (NSDS) in June 2007. The primary goal of this strategy was to guide Hungary’s social, economic, and environmental development onto a sustainable path in the medium and long term, aligning with both domestic realities and global trends. The NSDS was developed in line with the principles and objectives of the EU’s Sustainable Development Strategy and was designed to be coherent with sectoral strategies and programs.

In 2008, the National Assembly established the National Council for Sustainable Development, which led to a renewal process for the strategy. Following extensive public consultations between 2009 and 2012, the Hungarian Parliament adopted the National Framework Strategy on Sustainable Development (NFSSD) in March 2013, covering the period 2012–2024. While this framework was adopted before the UN’s Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it includes relevant linkages to the SDGs, as confirmed in the 2015 Progress Report.

In 2024, a new template for the National Framework Strategy was developed. Once approved by the parliament, this updated strategy will replace the current NFSSD, ensuring continued alignment with international sustainability commitments and evolving national priorities.

Link(s) to Strategy & Action Plan(s)

NATIONAL FRAMEWORK STRATEGY ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF HUNGARY

Lead ministry in charge of coordinating sustainable development

As of March 2025, the coordination of sustainable development in Hungary involves several key institutions:

Lead Government Body

The Ministry of Energy of Hungaryplays a key role in coordinating the country’s sustainable development efforts, particularly in the areas of energy policy, climate action, and environmental sustainability. The ministry is responsible for promoting the transition to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in line with Hungary’s commitments under international climate agreements and the European Union’s Green Deal.

Additionally, the ministry oversees policies related to sustainable resource management, energy security, and the decarbonization of various sectors, including industry and transportation. Through its initiatives, it aims to support the development of a greener economy while ensuring long-term energy sustainability and environmental protection.

Supporting Institutions

  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFA): This ministry is responsible for Hungary's Agenda 2030 policy, overseeing the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • Prime Minister's Office: Provides strategic direction and coordination across government ministries to ensure alignment with sustainable development objectives.
  • Parliament: The incumbent Speaker of the Parliament chairs the National Council for Sustainable Development (NCSD), highlighting the legislative body's commitment to sustainability issues.
  • National Council for Sustainable Development (NFFT): Established in 2008, the NFFT serves as an advisory and consultative body, comprising representatives from political parties, scientific communities, economic interest groups, civil, and religious organizations. It plays a pivotal role in shaping sustainable development policies and strategies by fostering stakeholder consultation and ensuring broad societal engagement in decision-making processes. Additionally, the NFFT strengthens the science-policy interface, facilitating the integration of scientific knowledge into policy formulation to ensure that sustainability strategies are informed by the latest research and best practices.
  • National Economic and Social Council of Hungary (NGTT): Acts as a platform for dialogue among economic and social partners, contributing to the formulation and implementation of sustainable development policies.
National Focal Point

For inquiries related to sustainable development, you can contact the NFFT through the following channels:

Email: nfft@parlament.hu

Website: https://www.nfft.hu/web/ncsd/national-council-for-sustainable-development

Policy Coherence for Sustainable Development (PCSD)

Hungary employs several mechanisms to ensure Policy Coherence for Sustainable Development (PCSD), facilitating coordination across ministries, subnational levels, and various stakeholders.

1. Coordination Across Ministries:

In 2017, Hungary established an Interministerial Coordination Mechanism comprising representatives from each line ministry, the Hungarian Central Statistical Office, civil society, academia, and the private sector. This mechanism ensures that sustainable development goals (SDGs) are integrated into sectoral policies and actions, promoting coherence across different governmental domains.

2. Coordination with the Subnational Level:

The National Framework Strategy on Sustainable Development (NFSSD) 2012–2024 assigns responsibilities to municipalities, emphasizing their role in the sustainable development of cities. This framework encourages local governments to align their strategies with national sustainability objectives, fostering vertical integration between national and local levels. Examples of initiatives supporting this coordination include the Klímabarát Települések Szövetsége (Alliance of Climate-Friendly Settlements), which promotes climate-conscious urban development, and the Egészséges Városok Egyesülete (Association of Healthy Cities), which supports local actions for public health and well-being.

