“Sustainable European Communities: Planning the Future in the Light of the European Green Deal” – twin-city meeting and conference
Sustainable European communities – planning the future in the light of the European Green Deal
Gyula, July 26, 2025.
The conference titled “Sustainable European communities – planning the future in the light of the European Green Deal” took place on July 26, 2025, in Gyula, within the framework of the SUSCOMNET (project ID: 101138675) project. The aim of the event was for partner municipalities, institutions, and experts to share their experiences and best practices in the field of sustainable community development, and to jointly examine how the objectives of the European Green Deal can be integrated into local development strategies and twin-town collaborations.
The professional presentations and round-table discussions touched upon the social, economic, environmental, and cultural dimensions of sustainability alike, promoting collective thinking and the strengthening of partnerships. Participants not only gained theoretical knowledge but also acquired practical experience while building direct connections with domestic and international sustainability stakeholders.
Lectures and professional content
In his presentation titled “New European Bauhaus: The Creative Engine of Community Planning,” Dr. Tamás Szilágyi, innovation and urban development expert, presented the cultural and creative dimensions of the European Green Deal in the context of the New European Bauhaus initiative. He described in detail how sustainability, aesthetics, and social inclusion can be integrated into community planning. He emphasized the role of participatory processes, the preservation of local identity, and technological innovation, demonstrating socially inclusive and economically viable urban development models through European examples.
Béla Bors, Vice-Mayor of Miercurea Ciuc (Csíkszereda), presented the city's sustainability strategies, with particular regard to energy management, waste management, and green space development. He presented detailed data on the modernization of public lighting, building energy developments, the digital-based selective waste collection system, and the expansion of urban green areas. Sustainable transport—such as the development of bicycle paths and the acquisition of CNG-powered buses—also forms part of the city's comprehensive environmental strategy.
Dr. Fanni Dudok, Assistant Professor at the University of Szeged, analyzed the role of experience-based and digital learning in sustainability education. In her presentation, she demonstrated the possibilities of applying constructivist pedagogical methods, gamification, digital storytelling, online collaboration, and the Minecraft Education Edition in developing sustainability competencies. She emphasized that active student participation and creative problem-solving are key to developing an environmentally conscious civic attitude.
Ingrid Szabó, Head of the Mayor's Office of Komárom, presented the city's sustainability efforts. She showcased urban development and community projects aimed at developing eco-friendly infrastructure, renewing public spaces, and strengthening social participation. She highlighted that Komárom combines the preservation of local identity with modern green urban development solutions, in close cooperation with civil organizations and twin towns.
Dr. Eleonóra Altorjay, an ESG-oriented sustainability and economic law expert, analyzed the impact of ESG regulations on small and medium-sized enterprises. She pointed out that ESG is not merely a compliance obligation, but a strategic opportunity to strengthen competitiveness and corporate credibility. Through practical examples, she demonstrated the benefits of voluntary application and the challenges encountered during implementation.
Tamás Baranyai, biologist and certified medical biotechnologist, examined the connection between sustainable communities and health. In his presentation, he demonstrated the role of biotechnological innovations and prevention-oriented healthcare models, as well as the example of "blue zones," where longevity is linked to a nature-integrated lifestyle and strong community ties. He emphasized that technological solutions can only be effective when combined with social embeddedness.
In her presentation, project coordinator Edit Hajnal analyzed the psychological and social dimensions of sustainability. She highlighted that climate change also presents psychological challenges and presented domestic and international best practices that strengthen community resilience.
Dr. Szilvia Beke, Vice-Dean of Gál Ferenc University, discussed the correlations between sustainability and education, with particular regard to the health impacts of climate change, the possibilities of digitalization, and the economic integration of sustainable tourism.
Szászné Dr. Adrienn Várkonyi, the chief landscape architect of the city of Gyula, presented the practices of sustainable green space management, showcasing the development of parks, tree-lined avenues, perennial beds, and rain gardens, as well as the significance of preserving historical garden culture.
Ildikó Fekete-Dombi, managing director of Erkel Nonprofit Kft., demonstrated the successful integration of monument protection and modern, sustainable operation through the example of the Almásy Mansion in Gyula, highlighting the use of geothermal energy and the self-sustaining operational model.
The conference provided a comprehensive overview of the possibilities for the practical implementation of sustainability in light of the objectives of the European Green Deal. Particular attention was paid to the role of the twin-town network in the local-level realization of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The workshop organized as part of the program served to facilitate practical experience exchange and to deepen network cooperation. Institutional visits and cultural programs organized on the second day further strengthened professional and community ties. The conference proved successful from both professional and social perspectives, and it established the foundation for future collaborations in the field of sustainable community development.
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