HARGITA MEGYE STATÚTUMA;
“KÖZIGAZGATÁSI PROCEDURÁKRA VONATKOZÓ SZABÁLYZATOK”
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- szervezeti és működési szabályzat román nyelven letölthető itt
- Belső rendszabályzat román nyelven letölthető itt:
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- Elnöki Rendelet 125/2024
- 9/2025 Rendelet – módosítás
- Elnöki Rendelet 125/2024
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- Intézményi feddhetetlenség:
“A DÖNTÉSHOZATALI HATÓSÁG DÖNTÉSEI”
The professional visit organized under the EASI and AVETE projects served the preparation of student mobility programmes
Nearly forty international partners arrived in Harghita County to discuss the development of vocational education student mobility.
Representatives of the Harghita County Council hosted the international partners of the EASI and AVETE projects on March 10–11 during a joint professional visit. The two initiatives are implemented with the support of the Erasmus+ programme and aim to develop international mobility in vocational education and training.
During the two-day professional meeting, representatives of partner institutions from Greece, Hungary, Georgia, Slovenia, Slovakia, and Vojvodina participated, with a total of around 40 attendees. The aim of the programme was to prepare the student mobilities planned within the projects, strengthen cooperation between sending and host institutions, and share good practices in work-based learning.
During the event, participants became familiar with the locations and institutions involved in implementing the mobility programmes. The delegation visited Garden Proiect in Mădăraș and the Gyimes Open-Air Museum, which will host international students for traineeships in the future, as well as the Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Roman Catholic High School in Lunca de Sus, which will send students abroad for professional experience within the project.
During the professional discussions, partners reviewed in detail the mobility programmes to be implemented in the near future. Within the EASI project, four students from Slovenia will arrive in Miercurea Ciuc this spring for their traineeships, gaining professional experience at Garden Proiect and Levobit in the fields of computer numerical control (CNC) machining and IT. At a later stage, two additional students will join the programme. As part of the project, during the summer, six students from Harghita County will travel to Greece, where they will complete a three-month traineeship in the tourism sector. Prior to the programme, participants will take part in language and cultural preparation.
The AVETE project focuses on the development of long-term ErasmusPro mobilities in the tourism sector. According to plans, in the summer of 2026, between June and September, six students from Serbia will arrive in Harghita County for traineeships, while six local students studying tourism will gain professional experience in Slovakia within a 90-day mobility.
Through the implementation of the projects, Harghita County Council actively contributes to strengthening international cooperation in vocational education and training and to supporting young people in gaining professional experience abroad. Within the EASI project, the county council’s budget amounts to 157,279 euros, while in the AVETE project it is 150,870.89 euros, with 80% of the funding provided by European Union sources and 20% as co-financing.
During the meeting, partners also discussed that the next international partner meeting of the projects is expected to be organized in Miercurea Ciuc in May 2026, providing another opportunity to deepen cooperation and further develop these mobility programmes.
Miercurea Ciuc, March 13, 2026.
Applications now open for the Myrmidone Certification and Open Farm Program
The Harghita Community Development Association (Visit Harghita) continues preparations for 2027, when Harghita County will hold the title of European Region of Gastronomy. The partnership opportunities presented at the end of February were showcased at several locations.
Meetings were held with tourism entrepreneurs in Băile Tușnad, Gheorgheni, Miercurea Ciuc, and Odorheiu Secuiesc, where detailed information was shared about three key initiatives: the Signature Dish list, the Myrmidone (butterfly) certification system, and the Open Farm program. Participants were able to ask questions and receive all necessary information regarding the conditions for joining.
The Signature Dish is a selection of Harghita County’s characteristic flavours, resulting from professional and community collaboration connected to the European Region of Gastronomy 2027 title. The list was compiled based on survey responses and joint evaluation by twelve chefs, featuring dishes and desserts that reflect traditions passed down through generations, the county’s cultural diversity, and authentic flavours. The program aims to present the region’s gastronomy in a unified way, encourage cooperation between local producers and hospitality venues, and increase the visibility of local ingredients and dishes. During the presentations, participants were also invited to contribute to the selection.
The Myrmidone (butterfly) certification system is linked to the Signature Dish program and recognizes hospitality venues that base their offerings on local ingredients and traditional flavours. Certification requirements include cooperation with local producers, offering Signature Dish items, reducing food waste, and, where possible, using ingredients sourced within a 100-kilometer radius. The system is named after the critically endangered Myrmidone butterfly (Colias myrmidone), which occurs in only three European countries – Poland, Slovakia, and Romania. Within Romania, it is found in only two regions, including the area around Gheorgheni and Gheorgheni-Șumuleu (Kürücök Valley), highlighting Harghita Cou nty’s valuable natural environment.
The Open Farm program offers local farms, agricultural operations, and food producers the opportunity to host visitors by prior arrangement. Guests can directly meet producers, gain insight into the daily operations of farms, and experience firsthand the production of local products. Participants also offer programs during the Open Farm weekends, organized twice annually.
Applications for both the Open Farm program and the Myrmidone certification are open until May 22. Application forms are available for both programs (Myrmidone Certification, Open Farm), and participation requires compliance with the criteria system (Myrmidone Certification, Open Farm) and the Code of Conduct.
Units that successfully apply for the Myrmidone certification or Open Farm program will be included on Harghita County’s gastronomic map (printed and online), featured prominently on Visit Harghita platforms, included under the Harghita – European Region of Gastronomy 2027 section, and will be able to use the relevant logos, including the European Region of Gastronomy 2027 logo. A full list of the benefits of joining is available on the second page of the criteria system.
Marcsi Borbás becomes Honorary Ambassador of Harghita County
The County Council aims to build a professional network actively involved in promoting the county in preparation for 2027
The Harghita County Council, through the Harghita Community Development Association (Visit Harghita) and its partners, continues preparations for 2027, when Harghita County will hold the title of European Region of Gastronomy. In this context, a year ago, the county appointed its first honorary ambassador, tourism marketing expert Răzvan Pascu. At that time, Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council, emphasized that the institution appoints tourism ambassadors to support efforts related to the 2027 Gastronomy Year, enhancing Harghita County’s visibility through their professional experience.
Continuing this initiative, during the IX International Horticultural Professional Days and Conference organized by Garden Proiect – held on Friday, February 27, in Miercurea Ciuc – Barna-Botond Bíró invited Marcsi Borbás to become Harghita County’s honorary tourism ambassador. The decision was motivated by her work and recognition in promoting gastronomy and culinary culture, making her a suitable and authentic representative of the county in this field.
The appointment continues the initiative launched last year, aiming to build a professional network actively engaged in promoting the region in preparation for 2027.
“In Harghita County, we build on partnerships, and the fact that we will be the European Region of Gastronomy in 2027 is not a privilege that came out of nowhere, but the result of nearly ten years of dedicated work. We want to show that we are not going to become a land of fairy tales; we already are. It is a matter of mindset— a value-creating community has no reason to be ashamed. In the coming period, our task will be to strengthen the professional partnerships built by the Association of Székely Farmers’ Organizations, hospitality operators, guesthouse owners, the academic community, and our tourism ambassadors. We will have two tourism ambassadors. Two, because we are a community that can count on the support of two governments. It is important not to focus on negatives. It is important that representatives of the Hungarian community are present in Bucharest, and government presence is especially important in difficult times. At the same time, it is important that Hungary has a national government that thinks in terms of the nation, not borders. A nation has no borders, and we can count on the support of both governments. We are a special community in Europe, and if we recognize this, one of the key tasks ahead is strengthening communal self-esteem. Where there is community self-esteem, there is economic power, a future, and young people do not only ask questions—they see opportunities. Last year, we invited Răzvan Pascu as our first tourism ambassador, and he accepted. When we issue invitations, we look for credible personalities who deeply know and represent gastronomic culture, who are followed on digital platforms, who know and love Harghita County and its local flavours, and for whom a tradition-based value system is fundamental. That is why we invited Marcsi Borbás as our second and final tourism ambassador, and I thank her for accepting. She is a defining figure of Hungarian gastronomic culture, who loves our community, conveys values, and shows how traditions can be presented to the world in a modern language.”
Borbás Marcsi is an editor and television producer who brings the simple values of everyday life closer to the audience with authenticity and warmth: the joy of gardening, the flavours of the kitchen, and the magic of home. Known from her TV shows and gastronomic projects, she offers her followers an inspiring perspective on daily life.
Marcsi Borbás said:
“It is a great honour for me to receive this invitation, and since I was invited to a horticultural conference, I would compare the preservation of gastronomic heritage to a tree. Half of my heart is in Transylvania. When I began seriously collecting Hungarian heritage thirty-three years ago and traveled through the villages, I saw that where this heritage still lives, not merely in preserved form, that is Transylvania. So here it really is a land of fairy tales. I completely agree. People need to know that there is no need to create a land of fairy tales here, just preserve it. Here the roots of the trees are still strong. In Hungary, it was harder, but I managed to reach the last generation who still held this knowledge and preserve what they knew. But here it still exists—not only among the older generation, but also among the youngest, even teenagers. This is an extraordinary sustaining force. If you look around Europe, this is the only place where you don’t need to search: you get in a car, and by the time you reach Csík, you see scenes that are now sadly exotic. Yesterday, for example, I saw a little girl running in the yard and herding geese. You don’t see this in Europe anymore. We just need to preserve what exists and be happy that it still lives here. And show it to the world. Come here! Here you can taste geese, vegetables, polenta, lamb that were not raised in industrial complexes but in nature. Here, you don’t need to search for what is natural. You just have to accept what nature provides because it still exists here. That is why representing all this is the simplest thing in the world; we only need to draw attention to the fact that it’s worth coming because there is still clean water, clean air, clean food, and clean spirit. We just need to realize and rejoice that all this still exists. I sincerely thank you for letting me represent all this in 2027.”
The title of European Region of Gastronomy promotes the community achievements and initiatives of a region, providing international visibility and development opportunities for local tourism and gastronomy stakeholders.
Harghita County prepares for the 2027 Gastronomy Year involving local stakeholders
Programs aimed at presenting partnership opportunities and strengthening local gastronomic values were introduced at a press conference organized by the Harghita County Council on February 24, 2026, at the Hungaro Residence restaurant in Miercurea Ciuc, as part of the preparatory process following the awarding of the title of European Region of Gastronomy 2027.
