Protecting Future Generations in Hungary’s Legal Framework

Protecting Future Generations in Hungary’s Legal Framework Presented by: Dr. Szamek Date: April 27, 2025 Hungarian Ombudsman for Future Generations - Call to attention on the compatibility of emergency legislation and the protection of the interests of future generations: • “Sustainable development, therefore, has a defining component, with over thirty years of consensus, in the protection of future generations. This also implies that environmental protection is an integral part of this whole, as ecological sustainability is a central issue of sustainability-we are all part of nature and must respect its limits, which are also ours. This interconnection is unbreakable and can only be understood together. The natural environment provides the foundation on which society operates, and the economy must serve that society; otherwise, its operation becomes purposeless.” Hungarian Fundamental Law - National Avowal „We commit ourselves to promoting and safeguarding our heritage, our unique language, Hungarian culture and the languages and cultures of national minorities living in Hungary, along with all man-made and natural assets of the Carpathian Basin. We bear responsibility for our descendants and therefore we shall protect the living conditions of future generations by making prudent use of our material, intellectual and natural resources." - Article P) (1) Natural resources, in particular arable land, forests and the reserves of water; biodiversity, in particular native plant and animal species; and cultural artefacts, shall form the common heritage of the nation, it shall be the obligation of the State and everyone to protect and maintain them, and to preserve them for future generations." - Article XX (1) Everyone shall have the right to physical and mental health." - Article XXI (1) Hungary shall recognize and endorse the right of everyone to a healthy environment. - (2) Anyone who causes damage to the environment shall be obliged to restore it or to bear the costs of restoration, as provided for by an Act." Questions Regarding The Protection Of The Interests Of Future Generations - Environmental measures - Time dimension - Are there other more urgent tasks? - Consumer and consumption - Sustainable Development Goals Circular Economy - The circular economy model: less raw material, less waste, fewer emissions • Raw materials • Sustainable design • Production • Distribution • Consumption • Reuse • Repair • Collection • Waste management • Residual waste Circular Economy From A Consumer Perspective - Directive (EU) 2024/825 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 February 2024 amending Directives 2005/29/EC and 2011/83/EU as regards empowering consumers for the green transition through better protection against unfair practices and through better information - Green Claims Directive (proposal) - Hungarian Competition Authority: market analysis on the formation and use of environmental claims by market players Influencing Consumption - Economic tools, such as the Deposit Refund System - Sharing system - Awareness-raising - Education - „The separation of present and future generations is not possible. - The protection of future generations can be viewed as the obligations of present generations, as a form of self-restraint, the minimum of which is the prohibition of harm. - The interests of future generations must be protected by everyone. - The role of the state is prominent among those obligated, as it manages the hypothetical legacy of future generations as a responsible guardian."