The government is intervening in domestic environmental regulations at several points to ensure sustainability and the protection of future generations. The waste management concession will be reviewed, an independent main environmental authority will be established, the inspection of battery plants will be tightened, and a temporary logging moratorium will take effect in protected forests with an autumn deadline, Government Spokesperson Anita Köböl announced on Thursday.
At a press conference held at the Prime Minister’s Office on June 5, Government Spokesperson Anita Köböl reported that the cabinet is rebuilding the domestic environmental institutional system almost from the ground up, as the sector lacked an independent ministry during previous government cycles. The announced measures aim to improve the quality of living and protect the natural environment.
Investigation Launched into the 35-Year Waste Management Concession
According to the cabinet’s decision, a detailed report is requested on the operations of the waste management concession launched in 2023. The activity is currently carried out by an exclusive company, Mohu Zrt., part of the Mol Group, under a 35-year contract.
According to the government spokesperson’s reasoning, questions have arisen over the past three years as to whether the arrangement truly serves the interests of the Hungarian public, municipalities, and the environment. The government expects the results of a comprehensive investigation into the use of public funds, the realization of investments, and the fulfillment of commitments by September 1.
Stricter Battery Industry Regulations and an Independent Main Authority
The establishment of an independent national main environmental authority will begin, and in parallel, a national inspection program will be launched for industrial facilities posing the highest environmental risk. The inspection plan for high-risk plants—including battery industry players—will be completed as early as June.
A significant legislative change is the elimination of the rule that allowed a minister to designate battery recycling plant locations through an individual decision. In the future, instead of political decisions, an objective regulatory framework applying equally to all stakeholders will take effect. To develop the new concept:
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The necessary legislative amendments will be prepared by June 30.
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A newly established inter-ministerial working group will draft the comprehensive regulatory plan by August 31.
The “Polluter Pays” Principle: New Liability System by October
Anita Köböl emphasized that current environmental damage fines lag behind economic realities, and loopholes have allowed large corporations to avoid penalties. The government is developing a stricter-than-ever environmental liability system with an October deadline.
The new sanctioning system will be explicitly based on the “polluter pays” principle and will particularly affect the following sectors:
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Battery industry
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Chemical industry
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Hazardous waste management
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Water and soil pollution
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Illegal waste disposal
Logging Moratorium in the Most Valuable Forests
As part of the nature conservation measures, an immediate, temporary logging moratorium will take effect in the most valuable protected state forests and Natura 2000 sites.
Until September 30, any logging that would significantly affect the long-term condition of the forests will be suspended. During the moratorium, experts will assess the stands and develop new nature conservation rules for future forest management. The government spokesperson confirmed that security, nature conservation, and forest maintenance work will continue, and the measure will not cause disruptions in meeting the residential demand for firewood.
Source: mti