The press event focused on initiatives through which local hospitality operators, producers, tourism service providers, civil organizations, and public institutions can actively participate as partners in the 2027 program. As is known, Harghita County will hold the title of European Region of Gastronomy in 2027, awarded by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT) to communities that pay special attention to preserving their gastronomic heritage, developing local and sustainable food chains, and strengthening related tourism.
According to Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council, in 2027 gastronomy will be the common language through which Harghita County’s past, values, communities, and future can be simultaneously showcased to Europe.
“The fact that Harghita County can hold the title of European Region of Gastronomy is the result of long-term, consistent work and proof that developing tourism and strengthening our local identity is a shared responsibility. The title not only brings international visibility for us but also offers an opportunity to build a strong professional network, create a gastronomic offer that consistently represents high quality, and strengthen local communities that proudly and authentically represent Harghita County. Our goal is for every local actor—from producer to hospitality provider—to become an ambassador for Harghita County through their services and together reinforce our identity as part of the European community, in flavours, traditions, and trust in the future.”
The coordination of preparations for holding the title is carried out by the Harghita Community Development Association (Visit Harghita). At the press conference, tools and programs were presented that serve to build the partnership system and involve local stakeholders.
As part of this, an informational handbook related to the European Region of Gastronomy 2027 program was prepared, providing detailed guidance on participation conditions, forms of partnership, and benefits of involvement. The document aims to provide a unified framework for all businesses and organizations contributing to the development and promotion of Harghita County’s gastronomic offer. A related code of conduct was also created, outlining the principles and professional standards that partners joining the program must follow.
“Work for the European Region of Gastronomy 2027 title began in 2023. Since then, active background preparation has been underway. Our goal is for the programs launched now to not only strengthen the 2027 year but also contribute long-term to Harghita County’s tourism development, reinforce cooperation between local producers and hospitality actors, and ensure the county becomes known as a sustainable, high-quality, and authentic gastronomic destination.”
– said Károly Szabó, Executive Director of the Harghita Community Development Association.
New initiatives to strengthen local gastronomic values
The press conference highlighted three main topics, which include selecting and promoting the county’s characteristic dishes, rating local hospitality establishments, and providing direct presentation opportunities for farms and producers.
The Signature Dish is a selection of Harghita County’s distinctive flavours, resulting from professional and community cooperation related to the European Region of Gastronomy 2027 title. The list was compiled based on a questionnaire survey and the joint evaluation of twelve chefs, and includes dishes and desserts reflecting traditions passed down through generations, the county’s cultural diversity, and authentic flavours. The program aims to present the region’s gastronomy uniformly, encourage collaboration between local producers and hospitality establishments, and increase the visibility of local ingredients and dishes.
The Myrmidone (orange butterfly) rating system is directly connected to the Signature Dish program and recognizes hospitality establishments offering a conscious gastronomic offer based on local ingredients and traditional flavours. Requirements for the rating include, among others, collaborating with local producers to include Signature Dish items in the menu, striving to reduce food waste, using ingredients sourced within a 100-kilometer radius, etc. The rating is named after the critically endangered orange butterfly (Colias Myrmidone), which occurs in only three European countries—Poland, Slovakia, and Romania—and in Romania is found only in two areas, including the border of Gheorgheni and Gheorgheni-Sânmărtin, in the Kürücök Valley. Its presence proves that Harghita County’s natural environment remains particularly valuable today. This clean, living environment is not only a heritage to be preserved but also manifests in the quality of local ingredients and the region’s gastronomy.
The Open Farm program offers local farms, agricultural producers, and food processors the opportunity to showcase their values to visitors in an organized and safe way. Participating units receive visitors by prior appointment, allowing them to meet producers directly, gain insight into daily activities, and experience first-hand how local ingredients and products are made. The program guarantees a quality experience and appropriate infrastructure, hygiene, and safety conditions. Open Farm participants will also be partners in the Open Farm weekend, which the coordinator plans to organize twice a year. During these weekends, each Open Farm will host special programs for visitors, thereby strengthening the direct connection between local producers and the public.
The presented programs represent an important milestone in preparations for 2027 and contribute to ensuring that Harghita County’s gastronomic and cultural values are showcased in a coordinated manner both nationally and internationally. Detailed information, criteria, and application forms are available on the Visit Harghita website and app.
European Region of Gastronomy
European Regions of Gastronomy (candidates and awardees), selected and guided by IGCAT, aim to contribute to the quality of life of their citizens by emphasizing the importance of cultural and gastronomic uniqueness, while also:
- Encouraging creativity and gastronomic innovation,
- Providing intellectual nourishment for children and adults through culinary education,
- Improving the quality of sustainable tourism,
- Strengthening circular economies in both urban and rural environments,
- Supporting the well-being and health of communities and the environment.
IGCAT provides the award with the support of international and European institutions. Regions also join the world platform of awarded and candidate Gastronomic Regions to promote long-term benefits, increase international visibility, and support knowledge sharing.
The European Region of Gastronomy title recognizes communities (cities, counties, regions, islands, or countries) that emphasize their gastronomic heritage through community collaboration under the principles of sustainable development. It places particular importance on preserving and protecting local foods, beverages, agricultural products, as well as cultural and natural values.
The title is an acknowledgment that widely promotes the region’s achievements, programs, community cooperation, and responses to future challenges but does not come with a monetary prize.
Members of the Harghita County Consortium:
- Harghita County Council
- Harghita Community Development Association (Visit Harghita)
- Miercurea Ciuc City Hall
- Odorheiu Secuiesc City Hall
- Gheorgheni City Hall
- Sapientia EMTE, Miercurea Ciuc Faculty
- Páva KulinarIQum Association
- Boro Info
- Honline Media (Székely Kitchen and Garden)
- Association of Miercurea Ciuc Hospitality Providers
- Pro Economica Foundation
Stakeholder meeting on the development directions of the Hășmaș Mountains area within the framework of the CIBioGo project
Ghimeș-Făget hosted a local stakeholder meeting on February 18, 2026, organized within the framework of the CIBioGo – Citizen Participation in Biodiversity Governance (Interreg Europe) project.
The event was of particular importance, as the project has reached the final stage of the learning and interregional exchange process. Based on the international professional consultations and the transfer of good practices carried out in recent months, policy and development proposals have been outlined, which are intended to be integrated into the Master Plan for the Hășmaș Mountains area, developed by the Intercommunity Development Association of the Hășmaș Mountains area.
The aim of the meeting was, on the one hand, to present the amendment proposals grounded in the learning process, and on the other hand, to jointly discuss practical implementation possibilities, with particular regard to biodiversity conservation and strengthening community participation. At the same time, additional development ideas regarding the future of the area have emerged in recent months, which were also reviewed and discussed during the event.
During the discussions, it was emphasized that the area’s greatest value is not only its spectacular mountainous landscape, but the entire living environment and ecosystem that constitute it. Its protection, sustainable use, and promotion can provide a stable foundation for long-term development. Experts highlighted that the Master Plan must be prepared for the impacts of climate change, with particular attention to increasing the resilience of forest stands, supporting natural forest development processes, and strengthening the framework for sustainable tourism.
During the stakeholder consultation, development proposals formulated for different sub-areas were presented, focusing on the expansion of tourism infrastructure, the creation of educational trails and viewpoints, the development of ecotourism routes, as well as the establishment of community and educational facilities. Special attention was given to the development of cycling and hiking routes, the construction of springs and rest areas, and the renovation and sustainable use of attractions related to cultural and natural heritage.
During the consultation, it was also raised that, in addition to modifying the content of the strategic document, it may be necessary to review the related legal and management frameworks in order to ensure that the planned measures can be implemented in practice.
The event contributed to strengthening the long-term, sustainable development directions of the Hășmaș Mountains area, as well as to the active involvement of local communities and stakeholders in the preservation and promotion of biodiversity values.
In the implementation of the CIBioGo project, Harghita County Council participates together with partner institutions representing six European Union regions, coordinated by an Italian lead partner. The project consists of a 36-month main phase, complemented by a 12-month follow-up period. The cooperation, running until February 2026, aims to develop regional policy instruments through the introduction of structured participatory methods, involving citizens and stakeholders in the fields of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Within the project, Harghita County Council targets as a local policy instrument the Master Plan developed by the Intercommunity Development Association of the Hășmaș Mountains area, into which both the professional lessons learned from international exchange and the results of local consultations are incorporated.
Miercurea Ciuc, February 20, 2026.
International experience and local cooperation for the development of the social economy in Harghita County
Discussions on the development of the social economy, the opportunities in Harghita County, and the integration of international good practices into local decisions and programmes took place at a stakeholder meeting held in Miercurea Ciuc at the sewing workshop of the Right Association on February 17, organized by the Harghita County Council.
The meeting was organized within the SECON – Social Economy Regional Policies international project, implemented through the Interreg Europe programme, in which Harghita County Council is a partner. The project aims to make regional policies supporting the social economy more effective and transparent. The work focuses on several areas, including the involvement of stakeholders, increasing the visibility of the social economy, creating a favorable policy and legal environment, improving financing opportunities, as well as strengthening impact measurement and social innovation.
The sixth stakeholder meeting within the project was held at the Right Association, with the participation of representatives of social enterprises, civil society organizations, and public institutions. The civil organization based in Miercurea Ciuc supports the social and labor market integration of disadvantaged groups through its activities and programmes, and serves as a good example of how the social economy can create real opportunities. During the visit, discussions addressed the challenges faced by social economy actors in their daily work, including administrative burdens and financing issues. Participants concluded that the development of the social economy must be a conscious process based on cooperation.
Within the framework of the project, the next international meeting will be held in April 2026 in Mannheim, where the focus will be on monitoring, data-driven decision-making, social innovation, and start-up support. These experiences may also be useful for Harghita County.
International cooperation for biodiversity governance based on community participation
Harghita County’s participation in the CIBioGo project meeting in Slovenia
On January 27–28, the thematic and Steering Group meeting of the international project CIBioGo – Citizen Participation in Biodiversity Governance, supported by the Interreg Europe programme, took place in Pokljuka, Slovenia. Harghita County Council was also represented at the event by the designated project team.
The two-day professional programme focused on reviewing the project’s results to date, presenting policy developments, and discussing methodological approaches for their monitoring. Participants paid special attention to how good practices that strengthen community participation can be integrated into regional and local development policy instruments.
