From October 15–17, 2025, the partner network of the HungAIRy LIFE Integrated Project gathered for the 14th time to present the progress of their individual actions, share experiences, achievements, and discuss any possible delays. As the project is set to conclude on December 31, 2026, thorough planning, efficient scheduling of tasks and time, and preparation for the project’s closure are especially important in this final phase.

The HungAIRy LIFE Integrated Project began on January 1, 2019, and will end in late 2026. Its primary goal is to improve air quality in various Hungarian cities and regions. Since January 1, 2024, the coordinating beneficiary of the project is HungaroMet Nonprofit Ltd., replacing the former Herman Ottó Institute Nonprofit Ltd.

Over the past seven years, thirteen partner meetings have taken place - either online or in person - each playing a key role in the project’s progress. During these meetings, partners regularly report on their progress, offering all participants a comprehensive view of the overall status of the project. These gatherings provide an opportunity to share best practices, ideas, and innovative solutions, as well as lessons learned from any missteps. The meetings also strengthen internal communication and cooperation within the partner network.

The three-day event was held in the ceremonial hall of the Szolnok City Hall, where Mayor Mihály Györfi welcomed the participants. Sándor Fényes, PhD, eco-manager, presented the details of the Szolnok pilot project, followed by Lóránt Kovács, PhD, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology at Neumann János University in Kecskemét, who gave a detailed introduction to the traffic monitoring system, which participants were able to see during a guided walk.

Csaba Benedek, museologist and ethnographer at the Damjanich János Museum, delivered an engaging and entertaining presentation on the role of recycling in traditional peasant culture. Following this, colleagues from HungaroMet, the coordinating beneficiary, gave an update on the current status of the project and shared their plans for 2026. Topics included professional, management, and communication aspects, as well as the future tasks of the eco-manager network.

On Thursday afternoon and Friday morning, the partners presented their own pilot projects, complementary actions, their 2025 results, and plans for the upcoming year.

As part of the partner meeting, participants also had the chance to explore Szolnok’s landmarks and visited Szegő Gábor Primary School, which recently underwent an energy-efficient renovation.

The 14th Partner Meeting once again confirmed that regular in-person consultations, experience sharing, and joint planning play a key role in the successful progress of the project and the realization of its ultimate goal: improving air quality in Hungary.