There are more and more EU fundings available

By: Trademagazin editor Date: 2024. 09. 09. 10:50

European funding programmes that are directly managed by the European Commission are becoming increasingly important, particularly in the fields of innovation, sustainability and digital transformation.

The current EU budgetary cycle has seen a significant rise in the financial envelope for direct programmes. The Hungarian Development Promotion Office (MFOI) – a back office of the Ministry of Public Administration and Regional Development – was established to support Hungarian companies in accessing these funds and in preparing applications.

Dr. Bernadett Petri
managing director
MFOI

“In Hungary and other countries in the region, the usage of European funding has so far been lower than in Western Europe. For example Hungary receives EUR 13-14 per capita per year in direct funds, compared to EUR 50 in Austria and EUR 380 in Germany”,

explains Dr Bernadett Petri, managing director of MOFI.

Technological development, sustainability and the environment

The domain of innovation and technological development is a priority, especially in the agri-food industry. Various EU programmes, such as Horizon Europe provide funding for projects to develop new products and processes. MFOI experts can help Hungarian companies with orientation, information gathering, proposal development, proposal preparation and international consortium partnering. Sustainability and environmental protection are also key areas of the EU’s funding policy. MFOI supports businesses that seek sustainable solutions such as using environmentally friendly packaging materials, reducing food waste and increasing energy efficiency. Digital transformation is also important and direct EU funding is encouraging developments in this area. MFOI helps companies to get involved in projects introducing digital technologies into the food supply chain. (x)