The meeting was accompanied by workshops and joint professional consultations, providing an opportunity for experience exchange among partner regions and for jointly rethinking applicable solutions. As part of the programme, a field activity also took place, contributing to the direct understanding of the natural environment and to demonstrating practical approaches to biodiversity management.
The participation of Harghita County Council aligns with the county’s efforts to support the development of strategic documents related to the Hășmaș Mountains area, as well as to actively involve local communities in the preservation of natural values. In the next phase of the project, the focus will be on the local adaptation of good practices.
General information about the project can be found in the following video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8Hj5hKjLzs
Miercurea Ciuc, February 4, 2026.
European good practices – with the active participation of Harghita County
Representatives of the Harghita County Council participated in the fourth international meeting of the SEE – Sustainable Entrepreneurship Education project, held in Rome on January 20–21, implemented with the support of the Interreg Europe Programme. The event was organized by the Lazio Region, with the participation of France, Belgium, Germany, Latvia, Poland, Italy, and Romania.
The main objective of the meeting was to share and disseminate good practices in the field of entrepreneurship education, with a special focus on the use of digital tools, game-based learning methods (gamification), and innovative educational approaches that support the development of young people’s transversal skills.
The first day of the event focused on presenting good practices developed in the partner regions. Initiatives were introduced that contribute to talent identification and the development of entrepreneurial competences through video games and digital simulations, as well as those applying experiential learning methods by simulating business environments and integrating innovative approaches, including the use of artificial intelligence and cooperation between educational and economic stakeholders.
The delegation of Harghita County also contributed to the professional exchange of experience with its own presentation, showcasing the “Leader” board game developed by the Spektrum Educational Center. This cooperation-based gamification tool supports the development of key entrepreneurial competences – such as strategic thinking, communication, leadership skills, and problem-solving – in line with sustainable development goals.
The second day’s programme included a study visit to the Lazio Open Innovation Center (LOIC) in Zagarolo, which operates as a regional center of excellence in the fields of innovation, business development, and creative industries. Participants were introduced to successful start-up support and youth entrepreneurship programmes, as well as educational and digital projects of regional importance. In addition, a design thinking workshop was held, examining the future role of gamification in entrepreneurship education for young people.
Participation in the event provided valuable professional guidance for Harghita County in adapting European good practices to the local context, contributing to the modernization of educational approaches and the strengthening of the county’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Miercurea Ciuc, January 29, 2026.
Settlements of Harghita County
MIERCUREA CIUC – COUNTY-RANK CITY
Miercurea Ciuc
Csiba
Harghita-Băi
Jigodin-Băi
ODORHEIU SECUIESC – COUNTY-RANK CITY
Odorheiu Secuiesc
GHEORGHENI – COUNTY-RANK CITY
Gheorgheni
Covacipeter
Vargatag
Visszafolyó
Lacul Roșu (Red Lake)
TOPLIȚA – COUNTY-RANK CITY
Toplița
Magyaros
Moglănești
Secu
Zsákhegy
Luncani
Vălcelele
Vugănești
Călimani
Kelemenpatak
BĂLAN – TOWN
Bălan
BORSEC – TOWN
Borsec
CRISTURU SECUIESC – TOWN
Cristuru Secuiesc
Filiaș
Betfalva
SÂNGEORGIU DE PĂDURE – TOWN
Sângeorgiu de Pădure
Băile Homorod
Lövéte Mine
BĂILE TUȘNAD – TOWN
Băile Tușnad
Kárpitus Mine
COMMUNES
BILBOR COMMUNE
Bilbor
Răchitiș
MUGENI COMMUNE
Mugeni
Székelymagyaros
Béta
Décsfalva
Székelydobó
Agyagfalva
Mátisfalva
Vágás
CICEU COMMUNE
Ciceu
Ciaracio
DĂNEȘTI COMMUNE
Dănești
MĂDĂRAȘ COMMUNE
Mădăraș
PĂULENI-CIUC COMMUNE
Păuleni-Ciuc
Delnița
Csomortan
RACU COMMUNE
Racu
Gârciu
SÂNDOMINIC COMMUNE
Sândominic
SÂNCRĂIENI COMMUNE
Sâncrăieni
Menasag
Menasag Nou
Bancu
Ciobanis
Cotor
Egerszek
Gyürke
Pottyond
SÂNTIMBRU COMMUNE
Sântimbru
Băile Tușnad-Büdös
SÂNCOLIUS COMMUNE
Sâncolius
SÂNLEȚI COMMUNE
Sânleți
Fitod
Hosszúaszó
Mindzent
SÂNMARTIN COMMUNE
Sânmartin
Ciceu-Ciuc
Valea Uzului
SÂNMIHAI COMMUNE
Sânmihai
Ajnád
Văcărești
Lăzarea
SÂNSIMION COMMUNE
Sânsimion
Csatószeg
SÂNTOMA COMMUNE
Sântoma
ATID COMMUNE
Atid
Corundel
Cușmed
Inlăceni
Siclod
FARKASLAKA COMMUNE
Farkaslaka
Szentlélek
Bogárfalva
Firtosváralja
Nyikómalomfalva
Kecset
Székelypálfalva
Szencséd
Kisfalud
FELICENI COMMUNE
Felicieni
Săndulești
Arvățeni
Șoimuș
Fărcaș
Hoghia
Ocland
Székelylengyelfalva
Bikafalva
Telekfalva
Patakfalva
FELICENI COMMUNE
Feliceni
Küküllőkeményfalva
GALĂUȚAȘ COMMUNE
Galăuțaș
Szérüsdomb
Galăuțaș-Pârâu
Nuceni
Jigodin
Toleseni
Perlaca
Zapogea
GHEORGHENI COMMUNE
Gheorgheni
Borzont
Bucin
CIOBANESTI COMMUNE
Ciobanesti
DITRĂU COMMUNE
Ditrău
Orotva
Cengellér
HODOȘA COMMUNE
Hodoșa
Hollósarka
REMETEA COMMUNE
Remetea
Chichibu
Esenyő
Mártonka
SĂRMAȘ COMMUNE
Sărmaș
Gyergyóhodos
Runc
Platonești
Fundalja
SUBCETATE COMMUNE
Subcetate
Hăghig
Pintic
Recea
VALEA STRÂMBĂ COMMUNE
Valea Strâmbă
Chileni
Liban
Szenéte
Valea Întoarsă
LUNCA DE SUS COMMUNE
Lunca de Sus
Comiat
Sântatelec
Nyíresalja
Görbepataka
Ugrapataka
LUNCA DE JOS COMMUNE
Lunca de Jos
Barackospatak
Bükkhavaspataka
Farkaspalló
Borospatak
Căpolnapataka
Sötétpatak
Antalokpataka
Hidegségpataka
HOMOROD COMMUNE
Homorod
MARTINIȘ COMMUNE
Martiniș
Abásfalva
Băi
Remetea Homorodului
Kénos
Kénosfalva
Gyepes
Locod
Vărosfalva
Sânpetru Homorod
Recea
Sânpaul Homorod
CĂNIȘOARA COMMUNE
Cănișoara
Dăile
Iașu
Ege
Miclăușeni
Abrănești
Petec
Sânlăzăr Homorod
CĂPÂLNIȚA COMMUNE
Căpâlnița
CIUCIU COMMUNE
Ciuci
Jenőfalva
KASZONALTIZ COMMUNE
Kaszonaltiș
Kaszoni Nou
Kaszoni Iacobeni
Kaszoni Imper
Kaszoni Feltíz
CORUND COMMUNE
Corund
Atia
Calonda
Fenyőkút
Pálpataka
COZMA COMMUNE
Cozma
Lazăr
LUETA COMMUNE
Lueta
Băile Chirui
MĂDĂFALĂU COMMUNE
Mădăfalău
MĂRTINIȘ COMMUNE
Mărtiniș
OROȘENI COMMUNE
Oroșeni
Székelyfancsal
Székelyszentkirály
Székelyszenttamás
Tibod
Üknyéd
Ülke
PRAID COMMUNE
Praid
Békástelep
Bucin
Ocna de Jos
Ocna de Sus
Sásveres
ANDREIȘENI COMMUNE
Andreișeni
Solymos Mare
Solymos Mic
Székelyhidegkút
Újlak
SIMONEȘTI COMMUNE
Simonești
Bencéd
Cădaciu Mare
Cădaciu Mic
Cehețel
Kede Mare
Kede Mic
Cobătești
Medesér
Székelyszentmihály
Székelyszentmiklós
Rugonfalva
Tarcsafalva
Tordátfalva
DÂRJIU COMMUNE
Dârjiu
Mujna
VÂRȘAG COMMUNE
Vârșag
AVRĂMEȘTI COMMUNE
Avrămești
Măgura
Ciceu
Firtosmartonos
Gagy
Firtosiláz
Solymosiláz
Kismedesér
SÂNPAUL COMMUNE
Sânpaul
Borșova
Bükkloka
Sânmihai
TUȘNAD COMMUNE
Tușnad
Tușnadu Nou
Verești
ULIES COMMUNE
Ulieș
Alsóboldogfalva
Székelyszenterzsébet
VĂRGHIȘ COMMUNE
Vărghiș
Călna
Duda
Filpeș
VOSLĂBENI COMMUNE
Voslobeni
Izvoru Mureșului
ZETEA COMMUNE
Zetea
Deșag
Ivo
Câmpul Târnavei
Sikaszo
Zetea Valley
Geographical description
Hargitai “card index”
What do the data say about a county?
The same as a card index does about a person—everything and nothing. They flash the essence, but only point to what is unique and intangible.
About Harghita County we can write that it is located in Romania, in the eastern part of Inner Transylvania; it is no secret either that its area is 6639 square kilometers, with a population of 310867 in 2011.
It is customary, as card-index data, to list its 9 towns—4 of them municipalities—its 58 communes, and its 236 villages. When it was established in 1968, its chosen name was not ancient, yet it refers to the Harghita Mountains, where the county’s second-highest peak rises (Madarasi-Harghita, 1801 m); the highest peak as well, Rekettyés (Călimani Mountains, 2021 m), rises only slightly above that.
From here we can already descend into the depths, for even if the mountain range forming the county’s backbone—and the central group of the Eastern Carpathians marking its eastern border—has further peaks, the western part of the county is made up of gentler, rolling hill country (Udvarhely). Moreover, an important thread in the county’s life is the “Székely chain of basins,” which, from north to south, fits into a unified whole with ever more spacious basins along the Bélbor–Borsec–Gyergyó–Csík line.
