Possibilities for international financial support for environmental remediation projects in Hungary in the light of the EU accession and integration and the accelerated implementation of the Hungarian National Environmental Remediation Plan (OKKP)

Project summary
The aim of this project supported by the Hungarian Ministry of Environment is to research possibilities for acquiring international financing for environmental remediation projects in Hungary in the light of the EU accession and integration.

Three funding areas for remediation projects will be explored. These are: (1) the EU pre-accession funds; (2) the EU Structural funds and the Cohesion fund; and (3) non-EU sources, such as GEF, EBRD, the World bank, OECD and programs under the UN institutions. All these will be related to the provision for accelerated implementation of the Hungarian National Environmental Remediation Plan (OKKP).

Methodology of the research
The research will be conducted on three stages.

Stage one will consist of a review of financing possibilities of environmental projects through EU funds (both pre-accession financing instruments and funding for Member States). On this stage representatives of the EU office in Hungary, as well as contact persons in Brussels, will be approached in order to acquire the most up-to-date information on financing requirements and priorities. Finally, the structure of funding sources will be outlined and recommendations will be made under which priority areas and categories remediation projects can be financed.

Stage two will consist of a review of eligibility criteria and requirements for applicants for EU funding (again related to both pre-accession financing instruments and funding for member states). Further, non-EU financing possibilities will be reviewed.

Stage three will consist of an in-depth review of approved proposals for EU funding. Representatives of Hungarian companies, which have received EU funding for remediation projects, and their consultants will be interviewed. The ultimate aim of this stage is to outline the key points for successful project proposal in the light of the provisions of OKKP.

Expected results
The expected result of this 4-month study is to compile a guideline for financing environmental remediation projects from EU pre-accession funds, the Structural funds and the Cohesion fund and other non-EU funding sources in relation with the requirements of OKKP.