The Lake Balaton Development Council (LBDC) considers it important to constantly pay attention to the actions and events taking place in the region in order to gain updated data about the ongoing economic, social and environmental processes, and to share this information with the public including institutions interested in the life and development of the area. Acting as a mediator, the Council is committed to facilitate communication and cooperation of organizations interested in the development of the region. The Act XXI of 1996 on spatial development and planning gave authority and guidance of operation to the Council.

Regional Jurisdiction

The Council has responsibility for all areas within the Lake Balaton (Functional) Area. The region comprises 180 municipalities, which belong to three different counties (Somogy, Veszprém and Zala).
Since 2000, the region has been disposing its own independent area development plan and regulations (Act CXII of 2000 – Balaton Act).
Permanent population of LBRA exceeds 270,000 inhabitants, which is supplemented with an additional 250,000 holiday home owners staying in the area temporary.

Members of the Council

The composition of the Lake Balaton Development Council and the number of delegates with voting rights are determined by the act on regional development in force.Accordingly, the members with voting rights are the following:

  • Presidents of the General Assemblies of the 3 competent counties (3 members),
  • Representatives the General Assemblies of the 3 competent counties (3 members),
  • Representative of the Minister for Regional Development,
  • Representative of the Minister responsible for the use of European Union funds,
  • Representative of the Minister responsible for the development of government strategies,
  • Representative of the Minister responsible for spatial planning,
  • Representative of the Minister responsible for environment protection,
  • Representative of the Minister responsible for water management,
  • Representative of the Minister responsible for tourism,
  • Representative of the Minister for nature conservation, and
  • President of the Lake Balaton Wine Region Council.

Chairman of the Council

LBDC has two chairmen, who perform the duties in cooperation with each other as Co-Chairs:
The chairman, elected from among the members, is Dr. István Bóka, Mayor of Balatonfüred, (since 17 December 2010).
The chairman, appointed by the Minister responsible for strategic planning of regional development, is Dr. Judit Bertalan Czunyiné, Government Commissioner responsible for the complex development of the North-Western Hungarian Economic Development Zone (since 19 September 2022).

The Council's work

1. Determining the directions for development

Preparation for the programming period of 2021-2027 has been one of the most important tasks of the Council recently. Pursuant to the Act on regional development, elaboration of regional development documents is considered as a basic task of the Council. In 2019-2021, LBDC reviewed the results of the previous programming period, determined the development objectives of the Lake Balaton region for the upcoming years, and elaborated its regional development documents, including:

  • Background Analysis;
  • Regional Development Concept (-2030);
  • Regional Development Programme: Strategy and Operational Programme (2021-2027).

During the elaboration of planning documents, the Council received significant assistance from regional actors and experts, who contributed effectively to the elaboration of development ideas and tasks by reviewing and commenting the completed documents at local meetings and workshops.

The “Vision”, which led the planning activities, was to develop and transform the Lake Balaton region into a place where it is:

  • Good to live;
  • Good to relax and recreate;
  • Good to work and establish enterprises.

2. Implementing programmes and projects pursuing the development goals

Beyond planning tasks, the LBDC also performs a vital role by stimulating regional developments, investments and projects through the allocation of funds and provision of grant programmes. Funding opportunities, determined by LBDC, contribute to achieve the objectives of the approved development programmes and to manage the emerging regional issues.

The supported areas are the following:

  • Improving public security and water safety;
  • Developing coastal and other community areas,
  • Providing financial support for events.

The professional background work related to the operation of the Council is performed by the Lake Balaton Development Coordination Agency (LBDCA).