Harghita County is at once gentle and harsh, depending on where one lives—closer to the sky or farther from it, within the gravitational pull of economic and social hubs, or sustained by the sparser but purer air of wise seclusion. Its climate can be described as temperate continental; winds usually blow from the west, yet Romania’s cold pole is also found here: Gyergyóalfalu, while Miercurea Ciuc at times competes for the primacy of −40°C, with alternating chances. Snow often lingers for 120–150 days, so the water balance is very rich. On the one hand, the sibling rivers rising within easy reach—the Mureș and the Olt—and on the other, the livable valley belts formed along the Târnava and Homorod rivers make this corner of the country attractive and sustaining.
Owing to the volcanic origin of its mountains, alongside extraordinary natural beauties—such as Lake Saint Anne, a crater lake in the Ciomad, or the Mohos peat bog—its hundreds of mineral water springs, together with its human reserves of value, are all riches that remain sources of local self-awareness and legendary Székely pride to this day. This is complemented, with its own history and scenery, by Lake Roșu (Red Lake) and its surroundings, offering on a platter the blessings of hopes invested in tourism for the region.
It does not lack flora and fauna, yet the rural climate of Harghita treats cultivated crops somewhat harshly; due to relatively little sunshine, a good portion of vegetables and fruits travels to the county’s markets from gentler, more generous regions. Potatoes, however, remain faithfully at the side of the people of Harghita and, as a useful barter good, not infrequently help out in times of need.
According to the eternal law of give and take, Harghita County gladly hosts its visitors, shares its natural and cultural values with them. The several hundred listed monuments can be admired and appreciated—indeed, even preserved—pleasant memories can be gained from its thermal baths and health resorts, lasting impressions from its customs and traditions, its cuisine—very tasty even in its simplicity—and from Székely hospitality.
The drive to create value is gaining ever more ground on both sides of Harghita; alongside technical progress, science, and the many indispensable challenges of the modern age, wood, construction raw materials, clay, and salt still represent this region’s “trump cards.”
It is in the nature of a card index that the data sheet fills up quickly; renunciation of completeness is already lodged in the text at birth. Yet every datum and sign finds its place in it with the hope that, behind the images lined up in the volume, the promising face of the Harghita people’s livable everyday life will come into view.
Cultural events contribute to the preservation of traditions, the education of young people, and the promotion of authentic values
More than 80,000 people showed interest in the events organized by the Harghita County Tradition Resource Center
Over the past year, the Harghita County Tradition Resource Center, a subordinate institution of the Harghita County Council, focused its activities on documenting, preserving, and promoting the authentic values of local cultural heritage. Its goal was to strengthen regional cultural identity and to expand the community’s access to cultural life.
According to Izabella Bartalis, director of the Harghita County Tradition Resource Center, their aim was not only to promote cultural programs but also to improve their diversity and quality, expand institutional collaborations at the county, national, and international levels, engage young audiences, and build a loyal audience committed to traditional culture. At the same time, special emphasis was placed on developing online communication and increasing the institution’s visibility through media partnerships.
Over the past year, the cultural centre organized large-scale festivals and events, ethnographic and traditional art exhibitions, publishing programs and book launches, educational activities, craft workshops, and audiovisual productions on ethnographic topics.
In 2025, more than 60 cultural programs were organized, including around 15 festivals and major events, more than 20 exhibitions and public presentations, approximately 15 educational programs and workshops, and over 10 book launches, screenings, and other publishing events.
Highlighted events included the Siculus Festival, Secler Days, and the Transylvanian Dance House Meeting, which attracted thousands of participants and significantly contributed to promoting the county’s traditional values.
According to data provided by Izabella Bartalis, the estimated total number of participants in the programs organized in 2025 exceeded 80,000, including both audiences present in person at events and those reached via online platforms.
The target audience of the programs was extremely diverse: children and students, young people, families, teachers, cultural professionals, artisans, as well as the general public interested in traditions and local identity. The activities had a significant impact on the community, strengthening the sense of belonging, expanding access to culture, encouraging intercultural dialogue, and contributing to promoting Harghita County as an active and attractive cultural space.
Feedback from the community was overwhelmingly positive, as reflected in the continuous growth in participant numbers, lively interactions online, and numerous requests to repeat and expand successful programs.
In parallel, the Harghita County Tradition Resource Center also participated as a partner in other cultural projects in the Udvarhely region. In total, they supported 30 cultural projects, worth 372,000 lei. These included “In the Footsteps of the Values of the Gagy Stream Valley,” the “Slam Poetry Championship,” and the “dramaMA” contemporary theatre festival.
The list of winning projects in the Udvarhely region can be found at the following link: https://hagyomany.ro/palyazatok/
– The Harghita County Tradition Resource Center is a custodian of cultural memory and local identity. Through our activities, we strive to contribute to the preservation of traditions, the education of young people, and the promotion of Harghita County’s authentic values – stated Izabella Bartalis.
Through its events and programs, the Centre continues to play a key role in the cultural development of Harghita County, providing the community with identity, continuity, and dialogue between the past, present, and future.
Nearly 3,700 visitors attended the exhibitions organized by the Cultural Center of Harghita County in 2025
As is known, the County Hall Gallery and the ground-floor exhibition space of the County Hall had to find a new location from May this year due to the building’s energy renovation works. The exhibitions found a home in several locations.
During this year, within the framework of the Exhibition Program, the Cultural Center of Harghita County organized a total of 19 visual arts exhibitions across seven fields: painting, sculpture, installation, photography, enamel art, aircraft models, ship models and car models, as well as visual arts. Most exhibitions were related to visual arts (8) and photography (5).
The exhibitions attracted nearly 3,700 visitors, including 30 student groups from ten schools in Miercurea Ciuc who participated in guided visits, which significantly contributes to increasing students’ interest in visual arts.
The exhibitions were open to visitors at several locations: until the end of April at the County Hall Gallery, as well as in the Csíki Cinema building, the building of the Cultural Center of Harghita County, and the House of Arts.
Currently, two exhibitions are still awaiting visitors:
- “Autumn Salon” – at the Csíki Cinema, open until January 27, 2026;
- “Post Ignis” – at the Cultural Center of Harghita County, open until January 15, 2026.
Information about the exhibition program and further details are available at the following link:
https://www.facebook.com/Megyehaza.Galeria
Miercurea Ciuc, December 15, 2025.
The 4th Regional Tourism Conference concluded successfully in Miercurea Ciuc
The fourth edition of the Regional Tourism Conference was held on October 15–16, 2025, once again hosted by Miercurea Ciuc. As one of the most important professional gatherings in the region, the event brought together nearly 200 tourism entrepreneurs, experts, educators, students, and decision-makers to jointly reflect on the future of tourism, innovation, and opportunities for regional cooperation.
Digitalization, AI, and Cooperation in Focus
The first day of the conference was dedicated to innovation and cooperation. Experts from Booking.com and Travelminit presented concrete examples of how artificial intelligence is transforming the travel experience and guest relations. Norbert Fejér, CEO of HelixSoft, highlighted in his presentation that digitalization is not only a technological issue but also a strategic opportunity to increase competitiveness. The presentation of the România Atractivă project also emphasized the importance of digital development and data-driven decision-making in tourism.
The afternoon continued with two sections: in the TDM section, representatives of several Transylvanian tourist destinations – including Brașov, Mureș, Sibiu, Covasna, and Harghita counties – shared their good practices and future plans, while the parallel communication section focused on practical marketing and visual strategies. Erzsébet Kádár (SmartADDs) spoke about the role of database building, Jenő Nagy (OptiBoost) about online advertising strategies, and Ioana Mihaela Cobiliță (Sinaps) about digital trends – including voice search and AI targeting. In the field of visual communication, photographer and graphic editor László Mihály and László Olasz (Alpix Visual Studio) presented the importance of professional photography, while Zoltán Pál (Magenta7) shared practical experiences on creating tourism program packages. The section concluded with a presentation by Zelinda Páll, marketing communication specialist at Visit Harghita (Harghita Community Development Association), who introduced a new community platform designed for entrepreneurs and organizations interested in tourism.
Gastronomy and Local Values
The second day of the conference focused on the diversity of Transylvanian gastronomy and the future of hospitality based on local ingredients.
The day opened with Előd Szőcs (Csíkcsomortán Abattoir – Butcher Manufactory), who spoke about the value of traditional, locally sourced ingredients under the motto “Only from pure sources.” He was followed by Adorján Trucza, founder of Taste of Transylvania, whose presentation titled Pizza or Polenta? explored the search for identity in Transylvanian gastronomy. István Becze, president of the Association of Székely Farmers’ Organizations, highlighted the role of local producers and the opportunities within gastro-tourism, while Károly Szabó, Executive Director of Visit Harghita (Harghita Community Development Association), spoke about the long-term impacts of obtaining the title of European Region of Gastronomy in his presentation What Will Happen in 2027? Is It the Promised Land?
Szilamér Cseh, founder and head sommelier of the Fine Service Academy, shared his experiences on the art of service and creating guest experiences in his presentation The Secrets of Guest Experience, followed by Domokos Bándi (Gastrobun), who presented the future of gastronomy and strategies for sustainable development. Within the framework of the Food Savers project, Claudia Popa, food engineer at Boroinfo, presented concrete solutions for reducing food waste in the HoReCa sector.
The afternoon program highlighted artisanal gastronomy and creative approaches: photographer Zoltán Biró’s presentation The Photographer’s Coffee in Practice brought the role of coffee preparation closer to the world of gastronomy. István Bocskor, founder of Bocskor Bakery, spoke about the secrets of sourdough preparation and the art of good bread in his presentation Our Sourdough. Judit Potyó, founder of the Sasfészek Gastro Point, shared her experiences in creating and operating a gastro point based on local ingredients.
During the panel discussion Transylvanian Gastronomy Books, participants gained insight into gastronomic publications from the region, including the 100 Recipes – 100 Housewives series and the preparation of the Food Saver Book (Food Savers project).
The two-day event was initiated by the tourism organizations of Harghita, Mureș, and Covasna counties, with the Harghita Community Development Association (Visit Harghita) acting as the main organizer this year. The event was supported by the Pro Economica Foundation, Liliac Winery, Bocskor Bakery, as well as the County Councils of Harghita, Mureș, and Covasna.
