Civilians demand halt to lakeside construction and call for state ownership of Balaton shorelands

The SOS Balaton initiative argues that extensive construction along Lake Balaton’s coast has compromised both the scenery and the lake’s ecological health, threatening its long-term stability. It asks the government to pause all major shoreline projects and to transfer ownership of vulnerable sites to the state, either through negotiated purchase or, if needed, expropriation with full compensation. The group also seeks a dedicated fund to buy out or replace ongoing developments and to rehabilitate degraded reed beds, river outlets, and other natural habitats in line with EU restoration legislation. Éger Ákos of the Magyar Természetvédők Szövetsége highlighted that many projects proceeded despite court rulings on permitting irregularities.

The campaign points to a specific four-storey, 99-unit complex planned by Cordia near the Pogányvölgyi-víz outlet as a focal point of local opposition. Scientists from the Balatoni Limnológiai Kutatóintézet stress that the lake’s shoreline has been altered on a large scale, raising concerns about water quality and biodiversity.