Environmental Sustainability
#29Key Findings
Hungary falls into the sample’s bottom group (rank 29) with regard to environmental sustainability.
Environmental sustainability has been on the decline. The state’s commitment to climate neutrality by 2050 was largely due to external pressure. New objectives, such as a 50% emissions reduction by 2030 and a CO2 tax, have been introduced. Critics say these constitute lip service rather than genuine government commitment.
Life expectancy is comparatively low, and the country is rated poorly on measures of air quality, water quality and waste management. Public awareness of environmental health risks is low, and the national diet is unhealthy. The country’s record on biodiversity is mixed.
A campaign against “climate hysteria” highlighted Hungary’s hesitancy on environmental issues. The government has consistently opposed efforts to strengthen EU environmental policies, and was one of the countries that tried to block the EU’s plans to become carbon-neutral by 2050.
Environmental sustainability has been on the decline. The state’s commitment to climate neutrality by 2050 was largely due to external pressure. New objectives, such as a 50% emissions reduction by 2030 and a CO2 tax, have been introduced. Critics say these constitute lip service rather than genuine government commitment.
Life expectancy is comparatively low, and the country is rated poorly on measures of air quality, water quality and waste management. Public awareness of environmental health risks is low, and the national diet is unhealthy. The country’s record on biodiversity is mixed.
A campaign against “climate hysteria” highlighted Hungary’s hesitancy on environmental issues. The government has consistently opposed efforts to strengthen EU environmental policies, and was one of the countries that tried to block the EU’s plans to become carbon-neutral by 2050.
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How committed is the government to the goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050?
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9
9
The government is clearly committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
8
7
6
7
6
The government is largely committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
5
4
3
4
3
The government is only somewhat committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
2
1
1
The government is not at all committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
Environmental sustainability in Hungary has been on the decline for some time, with a current score of -19 for 2015 – 2022 in the European Innovation Scoreboard 2022. Hungary eventually committed to becoming climate neutral by 2050, but this decision was driven more by external pressures than by a recognition of climate-change-induced problems. The government has complied with European and OECD requirements. In 2020, Hungary passed Law No. XLIV, which sets up measures to tackle climate change, and developed a strategy to achieve the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) objectives. These objectives were updated in 2023 to be more ambitious, including a 50% emissions reduction by 2030 compared to the 40% reduction in the original NECP. New legislation, such as the CO2 tax, was also introduced.
While these objectives sound good, there are issues with commitment beyond mere lip service. Hungary’s government has also regularly tried to undermine EU climate action. The rather lukewarm commitment is evident in the relevant data.
Both CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion and cement production, as well as CO2 emissions embodied in imports, have shown unsatisfactory and declining numbers. In the 2023 sustainability report (Sachs et al. 2023), Hungary scored 79.4, down from 80.2 in 2021. This marks the first slight decline since the turn of the century (74.4 in 2000). The 2024 Climate Change Performance Index places Hungary at 49th place, an improvement of four spots, but still among the poor performers. The carbon pricing score has increased slightly over the last decade.
Concerning projected greenhouse gas emissions in 2050, Hungary ranks in the middle, at 16th out of 30. In the adjusted emissions growth rate for carbon dioxide indicator, Hungary ranks 22nd out of 30. However, regarding methane gas emissions, Hungary performs very well. Although the NECP emphasizes decarbonization by promoting the use of renewable energy, the government imposes administrative hurdles on wind turbine installation. It restricts grid access for solar energy providers and private households, often citing grid bottlenecks. Still, the solar sector is somewhat taking off. The Hungarian energy strategy strongly emphasizes nuclear energy, and the modernization of the power plant in Paks also serves foreign policy goals, as it strengthens ties with Russia. Hungary’s degree of dependency on Russian oil and gas is among the highest in the EU.
Consequently, decoupling from Russia is among the government’s objectives, and decarbonization may play a role here. Given the strong foreign policy ties with Putin’s Russia, however, the ambition is driven more by the West than by the conviction of major political players. For the government, energy security and decreasing energy dependency are likely more important than reaching climate goals (Csernus 2023:11). Establishing a Ministry for Energy in 2022 shows this preference, as there is still no environment ministry. Additionally, the government temporarily ran a campaign against “climate hysteria,” making Hungary’s reticent position clear. During the energy crisis of 2022 – 2023, the Hungarian government put a price cap on gasoline, boosting consumption to record levels. The government also opposes bike-friendly urban transport reforms in Budapest, where it has portrayed progressive Mayor Gergely Karácsony as an “anti-motorist” who sabotages smooth traffic (Magyar Nemzet 2023). Such a discourse is hardly compatible with a genuine commitment to decarbonization.
