Hungary

Hungary falls three places to rank 48th in the current CCPI as an overall low performer. The country rates high in GHG Emissions, medium in Energy Use, low in Renewable Energy, and very low in Climate Policy.

Hungary’s climate policy framework aligns with the EU’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2050 and includes instruments such as a Climate Change Strategy, Energy Strategy, National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), and Long-Term Strategy (LTS). However, the CCPI country experts criticise the weak implementation. The LTS, for instance, lacks concrete measures and relies on a top-down approach with insufficient use of real sectoral data. Critical sectors such as buildings, transport, agriculture, and waste remain underregulated, while the policy focus is still largely on the energy sector.

Energy policy is highly inconsistent with targets and actions, NECP over-relies on biomass

Hungary’s energy policy shows a mix of ambitious targets and contradictory actions. While the National Energy Strategy includes progressive measures, implementation, again, is weak. Renewable energy is expanding, with increased photovoltaic capacity and lifting of the wind turbine ban, but network limitations and bureaucratic obstacles hinder meaningful growth. Therefore, the renewable energy resource mix is staggeringly disproportionate: amid huge and rapidly expanding solar capacity, wind and biogas-based generation is negligible, resulting in unjustifiably frequent negative electricity prices. Meanwhile, geothermal and small-scale hydropower remain largely untapped. The coal phase-out has stalled, fossil fuel imports – mostly from Russia – are still considerable, and domestic lignite and gas production – including fracking – continue. Despite the NECP’s targeted 43% energy use reduction by 2050, the experts say this is unlikely to happen.

The country’s NECP relies heavily on biomass, primarily wood, which is set to contribute over half of all renewable energy by 2030. However, the experts warn that this is unsustainable, as forests take decades to regenerate, and burning wood for household heating pollutes the air, which causes significant smog (PM2.5) and other negative external effects in the winter. The experts also criticise that forest clearcutting is permitted, even in protected areas.

Government dominates media, seeks to undermine EU climate action

Industrial projects, such as battery factories supporting renewables, proceed with minimal public consultation and weak enforcement of environmental rules, raising concerns about governance and sustainability. The experts stress that environmental NGOs face political discrimination and public access to information is limited. Pro-government media dominates, often spreading disinformation on climate and environmental issues.

Internationally, Hungary’s government has regularly tried to undermine EU climate action. It has shown no signs of working on or preparing implementation of the upcoming EU Emissions Trading System for buildings and road transport (EU ETS 2), among other concerns.

The experts see a need for stronger ambition and especially for climate policy implementation. They recommend decisive actions: tackle corruption and uphold the rule of law; launch a nationwide climate awareness campaign in cooperation with independent civil society; end political discrimination, especially that against environmental NGOs; phase out environmentally harmful subsidies while compensating households; halt investments that do not support climate action or essential public services; and redirect savings toward energy-efficient buildings, sustainable transport, and environmentally friendly agriculture.

Key Outcomes

CCPI experts

The following national experts agreed to be mentioned as contributors for this year’s CCPI:

• András Lukács (Clean Air Action Group)