At the closing of the conference, it was announced that the main organizer of the 5th Regional Tourism Conference in 2026 will be Visit Covasna. The organizers emphasized that next year’s event will continue in the spirit of regional cooperation and the shared vision of developing tourism.
An increasing number of family-friendly destinations welcomes visitors in Harghita County
This year, thirty-seven family-friendly tourism providers received the Visit Harghita – Family-friendly certificate on Saturday, October 11, at the Eskaperdo Resort in Zeteváralja.
The certificates were presented by Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council, Károly Szabó, Executive Director of the Harghita Community Development Association, and Răzvan Pascu, Harghita County’s official tourism ambassador.
The Family-friendly program was launched in 2020 by the Visit Harghita team with the aim of making Harghita County a family-friendly tourism destination. The initiative brings together accommodations, restaurants, programs, attractions, and events that adopt a family-centered approach and meet the requirements for obtaining the certificate.
To earn the certification, service providers must hold an official license and meet the criteria outlined in the Family-friendly Handbook. Visit Harghita staff personally visit each applicant and, if any shortcomings are found, provide a deadline for their correction.
“In difficult times, supporting communities is especially important, which is why the County Council continuously works to strengthen local tourism. In 2027, Harghita County will be Europe’s Gastronomic Region, which will further increase our region’s visibility and tourist appeal – creating new opportunities for all service providers,” said Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council and the Development Association.
With this year’s award ceremony, a total of 225 tourism services with family-friendly certification are now available to visitors in Harghita County. According to the organizers, every family can find the ideal accommodation, restaurant, program, or attraction for themselves.
The Family-friendly offerings are available on the Visit Harghita website (www.visitharghita.com) and mobile app, and an annual printed guide is also produced, presented at tourism fairs and events.
The Harghita Studio compilation can be viewed here: https://www.facebook.com
The following providers received the certificate:
ACCOMMODATION:
- Orgona Apartments – Miercurea Ciuc
- N37 – The Other House – Jigodin Ciuc
- Nova House Apartments – Delnița
- Casa de oaspeţi Sófalvi Guesthouse – Sântimbru
- Pensiunea Lali – Mădăraș
- Villa Bellini – Borsec
- Pensiunea Veranda – Remetea
- Pensiunea Romantika – Odorheiu Secuiesc
- Pensiunea Szeltersz – Lăzarea
- Eskaperdo Resort – Subcetate
- Pensiune & Camping Zetavár – Subcetate
- Flow House – Satu Mare
- Pensiunea Erdély Kincse – Sicasău
- Pensiunea Kovács – Praid
- Relax House Studio – Praid
- Pensiunea Farkas – Praid
- Pensiunea Molnár Guesthouse – Praid
- Prosilva House – Toplița
- Pensiunea Izabella – Toplița
- Casa Alex – Gălăuțaș
RESTAURANTS:
- Bellini Bistro – Borsec
- Restaurant Veranda – Remetea
- Restaurant Ski Varsag – Vărșag
FAMILY-FRIENDLY TOURISM PROGRAMS:
- Siberian Angel – Băile Harghita
- Magic Selfie House – Praid
- Club Sportiv Szirtisas Archery Club – Ocna de Sus
- Atelier de țesut / Weaving Workshop – Nicoleni
- Lobogó Bob – Băile Homorod
FAMILY-FRIENDLY TOURIST ATTRACTIONS:
- Csíki Székely Museum – Miercurea Ciuc
- Márton Áron Museum
- Lázár Castle
- Henter Manor
FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENTS:
- Running Festival Miercurea Ciuc
- Fuss Neki! Csík
- Fuss Neki! Gyergyó
- Fuss Neki! Udvarhely
- Saint Gellért Cross
Miercurea Ciuc, October 13, 2025
Focus on the future of tourism and gastronomy in Harghita County: the regional tourism conference organized for the fourth time
A conference focusing on gastronomy, challenges affecting tourism, and digital solutions will be organized in Harghita County.
The tourism organizations of Harghita, Mureș, and Covasna counties are organizing the Regional Tourism Conference for the fourth time, which will take place on October 15–16 at the Hotel Fenyő Conference & Spa in Miercurea Ciuc. This year’s main organizer is the Harghita Community Development Association (Visit Harghita).
The professional forum is primarily aimed at stakeholders of tourism in Szeklerland. Taking into account global trends and local characteristics, the conference aims to foster networking, support joint development, and present proven methods that can also be applied in practice. In this spirit, renowned experts and speakers have been invited.
Participation is recommended for tourism entrepreneurs, service providers, professionals, as well as representatives of educational institutions, local authorities, and local and regional organizations. Accommodation providers, restaurant managers, travel agencies, and other tourism service providers who are open to learning about new trends and opportunities are especially encouraged to attend.
Tourism is a rapidly changing sector, and the conference offers an opportunity for managers, marketers, and consultants to gain up-to-date knowledge about current trends, technologies, and innovations. Digitalization and artificial intelligence already provide tools in tourism that are essential for businesses to remain competitive.
Special emphasis will be placed on the fact that Harghita County will hold the title of European Region of Gastronomy in 2027, which will also be reflected in the conference presentations. Topics will include the role of local products in hospitality, the search for Transylvanian gastronomic identity, the tourism appeal of gastronomic events, future strategies and opportunities, and the prevention of food waste. A roundtable discussion will focus on gastronomy books published in Transylvania.
When designing the program, the challenges that emerged in connection with the events in Praid were also taken into account. With this in mind, participants can expect presentations that provide practical knowledge applicable in everyday work. Among the topics are the importance of database building, online advertising opportunities, the impact of visual content, the development of experience-based tourism products, and the use of accommodation booking systems.
The official opening of the conference will take place on Wednesday, October 15, at 9:20 a.m., when the leaders of the three counties will welcome participants. The detailed program and tickets are available on the conference.ro website.
Miercurea Ciuc, September 29, 2025.
Harghita County welcomes visitors with unique gastronomic experiences
Szeklerland is represented this year with its largest stand so far, covering 500 square meters, at Hungary’s largest agricultural and food industry exhibition in Budapest. A total of 47 producers from Harghita, Covasna, and Mureș counties are welcoming visitors with more than one hundred specialties.
The organization of the Szeklerland stand was undertaken by the Association of Szekler Farmers’ Organizations, whose mission is to support farmers and artisans from Szeklerland and to promote their values.
The stand’s offer includes handcrafted jams, syrups, aged cheeses, smoked meat products, honey, chocolates, award-winning fruit brandy (palinka) and wines. Among the participating producers are the Csengő and Nagy–Küküllő Agricultural Cooperative, the Csíkcsomortán Butcher–Charcuterie Manufactory and Kitchen, beekeepers, and Borbély Kürtőskalács.
OMÉK, organized between September 18–21 in Budapest at the HUNGEXPO venue, is not only a fair and exhibition but also a meeting point where cultural and economic connections are formed, strengthening the region’s presence on the Hungarian and international markets.
Visitors can taste hundreds of delicacies, meet the producers, and gain insight into the world of Szekler cuisine and craft traditions. In addition to gastronomic experiences, cultural programs will also enrich the event: the Harghita Szekler Folk Dance Theatre, the Háromszék Ensemble, and the Maros Artistic Ensemble will perform. The team of the Harghita Community Development Association (Visit Harghita) will also be present at the event, presenting tourism opportunities in the county.
Further details: https://omek.amc.hu/
Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council, emphasized that since Harghita County will be the European Region of Gastronomy in 2027, it is particularly important to present the county’s values and producers at such prestigious events. For this reason, the Harghita County Cultural Center, in partnership with the Harghita County Council, supports participation in the event.
– We respectfully invite everyone who would like to discover the true values of Szeklerland: rich flavors, natural ingredients, and our welcoming communities. The “Szeklerland Island” is not merely a fair stand, but a place at Hungexpo where visitors can meet producers in person, learn their stories, taste traditional Szekler flavors and drinks, and get closer to the rich cultural and gastronomic heritage of Szeklerland. The fact that Szeklerland appears at OMÉK united, through the cooperation of the three counties, is in itself a value and a message.
Special thanks go to the Association of Szekler Farmers’ Organizations and to its president, István Becze, who through his work brings together the agricultural sector of the three Szekler counties. Without their committed activity, this joint presentation could not have been realized, where farmers and producers from Harghita, Covasna, and Mureș counties are all represented – emphasized the president of the County Council.
Through participation in the exhibition, a key objective of the Harghita County Council is to strengthen market access for farmers and artisans from Szeklerland and to present the region’s tourism and gastronomic values.
With the presence of the Harghita Community Development Association (Visit Harghita), Harghita County also draws visitors’ attention not only to flavors but to tourism opportunities, the beauty of the landscape, and living traditions.
Miercurea Ciuc, September 16, 2025
Image building and gastronomy at Tusványos!
Barna-Botond Bíró, president of the Harghita County Council, participated in two thematic discussions
On Wednesday, July 23, Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council, participated in thematic panel discussions on the opportunities of image building in Harghoita County and the community-building and region-shaping role of gastronomy, within the framework of the 34th Bálványos Summer Free University and Student Camp – where issues determining the future of the region were put on the agenda.
At the noon panel discussion titled “Can we sell Seklerland? – Is it possible to spend on a Sekler image in Romania today – and is there an audience for it?”, Attila Csibi, president of the RMDSZ in Mureș County, András Peti, director of Transilvania Airport, and Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council, took part.
The discussion focused on what tools, actors and experience-based content can be used to consciously build the regional brand of Seklerland and make it attractive to both domestic and international audiences.
During the panel discussion, the participants agreed that building the tourism and economic brand of Seklerland can only be successful with a data-driven, targeted and experience-based approach. Strengthening the Sekler image requires more than traditional communication – it is necessary to know the needs of visitors precisely and reach them with modern tools, such as digital marketing and influencer relations.
Participants highlighted the importance of regional cooperation, the role of culinary experiences, and the importance of airports in increasing the competitiveness of the region.
The future of regional tourism is unimaginable without well-functioning airports – it was stated during the discussion. Representatives of the counties of Seklerland emphasized that the development of air transport is not the interest of a single county, but of the entire region. Târgu Mureș Airport plays a key role, but smaller, alternative airports may also gain increasing importance in serving business and quality tourism.
Regarding regional cooperation, Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council, believes that common goals must be clarified precisely and unambiguously, and he is convinced that consensus is what strengthens joint work.