Citations:
Sachs, J.D., Lafortune, G., Fuller, G., Drumm, E. 2023. Implementing the SDG Stimulus. Paris: SDSN, Dublin: Dublin University Press.
Climate Change Performance Index 2024. https://ccpi.org/country/hun/
Csernus, D. 2023. “Country Report Hungary. Energy Without Russia. The Consequences of the Ukraine War and the EU.” Budapest: FES.
European Innovation Scoreboard 2022. https://ec.europa.eu/assets/rtd/eis/2022/ec_rtd_eis-country-profile-hu.pdf
Magyar Nemzet. 2023. “Stages in a Rampage: Budapest Mayor’s Battle with Motorists.” 23 August. https://magyarnemzet.hu/english/2023/08/stages-in-a-rampage-budapest-mayors-battle-with-motorists
While these objectives sound good, there are issues with commitment beyond mere lip service. Hungary’s government has also regularly tried to undermine EU climate action. The rather lukewarm commitment is evident in the relevant data.
Both CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion and cement production, as well as CO2 emissions embodied in imports, have shown unsatisfactory and declining numbers. In the 2023 sustainability report (Sachs et al. 2023), Hungary scored 79.4, down from 80.2 in 2021. This marks the first slight decline since the turn of the century (74.4 in 2000). The 2024 Climate Change Performance Index places Hungary at 49th place, an improvement of four spots, but still among the poor performers. The carbon pricing score has increased slightly over the last decade.
Concerning projected greenhouse gas emissions in 2050, Hungary ranks in the middle, at 16th out of 30. In the adjusted emissions growth rate for carbon dioxide indicator, Hungary ranks 22nd out of 30. However, regarding methane gas emissions, Hungary performs very well. Although the NECP emphasizes decarbonization by promoting the use of renewable energy, the government imposes administrative hurdles on wind turbine installation. It restricts grid access for solar energy providers and private households, often citing grid bottlenecks. Still, the solar sector is somewhat taking off. The Hungarian energy strategy strongly emphasizes nuclear energy, and the modernization of the power plant in Paks also serves foreign policy goals, as it strengthens ties with Russia. Hungary’s degree of dependency on Russian oil and gas is among the highest in the EU.
Consequently, decoupling from Russia is among the government’s objectives, and decarbonization may play a role here. Given the strong foreign policy ties with Putin’s Russia, however, the ambition is driven more by the West than by the conviction of major political players. For the government, energy security and decreasing energy dependency are likely more important than reaching climate goals (Csernus 2023:11). Establishing a Ministry for Energy in 2022 shows this preference, as there is still no environment ministry. Additionally, the government temporarily ran a campaign against “climate hysteria,” making Hungary’s reticent position clear. During the energy crisis of 2022 – 2023, the Hungarian government put a price cap on gasoline, boosting consumption to record levels. The government also opposes bike-friendly urban transport reforms in Budapest, where it has portrayed progressive Mayor Gergely Karácsony as an “anti-motorist” who sabotages smooth traffic (Magyar Nemzet 2023). Such a discourse is hardly compatible with a genuine commitment to decarbonization.
Citations:
Sachs, J.D., Lafortune, G., Fuller, G., Drumm, E. 2023. Implementing the SDG Stimulus. Paris: SDSN, Dublin: Dublin University Press.
Climate Change Performance Index 2024. https://ccpi.org/country/hun/
Csernus, D. 2023. “Country Report Hungary. Energy Without Russia. The Consequences of the Ukraine War and the EU.” Budapest: FES.
European Innovation Scoreboard 2022. https://ec.europa.eu/assets/rtd/eis/2022/ec_rtd_eis-country-profile-hu.pdf
Magyar Nemzet. 2023. “Stages in a Rampage: Budapest Mayor’s Battle with Motorists.” 23 August. https://magyarnemzet.hu/english/2023/08/stages-in-a-rampage-budapest-mayors-battle-with-motorists
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How committed is the government to protecting the public from environmental health risks?
10
9
9
The government is clearly committed to the goal of protecting environmental health.
8
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6
7
6
The government is largely committed to the goal of protecting environmental health.
5
4
3
4
3
The government is only somewhat committed to the goal of protecting environmental health.
2
1
1
The government is not at all committed to the goal of protecting environmental health.
