Why Is It Different? Specific Characteristics of the Hungarian Battery Industry: Legal Background and Environmental Impacts

Author: Andrea Éltető

In: HUN-REN CERS, Institute of World Economics, Working Paper Nr. 276 (2024) August 2024

Abstract

Based on official documents, the paper addresses in detail, why battery production in Hungary cannot be discussed as if it were in another European country. The costs and risks of Hungarian battery production are high because of its specific characteristics, and if current practices remain unchanged, the environmental, health and social damage it causes will directly outweigh the benefits for the population. Experience has shown that large companies will obtain environmental permits, no matter how unclear certain issues remain. Regulations have not been adjusted to this huge battery industry. And even in cases where rules are appropriate, the centrally-mandated authorities are not only lenient, but even break the rules themselves in the interests of the companies. New government regulations are helping the companies instead of local people or workers. There is also a weakening of transparency and inertia on the part of the authorities in many areas. Overall, the environment and nature protection aspects are not being taken into account in this area.