Taking into account the opportunities offered by tourism, he highlighted that Romania has excellent tourism assets – safety, value for money, and natural values – yet we are far behind other countries in the region in terms of infrastructure and central financing.
“We, in Harghita County have set ourselves the goal of rebuilding domestic tourism and presenting the values of Seklerland in a way that turns them into real experiences. We have launched a gastronomic revolution where not only restaurants are created, but culinary experiences – with chefs, concept and story.” As he said, the future of tourism lies in quality, positioning, and experience-based, authentic content.
Regarding the future of local self-governance, community advocacy, and the current political situation, the President of the Harghita County Council highlighted that in the coming years the focus will shift from building to defending.
“We must preserve what we have built together so far. We are not in Bucharest because it is easy, but because it is our duty to be where decisions are made, and to remain there as long as we have the opportunity to defend the rights and identity of our community.” According to him, we are currently living in a period when decisions are being made not only about resources but also about the institutional future of the Hungarian community in Transylvania, and in such situations one cannot stay on the outside – explained Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council.
In the afternoon he continued his participation in the panel discussion titled “Gastronomy as a region-building force – the road from Harghita to Europe”, which focused on the gastronomic values of Transylvania and Seclerland, as well as the tourism and identity-shaping role of culinary heritage.
During the discussion, Károly Szabó, executive director of the Harghita Community Development Association, István Becze, president of the Association of Sekler Farmers’ Organizations, Szabolcs Fazakas, the creator of Mini Transylvania Park and Legendarium, and Mónika Kozma also shared their experiences.
The panel discussion mainly focused on gastronomy and on the title of European Region of Gastronomy 2027, whose aim is to unite and develop local gastronomic values and actors – restaurants, producers and communities.
During the discussion, Barna-Botond Bíró emphasized that the gastronomy year is not merely a title but a community project – its goal is to bring together and organize local values into a system.
“We do not want to be on the front line, but to support from the background those who have preserved the tastes of Seklerland for generations. This is an identity-strengthening initiative, not a political flag, but a driver pushing the cart of the local community,” emphasized Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council.
Miercurea Ciuc, July 23, 2025.
Family-friendly programs strengthen community life in Harghita County
Record number of applications submitted for the support program
There was great interest in Harghita County Council’s 2025 grant program supporting activities for families. This year, a total of 60 applications were submitted, of which 38 received funding.
Notably, among the winning applications, eight projects will use the funding to organize Children’s Day events across several localities in the county.
With the support of Harghita County Council, various associations and organizations will ensure that the youngest participants can enjoy fun and engaging programs in Racu, Mihăileni, Miercurea Ciuc, Cozmeni , Odorheiu Secuiesc, Sânpaul, Frumoasa, and Vârșag.
The goal of the grant program supporting family-oriented activities remains to create a family-friendly environment, strengthen intergenerational relationships, and provide shared community experiences for families.
In line with this objective, the supported activities include forums, meetings, conferences, and discussions on family topics; educational and catch-up programs for disadvantaged families living in deep poverty; as well as children’s and baby-mother programs.
With a budget of 80,000 RON, this year numerous valuable events, presentations, conferences, and community gatherings can take place across the county.
It is particularly noteworthy that eight Children’s Day programs are included among the supported events, and the associations will also organize several family-oriented meetings and community events. These events help strengthen local communities and provide families with opportunities for quality time together.
Interest in the family-friendly grant program is also reflected in the steadily increasing budget over recent years. While 70,000 RON was available annually in 2022, 2023, and 2024, this amount increased to 80,000 RON in 2025, reflecting that Harghita County Council places special emphasis on supporting programs for families.
According to Barna-Botond Bíró, President of Harghita County Council, supporting family-friendly programs is not only a current need but also a long-term investment in the future of our communities.
“Where the family is strong, the community stands on solid foundations. These events provide opportunities for togetherness, mutual attention, and for strengthening the values upon which we are building Harghita County’s future: unity, intergenerational dialogue, and solidarity,” said Barna-Botond Bíró, President of Harghita County Council.
Miercurea Ciuc, 30 May 2025
Harghita County shines in International Tourism and Gastronomy Competitions
In recent weeks, a series of good news has arrived: initiatives from Harghita County related to tourism, gastronomy, and local values have achieved outstanding results in prestigious national and international competitions.
These successes not only showcase the creativity, collaboration, and expertise of local communities but also strengthen the county’s growing tourism profile, continuously facilitated by the Harghita Community Development Association (Visit Harghita) under the support of the Harghita County Council.
The gastronomic gift package “Flavours of the Forest” from the Helyénvaló local store from Odorheiu-Secuiesc won the “Best Community Collaboration” award at the World Food Gift Challenge 2025, organized by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts, and Tourism (IGCAT).
The prestigious event took place on 9 May in Catania, Italy, where handcrafted food gifts from various gastronomy regions around the world were recognized. Local entrepreneurs from Harghita County, European Region of Gastronomy 2027, also entered several products in the competition. The international jury recognized the Helyénvaló Local project as a model of community collaboration, highlighting that it represents not only flavors but also values, traditions, and the power of local cooperation.
On 14 May at the SPA Romania Awards in Miercurea Ciuc, at the Fenyő Hotel, Harghita County received the Best SPA Destination award, however, this was only one of several achievements. Fenyő SPA won the Best SPA Experience award and the jury’s special prize for Best Signature SPA Ritual, Hotel Fenyő Conference & Spa received the Best HOTEL SPA award, and FONTANA Spa & Balneo in Borszék was awarded Best DAY SPA – SPA & Wellness for the whole family.
These recognitions further strengthen the county’s position in Romania’s wellness tourism sector, where mofettes, mineral-rich waters, and preserved natural environments offer visitors a unique experience.
The Taste of Transylvania gastro-festival won the Best Initiative Supporting Local Tourism award at the Top Hotel Awards Romania in Bucharest, confirming that gastronomic tourism is one of Harghita County’s strongest attractions. This is further reinforced by the county being awarded the European Region of Gastronomy 2027 title by IGCAT in February, joining the elite European regions with outstanding gastronomic heritage, sustainable food networks, and living cultural traditions.
The chefs of Kotyogó Restaurant in Lupeni won a prize at the Hungary’s Dish 2025 competition for a unique creation prepared exclusively from ingredients sourced within a 50-kilometer radius. The recipe will be presented at the Hungarian Parliament on 4 June during a Chefs’ Parade.
“Harghita County is excelling, whether through international recognition of local products, tourism and SPA awards, or the honor of becoming the European Region of Gastronomy in 2027. These achievements are the result of conscious, responsible work that opens immense opportunities for local entrepreneurs, innovators in sustainable gastronomy, and the entire county. I congratulate the awardees and thank the teams of the Harghita Community Development Association and Visit Harghita. Our goal remains to showcase Harghita County’s diverse, experience-rich tourism offerings and its varied gastronomy, while strengthening local communities, supporting sustainable development, and contributing to the preservation and promotion of the county’s economic and cultural values.”
— said Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council.
Miercurea Ciuc, 15 May 2025
More than one thousand visitors to the exhibition spaces of the Harghita County Council
On 15 April we celebrate World Art Day
The Harghita County Gallery and the ground-floor exhibition spaces of the County Gallery – operated by the Harghita County Cultural Centre – have played a significant role in the cultural life of Harghita County in recent years, particularly in supporting visual arts and photography.
15 April is celebrated worldwide as World Art Day, which aims to promote the development and dissemination of art and to introduce artistic creations to a wider audience, including through art education in schools. The exhibition spaces located in the County Council building serve a similar purpose.
The gallery’s primary goal is to promote the work of Hungarian artists from Transylvania and to increase their social recognition, mainly by presenting and promoting their artworks. Since opening in 2012, the exhibition space has served as an open and welcoming venue for the arts, whether literature, theatre, music, or various branches of visual arts.
The activities taking place in the Harghita County Gallery are in line with Harghita County’s Cultural Strategy for 2021–2030, which ensures access to this area of culture for everyone.
According to Angéla Ferencz, director of the Harghita County Cultural Centre, in 2020 a total of 20 exhibitions were organized, 19 in 2021, 30 in 2022, and 20 in 2023.
In the past year, 2024, a total of 25 exhibitions were held. At the Harghita County Gallery, 16 exhibitions were presented, including 6 solo and 10 group exhibitions. In terms of genre, the program included 2 photography exhibitions and 14 visual arts exhibitions. A further 9 exhibitions were hosted in the ground-floor exhibition space – 2 solo and 7 group exhibitions – of which 4 were photography and 5 visual arts exhibitions. The exhibitions were visited by 47 organized school groups, with nearly one thousand students from 17 schools taking part in guided tours.
According to Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council, even in today’s fast-paced world we must keep in mind the importance of art and culture.
“For us, supporting culture is not a luxury but a necessity. Whatever challenges we face, art and culture must continue to hold a prominent place. They define who we are, they connect us, and they keep us together as a community. In our exhibition spaces we strive to place authentic local values in the spotlight – shaping taste, educating, and providing direction. We want to offer young people experiences that provide not only knowledge, but also a sense of community, emotions, and real connections. Ultimately, art and culture do more than reflect life – they give it meaning.” – emphasized the President.
It is important to note that the exhibition “Reflection” can be visited in the ground-floor exhibition space of the County Gallery until 17 April, while the joint exhibition M³ by Enikő Daczó, András Csaba Nemes, and László Károly Vajna at the Harghita County Gallery has been extended and can be viewed until 28 April.
After these exhibitions close, the Harghita County Gallery and the ground-floor exhibition space will temporarily close, as the building of Harghita County Council will soon undergo an energy-efficiency renovation within the framework of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). During this period, exhibitions and cultural events organized by the Harghita County Cultural Centre will take place at other venues – at the Cultural Centre’s headquarters and at the Csíki Cinema.
The latest information for the public will continue to be available on the Harghita County Gallery’s Facebook page, therefore we kindly ask everyone to follow the gallery’s online platform:
https://www.facebook.com/Megyehaza.Galeria
Miercurea Ciuc, 15 April 2025
Farm gates open: the Open Farm program is launched
The Open Farm program, designed to showcase local producers, farms, and food processors, offers a new opportunity for those who wish to gain a closer understanding of the journey of local food, the daily life of rural communities, and the values of sustainable farming.
The Harghita Community Development Association officially presented the Open Farm program and its participants on May 26 at Timian Chalet in Ciaracio. The initiative aims to enable local farms and food-processing units to receive visitors in an organized and safe manner. Participating units open their gates to visitors upon prior registration, allowing them to observe daily farming activities and food production processes up close.