Hungarian life expectancy is comparatively low, and Hungarians do not live in a healthy environment. In an OECD comparison, Hungary often ranks last or in the lowest quartile for indicators dealing with air quality, waste and water quality. There is little awareness regarding the impact of environmental health threats, and the national diet is also not particularly healthy. According to WHO statistics (WHO 2024), 17% of deaths from strokes and ischemic heart disease are caused by air pollution, and 18% by problems related to unsafe drinking water, sanitation or hygiene. Air pollution, for instance relating to NO2, regularly exceeds the limits set by international standards, and measurements are not always precise (Bíró-Nagy et al. 2023: 12). The regulatory environment in environmental health is underdeveloped. Hungary has legal standards for dealing with specific matters but does not comply with WHO air quality guidelines. The commitment to the COP26 health program is also insufficient. In occupational health, the numbers are much better, and regulatory compliance with international norms is stronger as well. Two out of three of the respective labor conventions have been implemented. In recent years, several large industrial plants have been set up in the country without adequate environmental safeguards and protocols, causing public concern. Specifically, the government has expanded its battery production capacities rapidly to serve the electric vehicle industry through fast-track approval processes. The Samsung battery plant in Göd has been shown to cause severe water pollution in the neighboring municipality, leading to public outcry. However, due to the plant’s designation as part of a “special economic zone,” the local council does not have the authority to prevent the plant’s further expansion (Hungary Today 2022). There are several battery plants whose construction started in 2023 despite the concerns of residents (Deutsche Welle 2023).
Citations:
WHO. 2024. “Health and Environment Scorecard Hungary.” https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/country-profiles/environmental-health/environmental-health-hun-2023.pdf?sfvrsn=d926123e_5&download=true
Bíró-Nagy, A., Hunyadi, R., Juhász, V., Szász, Á. 2023. Talking Green in Hungary. Lessons on Communicating Environmental Policies. Budapest: FEPS.
Deutsche Welle. 2023. “Hungary’s Big Bet on Batteries – And Its Costs.” March 31. https://www.dw.com/en/hungarys-big-bet-on-batteries-and-its-costs/a-65193569
Hungary Today. 2023. “Toxic Solvents Found in Three Wells in Göd, Where Samsung’s Huge Plant is Located.” 3 May. https://hungarytoday.hu/toxic-solvents-environment-pollution-wells-god-samsung-sdi-battery-factory-plant/
Citations:
WHO. 2024. “Health and Environment Scorecard Hungary.” https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/country-profiles/environmental-health/environmental-health-hun-2023.pdf?sfvrsn=d926123e_5&download=true
Bíró-Nagy, A., Hunyadi, R., Juhász, V., Szász, Á. 2023. Talking Green in Hungary. Lessons on Communicating Environmental Policies. Budapest: FEPS.
Deutsche Welle. 2023. “Hungary’s Big Bet on Batteries – And Its Costs.” March 31. https://www.dw.com/en/hungarys-big-bet-on-batteries-and-its-costs/a-65193569
Hungary Today. 2023. “Toxic Solvents Found in Three Wells in Göd, Where Samsung’s Huge Plant is Located.” 3 May. https://hungarytoday.hu/toxic-solvents-environment-pollution-wells-god-samsung-sdi-battery-factory-plant/
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How committed is the government to preserving ecosystems and protecting biodiversity?
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9
9
The government is clearly committed to protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.
8
7
6
7
6
The government is largely committed to protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.
5
4
3
4
3
The government is only somewhat committed to protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.
2
1
1
The government is not at all committed to protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.
Hungary ranks in the mid-tier among OECD countries on many biodiversity-related issues. However, it places last in the Biodiversity Habitat Index, with an extremely low score of 2.47 (30th out of 30). In contrast, Hungary scores an ideal 10 on the Terrestrial Biome Protection Index. Thus, the picture of Hungary’s biodiversity is very mixed.
A National Biodiversity Monitoring System (NBMS) has existed since 1998. In 2015, Hungary adopted its second National Strategy for the Conservation of Biodiversity, setting a comprehensive framework for action. In 2023, the third National Strategy was adopted. In the absence of a ministry for the environment, the Ministry of Agriculture is the leading agency for implementing this strategy.
