ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the evolution of Hungarian regional policy, its principal objectives and implementation measures, as well as related difficulties such as the issue of territorial administrative reform. The political and economic liberalisation of the country gradually introduced a new era for regional policy in Hungary. In the Hungarian government, the responsibilities for and approach to regional policy has shifted considerably through the decade. The former subordination of regional policy to sectoral interests is still evident to some degree and is reflected in the continued role of other ministries in regional development issues. Hungary is no stranger to spatial and regional planning and the tradition has clearly been built upon and refined since the introduction of political and economic reform. Regional policy is likely to remain high on the future political agenda of the country. The serious regional disparities and the continued spatial impact of economic reform will raise its domestic profile.