The program places strong emphasis on providing a high-quality visitor experience, as well as ensuring appropriate hygiene and safety conditions. Beyond knowledge-sharing, it also serves a community-building purpose by strengthening the connection between local producers and consumers, while contributing to the promotion of the region’s gastronomic and agri-tourism values.
Participants are also partners in the Open Farm weekends organized twice a year, during which farms welcome visitors with special programs, demonstrations, and tastings. The first Open Farm weekend will take place between May 29 and June 1, 2026. During the four-day event, farms across multiple locations will open their gates to visitors. The second weekend will be held on September 25–26, 2026.
The launch of Open Farm is closely linked to Harghita County’s preparation for holding the title of European Region of Gastronomy 2027, and represents an important milestone in the process of presenting the region’s gastronomic and cultural values in a coordinated and unified way, both nationally and internationally.
A total of 46 entrepreneurs applied to the program, of which 33 met the Open Farm criteria. Károly Szabó, Executive Director of the Harghita Community Development Association, which developed and coordinates the initiative, stated:
“By capitalizing on the awarded title, we continue to develop the county’s tourism offer and systematically integrate into the tourism circuit those places that can most authentically tell our story—the journey of food from producer to consumer.”
Further information, the Open Farm weekend program, and the list of participating farms are available on the Visit Harghita platforms.
European Region of Gastronomy
European Regions of Gastronomy (candidates and award holders), selected and managed by IGCAT, aim to contribute to improving the quality of life of their citizens by raising awareness of the importance of cultural and gastronomic uniqueness, while also:
• encouraging creativity and gastronomic innovation,
• providing intellectual nourishment to children and adults through culinary education,
• improving the standards of sustainable tourism,
• strengthening circular economies in both urban and rural environments,
• supporting the well-being and health of communities and the environment.
IGCAT provides the award with the support of international and European institutions. Regions also join the global platform of awarded and candidate Gastronomic Regions to foster long-term benefits, increase international visibility, and support knowledge exchange.
The European Region of Gastronomy title recognizes communities (cities, counties, regions, islands, or countries) that place strong emphasis on their gastronomic heritage within a framework of sustainable development and community cooperation. Preserving and protecting local foods, beverages, agricultural products, as well as cultural and natural assets, is a key priority.
The title is a recognition that widely promotes the achievements, programs, community cooperation, and responses to future challenges of the given region; however, it does not include a financial prize.
Members of the Harghita County consortium:
• Harghita County Council
• Harghita Community Development Association
• Miercurea Ciuc City Hall
• Odorheiu Secuiesc City Hall
• Gheorgheni City Hall
• Association of Székely Farmers’ Organizations
• Sapientia Hungarian University of Transylvania, Faculty of Miercurea Ciuc
• Páva KulinarIQum Association
• Boro Info
• Honline Media (Székely Konyha és Kert)
• Association of Ciuc Hospitality Providers
• Pro Economica Foundation
Strengthening the social economy across Europe through mutual cooperation and development
The international SECON project, aimed at supporting the integration of people living in poverty and vulnerable groups, as well as significantly strengthening the social economy, includes Harghita County Council among its partners.
Project partners met between April 21–24 in Mannheim, Germany, where they explored good practices and, during roundtable discussions, formulated recommendations to raise awareness and strengthen the legal framework and the role of the social economy.
Harghita County was represented at the meeting by Melinda Szebeni, assistant manager of the working group from the County Council, along with representatives of the involved partner organizations: Cristian Gligor from the Pro Siculi Intercommunity Development Association in Miercurea Ciuc, and Árpád Csiszér from the Right Association, also based in Miercurea Ciuc.
As a good practice example, participants visited an institution that provides training for individuals who have dropped out of school. This training model is highly effective, with a success rate of 95–97%.
During the roundtable discussions, partners concluded that greater visibility is needed for the social economy and examples of best practices, along with the creation of a unified legal framework at EU level and the inclusion of vulnerable groups. Furthermore, the role of the social economy should be significantly strengthened so that it becomes a key, defining part of the economy, broadly contributing to the functioning and well-being of society. Achieving these goals requires raising awareness and developing the necessary competencies.
Partners also agreed on the need to introduce a European certification, establish an EU-level database, harmonize legislation to facilitate partnerships between Member States, and allocate more substantial public funding to the social economy. As summarized, these would represent the priorities for stabilizing the social economy over the next twenty years.
The SECON – Social Economy: Supporting Regional Policies for Social Economy Enterprises project aims to promote knowledge exchange through regional and interregional learning activities, as well as through the development of studies and reports. It supports participating regions in improving relevant policy instruments, fostering an environment conducive to the growth of the social economy, with particular focus on rural areas. The project is funded by the Interreg Europe programme.
Miercurea Ciuc, May 6, 2026.
International partnership for the development of vocational education
In Harghita County, special attention is given to ErasmusPro mobility programmes for beneficiaries. This is also the main objective of the AVETE project, which promotes international cooperation between vocational education and training providers, leaders of various industries, and decision-makers, as well as policy dialogue.
Harghita County Council is a partner in the project. Thanks to the mobility programme, this year local students will undertake professional internships in Slovakia, while Harghita County will host participants from Serbia.
Project partners met in Dunajská Streda, Slovakia, between April 26–29, during which they evaluated project activities, best practices identified during implementation, and the tasks to be carried out. Harghita County Council was represented by project manager Tamás Tankó and local mentor Melinda Szebeni.
During the study visit, educational institutions and innovative teaching methods were presented, along with company visits and vocational training sites, where examples of private sector involvement in vocational education were examined, and the importance of integrating practical skills into training programmes was emphasized.
In addition, participants discussed new funding opportunities available under EU programmes and transnational cooperation possibilities.
Members of the delegation confirmed that the study visit was highly useful for expanding knowledge related to the implementation of ErasmusPro mobility programmes, identifying good practices, strengthening international relations, increasing institutional capacity in education and vocational training, and facilitating the transfer of know-how between educational institutions and the economic sector. All of this contributes to improving the quality of education and training programmes in Harghita County.
The AVETE – Alliance for Vocational Excellence project, funded by Erasmus+, aims to develop mobility and training opportunities in tourism-related vocational education. A key objective of the project is to ensure the long-term sustainability of the ErasmusPro programme and to promote professional mobility, as well as to strengthen the capacity of vocational education.
Miercurea Ciuc, May 6, 2026.
Professional meeting and awareness campaign within the SAFETY4TMF project
What to do in the event of a disaster?
The annual evaluation and professional day of the Harghita County Volunteer Firefighters Association was held in Vlăhița, which also included an information campaign and project presentation within the framework of the European Union–funded SAFETY4TMF project.
The strategic partner of Harghita County Council in the project is the Harghita County Volunteer Firefighters Association, which plays an active role in implementing project activities and engaging local communities. The meeting provided an opportunity to evaluate the volunteer firefighters’ activities over the past year, as well as to present ongoing initiatives. The event brought together volunteer firefighters, representatives of the professional emergency response services, and local government representatives, who jointly discussed key issues related to effective intervention and the management of various emergency situations.
As part of the programme, one of the key publications from the fifth phase of the SAFETY4TMF project’s public awareness campaign was presented: the guide entitled “What to do? – In the event of a tailings dam accident.” The publication provides practical information on how to respond in case of an incident involving a mining tailings facility, offering guidance for quick and appropriate action.
The participating volunteer firefighters received first-hand professional information, which is particularly important as they are often the first responders at disaster sites and play a crucial role in informing the public and carrying out initial interventions.
The event also provided an opportunity to strengthen professional cooperation, review relevant legislation and regulations, and lay the groundwork for future joint actions.
Participants emphasized the importance of prevention, preparedness, and effective inter-institutional cooperation in managing risks affecting the region.
The publication is available here: https://hargitamegye.ro/mit-tegyunk-katasztrofa-eseten/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Miercurea Ciuc, April 27, 2026.
Free digital training courses are being launched in libraries in Harghita County through the “Digital STARS” programme
Free digital competence development training will be provided to the public through several libraries in Harghita County, coordinated by the “Kájoni János” County Library, within the framework of the “Digital STARS” programme. The programme is funded by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) and aims to transform county libraries into modern digital knowledge and community development centres.
Within the programme, free digital training courses are available to a wide range of the population, including older adults, young people, job seekers, recent graduates, social assistance beneficiaries, and anyone who wishes to improve their digital skills and use computers or smart devices with greater confidence.
Participants can acquire practical skills in areas such as online communication, CV writing, job searching, bill payments, as well as the use of e-government services and online public administration platforms.
Gyulai Arthur, director of the county library, emphasized that the knowledge gained during the training can be directly applied in everyday life and on the labour market. At the end of the programme, participants receive an officially recognized certificate issued by the competent authorities, which increases their employment opportunities.
The training sessions are organized with a flexible schedule on weekdays between 8:00 and 16:00, and if necessary until 18:00. The curriculum is adapted to participants’ skill levels, and individual preparation is also available upon request. Sessions are accessible both online and in person, using either the libraries’ IT equipment or participants’ own devices.
The implementation sites of the project include the “Kájoni János” County Library in Miercurea Ciuc, the Municipal Library of Odorheiu Secuiesc, the Municipal Library of Gheorgheni, the “George Sbârcea” Municipal Library in Toplița, as well as the towns of Băile Tușnad, Borsec, Cristuru Secuiesc, and Vlăhița, and numerous communes including Atid, Bilbor, Căpâlnița, Cârța, Ciceu, Ciumani, Corund, Cozmeni, Dănești, Dealu, Ditrău, Galăuțaș, Joseni, Lăzarea, Lueta, Lunca de Jos, Lunca de Sus, Merești, Mihăileni, Ocland, Păuleni-Ciuc, Remetea, Românași, Sâncrăieni, Sândominic, Sărmaș, Sânmartin, Sânsimion, Suseni, Satu Mare, Siculeni, Șimonești, Tulgheș, and Vărșag.
Interested persons may register in person at the “Kájoni János” County Library, by phone at 0266 371 988 or 0755 341 312, by email at [email protected], or directly at the local libraries.
The initiative is implemented under the PNRR framework and aims to strengthen digital competences and enhance the community role of libraries. Upon successful completion of the training, participants receive a certificate recognized by ADR.
