Government launches public consultation on new nationwide environmental authority
The Hungarian government opened a public comment period for its proposed National Environmental Supervision Authority, which will oversee a wide range of ecological and animal-protection duties.
Hungary's cabinet has initiated a societal consultation on a proposed central agency called the National Environmental Supervision Authority, which would assume comprehensive powers over environmental protection, waste management, genetic technologies, animal welfare, nature conservation, forestry, climate measures, and water resources. The authority is slated to issue permits, conduct inspections and impose sanctions, including for battery manufacturing facilities.
Within the agency, a rapid-response team of at least 50 members—referred to as a "green guard"—will be tasked with swift action against animal abuse, illegal dog fights, unlawful waste sites, forest degradation, and unauthorized well drilling. The government emphasizes that this body will have broader authority than any previous environmental office in the country. Citizens are encouraged to forward their comments and proposals to the designated email address on the official portal during the consultation period.
