INSPIRE Interreg Europe Project Meeting in Tokaj, Hungary

The fourth interregional meeting of the INSPIRE Interreg Europe project took place in the Tokaj-Hegyalja region of Hungary on 7–8 October 2025. The meeting was hosted by MGFÜ – the Hungarian Economic Development Agency Public Benefit Non-Profit Limited Company (Magyar Gazdaságfejlesztési Ügynökség Közhasznú Nonprofit Korlátolt Felelősségű Társaság).

Over two days, project partners and regional stakeholders from across Europe came together to explore examples of good practice, exchange policy insights, and identify new opportunities to strengthen rural innovation, SME competitiveness, and community-led development.

Study Visit & Examples of Good Practice

FRAISA Hungária Kft. – Hercegkút

The first study visit brought the INSPIRE delegation to FRAISA Hungária Kft., a leading SME operating at the forefront of precision engineering. Founded in Switzerland in 1943 and now employing over 500 people worldwide, FRAISA manufactures advanced milling, drilling, threading, and speciality tools for sectors ranging from watchmaking and medical technology to aviation.

During the visit, partners learned about FRAISA’s:

  • Fully integrated production process, with only tungstenite blanks outsourced

  • Extensive product portfolio of over 850,000 catalogue tools and 150,000 customised tools

  • Continuous innovation, including pioneering diamond-coating technologies

  • Commitment to lean production, reduced waste, and CO₂-reduction measures

  • Strong workforce development and education partnerships

  • Role as a stable, long-term employer in a rural area

The company exemplifies how high-tech, export-oriented industry can successfully thrive in rural regions through innovation, sustainability, and strong community ties.

Hercegkút Village

The group then travelled to the nearby village of Hercegkút, founded in 1750 by German settlers and now home to approximately 650 residents. A welcome from the mayor introduced the village’s rich cultural heritage and its long-standing winemaking traditions, which form part of the UNESCO-listed Tokaj Wine Region.

Hercegkút demonstrated how EU, LEADER, Interreg, and TOP funding have supported:

  • Restoration of key community buildings, including the church, cultural house, school, and community centre

  • Public realm improvements

  • Development of the multifunctional Élménypont Centre for events, tastings, exhibitions, and training

  • A 14-year village development strategy focused on tourism and local entrepreneurship

Active volunteer groups, long-standing international partnerships, and strong community-led initiatives have all contributed to a resilient and vibrant rural settlement.

INSPIRE Steering Committee Meeting

In the afternoon, partners gathered at Élménypont for an INSPIRE Steering Committee meeting. Key topics included:

  • Completion of Semester 3 reporting

  • Communication indicators and Good Practice submissions

  • PR3 policy improvement requirements

  • Pilot Action funding opportunities

  • Preparations for the mid-term review in Semester 4

Updates on emerging partnerships — including Youth Action Market, More than a Village, Heritage Play, and NITTIES — highlighted the expanding network of initiatives linked to the INSPIRE project.

The day concluded with a visit to the UNESCO-recognised Hercegkút Wine Cellars, followed by a traditional dinner and wine tasting hosted by local partners.

Workshop, Good Practices & Study Visits

Sárospatak Town Hall

The second day began at Sárospatak Town Hall, where the mayor welcomed delegates and outlined regional development strategies, SME priorities, CAP frameworks, and Local Action Group (LAG) initiatives. A thematic workshop followed, focusing on policy improvements to support rural SMEs and regional innovation.

Grand Tokaj Zrt. – Tolcsva

Partners then visited Grand Tokaj Zrt., the largest wine producer in the region. The visit included:

  • A guided tour of the production facilities

  • Insights into Tokaj’s historic and contemporary winemaking traditions

  • Access to the extensive underground cellar network, comprising over 5 km of repurposed mining tunnels

Hélia-D Herba Castle

The final stop was Hélia-D Herba Castle, a restored heritage building that demonstrates successful adaptive reuse to support rural enterprise. Today, the site functions as:

  • A natural beauty product manufacturing facility

  • A visitor and experience centre

  • A heritage-based accommodation offering

Looking Ahead

The two-day meeting in Hungary provided partners with valuable insights into SME development, heritage-based innovation, community-led regeneration, and circular economy approaches. The Tokaj-Hegyalja region, renowned for its winemaking heritage and strong rural identity, offered an inspiring setting for interregional learning and collaboration.

Ballyhoura Development look forward to welcoming project partners and regional stakeholders to the next INSPIRE interregional workshop, which will take place in the Ballyhoura Region in May 2026.

To find out more, visit the INSPIRE Project website below:

INSPIRE Project Website

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