3. Addressing Spillover Effects:

Hungary acknowledges the importance of considering both positive and negative spillover effects of its policies on other countries and future generations. The NFSSD emphasizes the need for sustainable management of natural resources, climate action, and biodiversity conservation, which inherently consider long-term and cross-border impacts. Additionally, the National Council for Sustainable Development (NCSD) prepares biennial monitoring reports assessing the implementation of sustainability strategies, ensuring that potential spillover effects are identified and addressed.

4. Coordination with Other Stakeholders:

Hungary actively involves a broad spectrum of stakeholders in planning and implementing the SDGs:

  • National Council for Sustainable Development (NFFT): Established in 2008, the NFFT includes representatives from political parties, the scientific community, economic interest groups, civil society, and religious organizations. It serves as an advisory body to the Parliament, facilitating dialogue and collaboration among diverse sectors.
  • Civil Society Platforms: Initiatives like the Civil Roundtable for Sustainable Development Goals and the HAND Association of NGOs for Development and Humanitarian Aid provide platforms for NGOs to engage in SDG policy discussions, monitor implementation, and formulate recommendations.
  • Educational and Awareness Programs: Recognizing the importance of environmental education, Hungary has initiated programs such as the Green Kindergarten Network and the Eco-School Network to raise awareness and promote sustainable practices among citizens from an early age. Additionally, the Fenntarthatósági Témahét (Sustainability Thematic Week) provides students with interactive learning opportunities on sustainability topics, fostering environmental consciousness and responsible citizenship.

Through these mechanisms, Hungary strives to ensure that its sustainable development policies are coherent, inclusive, and considerate of both domestic and international impacts.

Links to PCSD mechanisms

Hungary has established several mechanisms to promote Policy Coherence for Sustainable Development (PCSD), facilitating coordination across various levels of government and with multiple stakeholders. Below are key mechanisms and relevant links:

1. Coordination Across Ministries:

Interministerial Coordination Mechanism: Established in 2017, this mechanism comprises representatives from each line ministry, the Hungarian Central Statistical Office, civil society, academia, and the private sector. It ensures that Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are integrated into sectoral policies and actions.

Link: https://www.eea.europa.eu/themes/sustainability-transitions/sustainable-development-goals-and-the/country-profiles/hungary-country-profile-sdgs-and

2. Coordination with the Subnational Level:

National Framework Strategy on Sustainable Development (NFSSD) 2012–2024: This strategy assigns responsibilities to municipalities, emphasizing their role in the sustainable development of cities. It encourages local governments to align their strategies with national sustainability objectives.

Link: https://www.parlament.hu/web/ncsd/national-framework-strategy-on-sustainable-development-nfssd-

3. Coordination with Other Stakeholders:

National Council for Sustainable Development (NFFT): Established in 2008, the NFFT includes representatives from political parties, the scientific community, economic interest groups, civil society, and religious organizations. It serves as an advisory body to the Parliament, facilitating dialogue and collaboration among diverse sectors.

Link: https://www.parlament.hu/web/ncsd

4. Subnational Sustainable Development Strategies:

Project Wasteless: Launched in 2016 by the National Food Chain Safety Office, this national-level food waste prevention program is part of the European and global food loss and food waste prevention initiatives. It focuses on awareness-raising, education, and research to reduce food waste in Hungary.

Link: https://maradeknelkul.hu/en/

Monitoring Sustainable Development

Monitoring Sustainable Development in Hungary

Monitoring Progress Towards Sustainable Development

Hungary monitors progress towards sustainable development through a combination of national and international frameworks. The Hungarian Central Statistical Office (HCSO) plays a crucial role by providing data on sustainable development indicators, which are published biennially. These indicators support the monitoring of the National Framework Strategy on Sustainable Development (NFSSD) and align with the SDGs. Additionally, the National Council for Sustainable Development (NFFT) conducts biennial monitoring reports on the NFSSD, assessing the implementation of relevant SDGs and their compliance with national targets.

