The 25th anniversary of Hungarian Entrepreneurs’ Day was held

Group photo of the award recipients

János Eppel

“On this 25th anniversary, we are not merely celebrating a milestone but also the strength, commitment, and hope for the future of our entrepreneurial community. Entrepreneurs make sacrifices, take risks, and contribute significantly to the development of our communities. VOSZ plays a vital role in highlighting and appreciating these contributions.”

– began his speech János Eppel, President of the National Association of Entrepreneurs and Employers (VOSZ).

“We live in a radically changing world, where unity and renewal are crucial. We must move forward together: enhance efficiency, innovate, and collaborate. In partnership with MKIK, FIVOSZ, MGYOSZ, and ÁFEOSZ-COOP, we work to ensure that entrepreneurs are not left alone during challenging times. VOSZ is not only an advocacy organization but also a strong community capable of adapting to change.”

– said the president.

He emphasized that 2025 will be a particularly critical year, as it is essential for everyone to restart the engine of the Hungarian economy. The Sándor Demján Program will play a key role in this process. The cooperation of VOSZ, the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and KAVOSZ leadership is indispensable for achieving the goals. The program aims not only to foster economic growth but also to support the expansion and innovation of SMEs and encourage young people to become entrepreneurs.

The VOSZ president pointed out that challenges such as inflation, global supply chain disruptions, and technological advancements require proactive responses and adaptability. VOSZ’s strength lies in its ability to represent entrepreneurs’ interests, promote professional and social engagement, and provide tangible support to achieve set objectives.

“Through our expertise and network, we help our members navigate the market successfully. VOSZ is committed to supporting Hungary’s economic growth and contributing to societal well-being.”

– he stated.

János Eppel thanked the government and VOSZ’s partners for their collaboration throughout the year, emphasizing that unity was essential to creating a favorable environment for entrepreneurs. Reducing taxes and simplifying bureaucracy have allowed businesses to grow more freely.

“The results are important not only for entrepreneurs but for society as a whole because every successful business contributes to the common good. We look forward to continued collaboration to further build the Hungarian economy. We are here for you because we build the future together!”

– concluded János Eppel.

Márton Nagy

Márton Nagy, Minister of National Economy, emphasized the pivotal role of entrepreneurs in economic development, stating that they deserve great respect for risking their own funds to create societal prosperity. He reminded the audience that between 2010 and 2019, Hungary was in a much more favorable position. However, the past five years have been marked by successive crises: the Covid pandemic, soaring energy prices, the war in neighboring Ukraine, and now Germany’s economic downturn, all significantly impacting Hungary’s economic performance.

In response, the government adopted a new economic policy direction, outlined in a 21-point action plan, a significant component of which is the Sándor Demján Program designed to strengthen SMEs by 2025. While most pillars of the plan have been introduced, full implementation requires active efforts starting in early 2025. Márton Nagy stressed that only through joint efforts can Hungary’s economy return to a growth trajectory, with the immediate goal of achieving 3% annual growth. He noted that Hungary faces immense pressure to succeed, as everyone expects the economy to regain its momentum.

The Minister advised entrepreneurs to focus not only on increasing revenue but also on improving productivity and efficiency. Positive signs, such as a rise in retail sales, are already visible, indicating that increased consumer spending can provide a solid foundation for further growth. However, the industrial sector has yet to recover, largely due to Germany’s economic struggles, the decline in its automotive industry, and persistently high energy prices.

In the long term, the Minister highlighted the success of securing a three-year wage agreement. He thanked employers for committing to a 9% minimum wage increase in 2025, followed by 13% in 2026 and 14% in 2027. He expressed confidence that businesses can absorb these increases by boosting efficiency. “The partnership between the government and entrepreneurs is growing stronger, benefiting us all,” Márton Nagy concluded.

The Hungarian Entrepreneurs’ Day event also honored outstanding achievements this year.

GOVERNMENT AWARDS

The Hungarian Entrepreneurial Grand Prize was awarded to Dr. László Parragh, outgoing President of the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. (This highest state entrepreneurial award was established in 2023 by the Ministry of National Economy after the Parliament declared the first Friday of December Hungarian Entrepreneurs’ Day.)

Three individuals received the Hungarian Economy Award, while 25 individuals received the Entrepreneur of the Year Award, including three recommended by the National Forum of Hungarian Entrepreneurs’ Associations in the Carpathian Basin. Two recipients were honored with the Outstanding Social Responsibility Award in 2024.

This year, the Project Manager of the Year Award was presented for the first time, going to Attila Sághi, Deputy CEO for Investment at Városliget Zrt. The award aims to recognize an outstanding professional in project management annually, showcase successful projects, and emphasize the importance of project management expertise. The Project Manager of the Year Award is organized by the Project Management Excellence Board, of which VOSZ is a member, with its current presidency held by Tamás Barabás, VOSZ Co-Chairman.