Several ministries are involved, and the Prime Minister’s Office oversees their coordination. Further down the hierarchy, regulatory agencies and institutions like the directorates of national parks, along with several NGOs, participate. Subnational administrative units in the counties and other territorial units were not initially involved. Environment and nature regulatory enforcement was later transferred as part of the state territorial administration reform from sectoral agencies (nature conservation agencies) to the 19 county government offices and 197 district offices. This transfer led to a dispersion of human resources and knowledge but improved the implementation power by utilizing all layers of state administration. Kovács and Eszter-Pataki (2021: 45) qualify the outcome negatively: “Ineffective government agencies today rubber-stamp decisions and deflect attention from otherwise valid environmental considerations, leading to a reduction in environmental standards and management, and the degradation of conservation areas.” NGO stakeholders, an essential pillar in biodiversity policy governance that were initially involved in programming and implementation, are currently challenged by the Lex NGO if they receive foreign funding, and additionally by erratic financing patterns, as funding from European funds was cut due Hungary’s democratic governance backsliding. Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is foreseen for most projects, especially concerning Natura 2000, but in practice, the overall regulatory impact assessment (RIA) system in Hungary, including EIAs, is weak. Overall, the protected area, which has been stable over the years, should be enlarged. Strategically, biodiversity policies are mainstreamed, but often they do not find their way into sectoral policies.
Citations:
Kovács, K., and G. Eszter-Pataki. 2021. “The Dismantling of Environmentalism in Hungary.” Politics and the Environment in Eastern Europe: 25-51.
National Strategy for the Conservation of Biodiversity. 2023. https://www.cbd.int/doc/world/hu/hu-nbsap-v3-hu.pdf
A National Biodiversity Monitoring System (NBMS) has existed since 1998. In 2015, Hungary adopted its second National Strategy for the Conservation of Biodiversity, setting a comprehensive framework for action. In 2023, the third National Strategy was adopted. In the absence of a ministry for the environment, the Ministry of Agriculture is the leading agency for implementing this strategy.
Several ministries are involved, and the Prime Minister’s Office oversees their coordination. Further down the hierarchy, regulatory agencies and institutions like the directorates of national parks, along with several NGOs, participate. Subnational administrative units in the counties and other territorial units were not initially involved. Environment and nature regulatory enforcement was later transferred as part of the state territorial administration reform from sectoral agencies (nature conservation agencies) to the 19 county government offices and 197 district offices. This transfer led to a dispersion of human resources and knowledge but improved the implementation power by utilizing all layers of state administration. Kovács and Eszter-Pataki (2021: 45) qualify the outcome negatively: “Ineffective government agencies today rubber-stamp decisions and deflect attention from otherwise valid environmental considerations, leading to a reduction in environmental standards and management, and the degradation of conservation areas.” NGO stakeholders, an essential pillar in biodiversity policy governance that were initially involved in programming and implementation, are currently challenged by the Lex NGO if they receive foreign funding, and additionally by erratic financing patterns, as funding from European funds was cut due Hungary’s democratic governance backsliding. Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is foreseen for most projects, especially concerning Natura 2000, but in practice, the overall regulatory impact assessment (RIA) system in Hungary, including EIAs, is weak. Overall, the protected area, which has been stable over the years, should be enlarged. Strategically, biodiversity policies are mainstreamed, but often they do not find their way into sectoral policies.
Citations:
Kovács, K., and G. Eszter-Pataki. 2021. “The Dismantling of Environmentalism in Hungary.” Politics and the Environment in Eastern Europe: 25-51.
National Strategy for the Conservation of Biodiversity. 2023. https://www.cbd.int/doc/world/hu/hu-nbsap-v3-hu.pdf
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To what extent is the government committed and credible in designing and promoting global environmental protection regimes and policies?
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9
9
Government policy and institutions are fully aligned with efforts to achieve global environmental sustainability.
8
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7
6
Government policy and institutions are largely aligned with efforts to achieve global environmental sustainability.
5
4
3
4
3
Government policy and institutions are somewhat aligned with efforts to achieve global environmental sustainability.
2
1
1
Government policy and institutions are not at all aligned with efforts to achieve global environmental sustainability.
Hungary signed the Paris Agreement and has adhered to EU agreements. János Áder, the country’s president from 2012 to 2022 and founder of the Blue Planet Foundation, has been active internationally. As Fidesz’s “man for the environment issues,” he has praised the Orbán government’s environmental commitment and policies. However, the Hungarian government has opposed most attempts to strengthen the European Union’s environmental ambitions. Hungary was among the four countries that – eventually without success – tried to block the European Union’s plans to become carbon-neutral by 2050. The country’s attempt to include nuclear power in calculation registers in European climate-change policies has been more successful. Environmental policy in Hungary has faced issues including a lack of commitment, institutional fragmentation and weak implementation. Even if the government’s campaign against “climate hysteria” has been softened, the very existence of this campaign shows that the present Hungarian government is not supporting international attempts to tackle environmental challenges adequately.