Between October 16-18, 2024, the HungAIRy LIFE integrated project organized a multilateral workshop at HungaroMet in Budapest, inviting three other LIFE integrated projects from neighbouring countries that are also dedicated to improving air quality. The partners arrived from Małopolska (Poland), Podkarpackie (Poland), Populair (Slovakia) and, of course, from Hungary.

During the three-day conference, the participants learned about each other's projects, shared good practices, discussed challenges and reflected together on future collaborations for better air quality in Europe.

The invitees of the workshop were:

• LIFE-IP MALOPOLSKA (LIFE14 IPE PL 021) “Implementation of Air Quality Plan for Małopolska Region – Małopolska in a healthy atmosphere”

• LIFE-IP SK Air Quality Improvement (LIFE18 IPE/SK/000010) “Enhancing the implementation of Air Quality Management Plans in Slovakia by strengthening capacities and competencies of regional and local authorities and promoting air quality measures aims at implementation of specific air quality improvement measures while also supporting educational, communication and monitoring partner activities in the field of air quality and air protection and effective management through the creation of a national network of Air Quality Managers.”

• LIFE22-IPE-PL-LIFE-Podkarpackie/101103531 “Effective implementation of the Air Quality Plan for the Podkarpackie Voivodship, taking into account the problem of energy poverty: Podkarpackie - Live and Breathe.”

• LIFE17 IPE/HU/000017 “Improving air quality at eight Hungarian regions through the implementation of air quality plan measures”

On Wednesday afternoon, the representatives of each project introduced their LIFE integrated projects. Participants then enjoyed a sightseeing tour around Budapest, followed by an informal dinner that provided opportunities for exchanging information and networking.

On the 2^nd day of the conference Csaba Ágoston PhD, president of the Hungarian Association of Environmental Enterprises (HAEE) shared good practices from a government supported “Borrowed Air” iniciative, in which primary and secondary school children have learned about air quality and ways to combat air pollution.

The other presentations structured around the following key themes:

• Household heating: problems, solutions, and awareness raising
• The use of modelling for developing local or regional air quality measures
• Presentation of best practices
• The eco-manager network: operations, activities, employment, and sustainability
• New EU legislation and implications
• Opportunities for enhancing cross-border co-operation.

Each project contributed presentations on all themes, sharing their experiences and solutions. The sessions concluded with a lively Questions & Answers part, fostering dynamic discussions among participants. These exchanges extended into the breaks, resulting in numerous fruitful conversations and the generation of innovative ideas for air quality improvement. In addition to presentations and experience sharing, attendees participated in a bike tour on the workshop's final day, using MOL Bubi's public bicycle service to observe urban improvements promoting cleaner, greener living in Budapest.

The tour included visits to:

• Széllkapu Park at Széna Square - measures for air quality improvement
• Széna Square Mobility Station - recent developments in mobility infrastructure
• Jane Haining Quay – Greening projects, construction of awnings, and public space redesign
• Community composting point at Boráros Square – a look at community composting and the benefits of sustainable urban practices.

The Central European Air Quality LIFE IP Project Networking Workshop was a highly productive event, bringing together 46 participants from 4 countries. The workshop fostered collaboration and unity, advancing efforts for cleaner air and a better future for Europe.

Photos: Márton Merész, HungAIRy