Last weekend a partnership of cycling NGO’s in Hungary presented their cycling wish list to László Kövér, President of the Hungarian Parliament.  

The timing of the presentation was important because national and regional authorities are currently preparing their priorities and budgets for the next EU financial period (2014-2020).  The cycling NGOs in Hungary have therefore prepared a concept note setting out their priorities and the related actions (that need to be financed) for the same period. You find their “wish-list” in English here.

During the current EU financial period (2007-2013), Hungary is one of the leading investors in cycle projects with over €100 million being allocated from their EU funds.  Unfortunately this commitment to cycling is not found everywhere in Europe and it is estimated that only €600 million has been invested on cycling projects over the past six years.  

The ECF believes that other countries can follow Hungary’s lead this time around and we are aiming for €6 billion euros being invested between 2014 and 2020!  As part of our ‘€6 Billion Campaign’ we have been working with our Members to explain how they can influence the decisions that are currently being made in the lead up to the start of the new period in 2014.  

The next step in Hungary will be for the cycling NGOs to explain to the decision makers how the proposed actions can be incorporated into the new national and regional plans.  

We have recently updated the relevant pages of our website to explain how you or your organisation can help out with the €6 Billion Campaign.  Click here to find out more.