On March 7, 2025, the Research Institute for National Strategy hosted the opening event of the Planning4U project in Nyíregyháza, Hungary. Funded under the Interreg VI-A NEXT Hungary-Slovakia-Romania-Ukraine Programme, this cross-border initiative brings together key partners from Hungary, Romania, and Ukraine to enhance regional cooperation, address socio-economic challenges, and strengthen institutional capacities.
The event gathered representatives from all project partners, including the Self-Government of Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County, Tisza European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation Limited Liability, Satu Mare County Intercommunity Development Association (ADI), and the Transcarpathian Frontier Local Governments’ Association. Distinguished speakers included Endre Baracsi, Vice President of the Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County Assembly; Csaba Pataki, President of the Satu Mare County Council; Zoltán Babják, President of the Transcarpathian Frontier Local Governments’ Association and Mayor of Berehovo; Andrea Szabóné Cap, Director of Tisza EGTC; and Jenő Szász, Ministerial Commissioner and President of the Research Institute for National Strategy.
In his remarks, Csaba Pataki emphasized the importance of regional cooperation: “Our border regions are interconnected, and by working together, we can develop effective solutions that benefit our communities. Through Planning4U, we aim to strengthen economic and social ties and support local development in response to pressing challenges.”
The Planning4U project, officially launched on January 1, 2025, aims to develop cross-border spatial development plans, assess the socio-economic impacts of the war in Ukraine, and support institutional capacity-building. A key focus is on the Hungarian-Romanian-Ukrainian border region, particularly Transcarpathia, which has experienced significant socio-economic changes due to the war. With many Ukrainian companies relocating to the region, its economy has shown resilience and growth, contrasting national trends.
Dr. Márton Péti, Lead Thematic Expert and Vice President of the Research Institute for National Strategy, highlighted the project’s long-term impact: “The Planning4U network and joint actions will enhance inter-regional cooperation, knowledge transfer, and the removal of legal barriers, paving the way for future collaboration.”
Throughout the project’s implementation, 14 Transcarpathian micro-regional development plans will be prepared, providing local authorities with essential strategic frameworks. Additionally, three border municipalities in Satu Mare County will benefit from tailored development plans. The project will also deliver impact studies to inform joint planning activities in the programme area and the EU at large.
With a total budget of €600,327, Planning4U addresses institutional capacity gaps and challenges posed by Ukrainian public administration reform, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ongoing war. By fostering collaboration between Hungarian, Romanian, and Ukrainian partners, the project aims to build a more resilient and integrated cross-border region.
The event marked an important milestone in strengthening cooperation among the participating regions, reinforcing the commitment of all partners to shared development and regional stability.
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