Integrating the SDGs into Monitoring

The SDGs are integrated into Hungary's monitoring framework through several mechanisms:

  1. Alignment of NFSSD with SDGs: Although the NFSSD was adopted prior to the UN's 2030 Agenda, it encompasses objectives that align with the SDGs. The 2015 Progress Report analyzed this alignment, confirming that national targets correspond with global goals, thereby integrating the SDGs into Hungary's strategic framework.
  2. Voluntary National Review (VNR): In 2018, Hungary conducted its first VNR, providing a comprehensive assessment of the country's progress towards achieving the SDGs. This review involved inputs from various line ministries, the HCSO, civil society organizations, academia, and the private sector, ensuring a holistic evaluation of national policies and strategies in relation to the SDGs.
  3. Inter-ministerial Coordination Mechanism: Established in 2017, this mechanism enhances policy coherence for sustainable development and involves all line ministries, ensuring that SDGs are considered across different policy areas.
  4. Hungarian Central Statistical Office (HCSO): Since 2007, the HCSO has published sustainable development indicators biennially, providing data-driven insights into the country's sustainability performance. As of 2019, data were available for approximately 75% of the SDG indicators, facilitating informed decision-making and policy adjustments.
  5. National Framework Strategy on Sustainable Development (NFSSD) 2012–2024: Adopted by the Hungarian Parliament in 2013, the NFSSD outlines strategic objectives and instruments to promote sustainability across various sectors. To assess its implementation, the National Council for Sustainable Development (NCSD) prepares biennial monitoring reports. These reports evaluate progress in areas such as social resources, environmental quality, economic resources, and governance, ensuring that sustainability considerations are integrated into national policies.
Links to the process(es) and/or indicators

Voluntary National Review (VNR) of Hungary:

https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/20137Voluntary_National_Review_of_Hungary_v2.pdf

Indicators of Sustainable Development for Hungary (2018):

https://www.ksh.hu/docs/eng/xftp/idoszaki/fenntartfejl/efenntartfejl18.pdf

Reporting and review on progress towards sustainable development

Hungary reports on progress towards sustainable development through several mechanisms:

  1. Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs): Hungary submitted its first VNR in 2018, focusing on SDGs 6, 7, 11, 12, and 15. This report was prepared through an inter-ministerial coordination mechanism established in 2017, involving line ministries, the Hungarian Central Statistical Office (HCSO), civil society organizations (CSOs), academia, and the private sector.
  2. Biennial Reports on Sustainable Development Indicators: The HCSO publishes biennial reports on sustainable development indicators, which support the monitoring of the National Framework Strategy on Sustainable Development (NFSSD).

Institutions Involved in Reporting and Review Process

  1. Hungarian Central Statistical Office (HCSO): Plays a crucial role in providing data on sustainable development indicators and supporting the monitoring of SDGs.
  2. Ministry of Energy: Oversees energy policy and climate action, contributing to sustainable development reporting by monitoring progress in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and emission reduction targets.
  3. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Coordinates national efforts for sustainable development and is responsible for preparing VNRs.
  4. Inter-ministerial Coordination Mechanism: Involves representatives from all line ministries and other stakeholders like CSOs, academia, and the private sector to enhance policy coherence and national implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
  5. Civil Society Organizations (CSOs): Participate in the development and adoption of the NFSSD and contribute to the review process.

Review Process

The review process involves a comprehensive assessment of progress towards sustainable development goals. This includes:

  1. Public Consultations: The preparation of Hungary's VNR involved public consultations with stakeholders, ensuring broad participation in the review process.
  2. International Platforms: Hungary participates in international forums like the UN High-level Political Forum (HLPF), where countries share experiences and best practices in achieving the SDGs.
  3. National Monitoring Reports: The HCSO's biennial reports provide a structured review of progress based on sustainable development indicators.
Links to reporting process(es)

Links to Voluntary National Reviews

  1. Voluntary National Review of Hungary (2018): Available at the UN Sustainable Development Knowledge Platform:

https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/20137Voluntary_National_Review_of_Hungary_v2.pdf

  1. High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) - Voluntary National Review 2018, Hungary:

https://hlpf.un.org/countries/hungary/voluntary-national-review-2018

  1. Presentation of Hungary's First Voluntary National Review at the HLPF:

https://ensz-newyork.mfa.gov.hu/news/presentation-of-hungarys-first-voluntary-national-review-of-sdg-implementation-at-the-high-level-political-forum

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