Government launches Szent István Rural Development Program with open applications for local committees

The Szent István Rural Development Program begins with pilot boards in ten varied rural micro-regions, each created via an open application process. Candidates are judged on their community involvement, understanding of the area, prior development work and the merit of their proposals. By the end of October, each board will be composed of ten members, four specialists, a regional coordinator and optional observers from local governments and the national legislature.

Starting in November, the boards will draft a regional development strategy, identify key challenges and set four to six priority areas while gathering concrete project ideas. A compiled list of projects is slated for public voting by January 2027, after which funded projects will be selected. The government aims to expand the program nationwide by August 2027, potentially affecting thousands of settlements and many residents.