A new era is beginning for Hungarian road construction as the Hungarian Asphalt Association (HAPA) and the Ministry of Construction and Transport (ÉKM) prepare to sign a milestone strategic agreement. Announced at the 26th International HAPA Conference in Siófok, the collaboration aims to radically increase the use of recycled materials and establish a nationwide digital waste tracking system, laying the groundwork for more sustainable and cost-effective state investments.
In mid-February 2026, the leaders of the Hungarian asphalt industry gathered at the Hotel Azúr in Siófok under the motto “Paths of Development.” The central theme of the summit was the integration of government policy with private sector expertise to ensure that recycling becomes a fundamental pillar of practical execution rather than just a theoretical goal.
A National Inventory for Road Construction “Treasures”
Based on the announcements made at the conference, the most immediate result of the ÉKM-HAPA partnership will be the creation of a comprehensive digital registry. This system will survey and record all stockpiled materials suitable for recycling across Hungary—primarily reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) and other road construction debris.
The objective is to create a “raw material map” that allows investors and contractors to identify available resources accurately. This will facilitate the substitution of expensive and environmentally taxing primary raw materials, such as crushed stone or virgin bitumen. Ministry representatives emphasized that this database would also optimize logistics, significantly reducing the carbon footprint associated with transporting materials over long distances.
“Asphalt 4.0” and Energy Efficiency
The strategic cooperation extends beyond data collection. Section meetings at the conference outlined the “Asphalt 4.0” concept, which promotes digitalization alongside the use of warm-mix asphalts (WMA) and specialized additives.
The future agreement is expected to cover paving technologies that increase the lifespan of road surfaces while reducing the energy required during production. Industry stakeholders anticipate that a joint regulatory environment with the Ministry will accelerate the widespread adoption of innovative, eco-friendly asphalt mixes across the national road network.
Summary: Toward More Sustainable Roads
The strategic rapprochement between HAPA and the Ministry of Construction and Transport is a clear signal that the Hungarian road sector is ready for a green transition. The agreement, set to be signed shortly, will not only improve waste management efficiency through a new national registry but also provide a stable professional framework for major domestic road construction projects throughout 2026.
