Number Of Required Assessments May Increase Dramatically

The Government Decree No. 82/2011 (V.8.) ("Decree") adopted by the Hungarian Government inter alia has also amended the Government Decree No. 314/2005 (25. XII.) on the environmental impact assessment, which will dramatically increase the number of environmental impact assessments carried out from September.

As of 1 September 2011, the law concerning environmental impact assessments and the integrated environmental licensing process will be changed. Currently, a preliminary environmental impact assessment or an environmental impact assessment is required only in the cases specified in the annex of the relevant decree. However, in the future even in respect of developments which do not fall under the categories of mandatory assessments, a form about the effects on the environment must be completed and submitted with the building permit application. The environmental authority, acting in the building permit procedure as a co-operative specific authority, will then be