Debrecen4U
February 24, 2026
Security, Development, and Prosperity Characterise Debrecen’s 2026 Budget
The 2026 budget of Debrecen is built on three pillars: security, development and prosperity.
Relying on stable financial foundations, the city is planning finances for the year ahead without taking out loans, while allocating significant resources to city operations, green space development and large-scale investments, Deputy Mayor Ákos Balázs emphasised at his press conference on 23 February 2026.
The total balance of the 2026 budget exceeds HUF 300 billion. The city’s operations are secured by strong local tax revenues amounting to HUF 48.3 billion. The budget includes a general reserve of HUF 100 million and earmarked reserves of HUF 148.5 million, while no borrowing is planned for either operational or investment purposes.
Strong city management, expanding green spaces
In 2026, the city will allocate HUF 8.9 billion to municipal operations and HUF 5.9 billion to green space expenditure. The aim is to ensure a well-ordered, safe Debrecen offering a high quality of life, Ákos Balázs stressed.
City Management Centre
A defining element of the 2026 budget is the development of data-driven, real-time traffic management. As part of the HUF 1.394 billion investment, the physical establishment of the City Management Centre and the associated technological infrastructure will be realised.
“We have completed the LED modernisation of traffic lights and replaced junction control computers. As the programme continues, we will begin installing cameras and sensors, creating an artificial intelligence-based data bank, and on this basis developing a new traffic model and optimised traffic light programmes. The system aims to make traffic flow more dynamic, enable rapid response, reduce congestion and improve road safety,” the Deputy Mayor underlined.
Environmental protection on a scientific basis
HUF 530 million is available for operating the Debrecen Environmental Monitoring System, known as Zöld Őrszem in Hungarian. In cooperation with the University of Debrecen, the city operates a transparent, 24-hour system with a scientific background, independent of authorities and companies. The aim is to strengthen residents’ sense of security and ensure continuous, reliable monitoring of the environment.
Blue-Green Ring and the CIVAQUA programme
A key element of the city’s long-term environmental strategy is the Blue-Green Ring programme, which includes the CIVAQUA II and CIVAQUA+ developments. A total of HUF 45.2 billion in EU funding is available for these projects.
The programme aims to channel water from the River Tisza to the Great Forest and the Erdőspuszta lakes, extending supply to the Fancsika lakes and Lake Vekeri, thereby ensuring water replenishment and ecological renewal in the area.
Within the framework of CIVAQUA+, the following will be implemented, among other projects:
• the Tócó Valley Eco Park,
• the Meggyes blue-green corridor,
• riverbed widening and the creation of new water surfaces in various parts of the city.
10,000 new trees and afforestation programme
In 2025, Debrecen set the goal of planting a further 10,000 trees. In 2026, HUF 88 million will be allocated to urban tree planting and HUF 435 million to protective afforestation alongside economic zones, with approximately 3,000 trees to be planted across the city. The programme “Adopt a Tree!” will also continue, strengthening environmentally conscious attitudes through public involvement.
Green communities, liveable neighbourhoods
Within the framework of the “Green Community” programme:
• playgrounds, outdoor gyms and sports pitches will be developed at 30 locations from HUF 350 million,
• HUF 95 million will be allocated to the “Debrecen Is Our Garden” programme (flower distribution and floral points),
• HUF 51 million will be allocated to the creation of community gardens,
• HUF 13 million will be allocated to the development of dog exercise areas,
• HUF 25 million will be allocated to the residential rainwater barrel program.
“Together with the people of Debrecen, we are carrying out the city’s greening efforts. This is the foundation and supporting pillar of the fact that Debrecen — as the only Hungarian city — has reached the final of the European Green Capital competition,” Ákos Balázs highlighted.
The development of road infrastructure is also a priority area:
• HUF 2.37 billion will be spent on large-scale resurfacing,
• HUF 2.1 billion will be allocated to new road construction,
• HUF 180 million will be allocated to grading and road stabilisation,
• HUF 340 million will be allocated to public lighting improvements,
• HUF 130 million will be allocated to pavement and stairway renovations,
• HUF 45 million will be allocated to speed camera installation and enhancing road safety.
Stability and building for the future
The 2026 budget sends a clear message: Debrecen is financially stable, developing without taking on loans, while simultaneously strengthening the economy, environmental protection, and community quality of life.
By implementing the measures of the “Green Codex,” the city aims to create a safer, more sustainable Debrecen that guarantees a high quality of life for both present and future generations,” Deputy Mayor Ákos Balázs concluded at the press conference.
Source and photo credit: debrecen.hu