Bíró Barna-Botond, President of Harghita County Council, emphasized that the library is the centre of knowledge, a meeting place of ideas and communities.
– Whether in the form of printed books or digital resources, the library remains a fundamental space for education, culture, and personal development. Last year we took an important step in the life of the county library by purchasing the building where it operates, and through the PNRR-funded project we are contributing to turning county libraries into centres for the development of digital skills. I would like to thank librarians for their key role in preserving and promoting culture – he stated on the occasion of Librarians’ Day, celebrated every year on April 23.
Miercurea Ciuc, April 23, 2026.
Digital tools and innovative methods in entrepreneurship education – the 4th stakeholder meeting of the SEE project was successfully held
The Harghita County Council organized the 4th stakeholder meeting of the “SEE – Sustainable Entrepreneurship Education” project on March 31, 2026, in Miercurea Ciuc, at the Kájoni János County Library, focusing on the development and application of digital tools, games, and innovative educational methods.
The event is part of the SEE project implemented within the international Interreg Europe programme, which aims to develop regional policies supporting entrepreneurship education, with a special focus on youth skills development, the use of digital tools, and strengthening sustainability. Seven European regions are cooperating in the project, including Harghita County.
During the meeting, the current status of the project was presented, followed by the introduction of good practices identified during the study visit to Italy in January 2026. These innovative approaches – such as gamification, experiential learning, and hands-on experience – effectively support the development of young people’s entrepreneurial skills.
Within the framework of the event, participants also discussed the international meeting to be held in Poland in June 2026, focusing mainly on the selection of transferable good practices.
Special attention was given to the role of digital tools and game-based learning methods, as well as educational models that develop creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, and an entrepreneurial mindset. Participants also gained first-hand experience of the advantages of interactive, experiential learning by trying out the “LEADER board game.”
At the meeting, the Spektrum Educational Center, as a stakeholder, also presented the Ecopreneurs project, which aims to develop a sustainable entrepreneurial mindset. As part of the presentation, the educational game called “Eco Isle” was introduced, which innovatively supports the joint development of environmentally conscious thinking and entrepreneurial skills.
The aim of the SEE project is to contribute in the long term to strengthening young people’s entrepreneurial mindset, as well as to modernizing regional education and development policies. The project runs from 2024 to 2028 and places particular emphasis on the development of 21st-century skills, digital competences, and sustainable thinking.
The current meeting once again confirmed the importance of international cooperation and the exchange of good practices in preparing the entrepreneurs of the future.
Miercurea Ciuc, March 31, 2026.
The stake is the future of our forests
A national-level professional conference for forest owners and forest managers in Csíkszereda
For the fourth time, the Conference of Forest Managers and Forest Owners was organized on Friday, March 27. Nearly four hundred participants attended the professional panel discussions at the Erőss Zsolt Arena in Csíkszereda.
Attila Korodi, mayor of Csíkszereda, emphasized in his speech that the unconventional venue carries symbolic meaning, as Zsolt Erőss’s life was closely connected to the mountains, to the living environment in which we all reside. He added that the conference can serve as an important platform contributing significantly to the preparation of decisions.
Árpád Cilip, head of the Development Center, stated that they trust participants will be able to use the knowledge gained and the connections established at the conference throughout the year in their work.
Előd Melles, executive president of the Association of Forest Owners and Forest Managers of Székelyland, said that the role of forests is gaining importance on a global scale, representing at once a natural value, an economic resource, and one of the most important expressions of responsibility toward future generations.
Levente Porzsolt, president of the association, emphasized the need for joint thinking through professional dialogue, such as the conference held on Friday. In his speech, he recalled that while the professional conference started four years ago with 150 participants, it has now gained national recognition, with nearly 400 participants attending the event.
On behalf of the Romanian Association of Wood Processors, President Ciprian-Dumitru Muscă welcomed the participants, highlighting the role of active local communities that can develop by building on existing resources. In his speech, he also addressed future funding opportunities for the forestry sector.
Barna-Botond Bíró, president of the Harghita County Council, emphasized that in times of crisis every decision carries greater weight, and we cannot afford delays. As he stated, forests are one of Harghita County’s most important strategic reserves – part of our economic, energy, and community security.
– We do not need more money, but better, more responsible decisions. The foundation of sustainable management is trust, transparency, and dialogue. Only together can we ensure that forests create value today and for future generations as well – he added.
Deputy Prime Minister Barna Tánczos stated that forests are both a resource and a natural treasure that must be protected. Previous generations managed them by maintaining a balance between use and protection, and this remains crucial today. At the same time, he emphasized that amid rapid social and environmental changes, adaptation alone is not enough. As he said, forestry professionals, forest managers, and owners must explain, educate, build bridges between society and on-the-ground realities, and guide necessary changes.
From state institutions, George Gârbacea, chief inspector of the National Forest Guard, Gabriel-Simion Oltean, ministerial advisor at the Ministry of Environment, and Jean Vișan, the newly appointed general director of Romsilva, were also present.
The conference was structured around several thematic blocks, ranging from legal and ownership issues to economic and policy challenges, as well as sustainable forest management and addressing the impacts of climate change. Panel discussions placed particular emphasis on the role of local communities, changes in the regulatory environment, and the strategic importance of forests for the economy and energy supply.
The aim of the conference was once again to create dialogue among forest owners, professionals, and decision-makers, fostering joint thinking and the development of sustainable solutions. According to the organizers, such meetings play a key role in ensuring that professional experience and on-the-ground realities are reflected in decision-making.
The clear message of the event was that the future of forest management can only be built on cooperation, transparency, and responsible decision-making.
The event was initiated by the Harghita County Council and Deputy Prime Minister and Senator Barna Tánczos, organized by the Development Center and the Association of Forest Owners and Forest Managers of Székelyland (APAPET), in strategic partnership with the Romanian Association of Forest Managers (ASFOR) and the Association of Székely Farmers’ Organizations.
The conference is open to visitors until 5 PM. The detailed program can be viewed HERE.
Csíkszereda, March 27, 2026.
39 athletes received recognition based on results across multiple competition categories and disciplines
The Equestrian Gala of this year was held in a ceremonial setting on March 18 in Remetea, where equestrian athletes with outstanding performances in the 2025 competition season were awarded. The event, hosted at the Community House, was one of the prestigious gatherings of the county’s equestrian sport, placing athletes’ achievements at the center of attention.
The event was organized by the Harghita County Council, the Harghita County Council’s Rural Development Association, the Remetea Equestrian Club, and the Municipality of Remetea, with the aim of presenting and rewarding athletes’ performances.
Among those present were Lőrinc Nacsa, State Secretary for National Policy of Hungary, Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council, Marilena Mladin, President of the Romanian Equestrian Federation, Csaba Borboly, President of the Harghita County Council’s Rural Development Association, Elemér Laczkó-Albert, Mayor of Remetea, as well as representatives of equestrian sport at local and national level, coaches, athletes, and invited guests.
A total of 39 athletes received recognition during the Equestrian Gala, with awards granted based on results across several competition categories and disciplines. The recognitions were based on the First Harghita County Show Jumping Championship, the 10th Sekler Regional Show Jumping Championship, and the National Championship Final. In addition, outstanding athletes in dressage, eventing, carriage driving, and horse archery were also awarded.
As host, Elemér Laczkó-Albert, Mayor of Remetea, welcomed the participants, highlighting that the event is both a tribute to the past and a message for the future.
– The relationship between the horse and the Sekler people is not only a tradition but a heritage. The horse was once a working partner, a companion in labor, a comrade on the road, and often a symbol of freedom. Therefore, today is not only an award ceremony, but also pride, a tribute to our past, and a message to the future. The tradition lives on: not in museums, but on the field, in the saddle, and in people’s hearts and souls – emphasized the mayor.
Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council, underlined in his speech that equestrian sport is not merely competition, but a value system that teaches discipline, perseverance, and responsibility, and provides guidance for the community even in difficult times.
– When a young person chooses equestrian sport, they do not only choose a discipline, but enter an order. They learn how to move forward even when the path is difficult. A rider knows that when reaching difficult terrain, one should not speed up but slow down. This is not a sign of fear, but of responsibility: one must take care of both oneself and the horse, while keeping the goal in mind. This is a lesson for all of us: in difficult situations, we should not amplify the noise or rush, but slow down, focus on the goal, support each other, and make responsible decisions.
He also emphasized the importance of representing the community where decisions are made, both in Bucharest and Budapest, to ensure that decisions serve the interests of the community.
Marilena Mladin, President of the Romanian Equestrian Federation, stressed that the participants were not only attending a ceremonial event, but were part of a community where tradition is actively lived. As she noted, equestrian sport requires discipline, respect, and perseverance, and true performance is built through everyday work. She added that not only results are being celebrated, but also the invisible work and inner strength behind them, and that the future must be built together by strengthening one another.
Lőrinc Nacsa, State Secretary for National Policy of Hungary, highlighted the importance of equestrian traditions and communities, and announced that from March 23, 2026, the Secretariat for National Policy will launch the Carpathian Basin Equestrian Program.
– It is very important that Hungarians are a horse-riding nation, therefore it is a value for us to preserve our equestrian traditions and communities, and to give more and more people the opportunity to connect to them in some way. This is a targeted funding scheme specifically serving equestrian communities, and in recent years we have already seen its results: in young people, in performances, and in the successes coming from Sekler as well.
Every sporting achievement, every award, every such community event makes the entire Hungarian nation stronger – he emphasized.
Csaba Borboly, President of the Harghita County Council’s Rural Development Association, drew attention to the changing role of equestrian sport and its future opportunities.
– Many say that the horse is disappearing from the fields, but it is not the horse that is disappearing, rather the agricultural work carried out with horses is transforming. A quiet but profound transformation is underway, where the working horse is increasingly being replaced by sport, tourism, therapy, and heritage preservation. As he said, equestrian life has a future both in Europe and locally, and the opportunities must be seized and prepared for.
The message of Gyula Dallos, ministerial commissioner, was also read at the event, emphasizing that the horse is a symbol of freedom and unity for Hungarians living in the Carpathian Basin, praising the work of equestrian communities and the importance of the Carpathian Basin Equestrian Program, while wishing further success to the participants.
During the award ceremony, 39 athletes received recognition, reflecting the diversity and development of the county’s equestrian sport.
Awardees – Equestrian Gala 2026
- Sarolt Kolumbán – Astoria Horse Center – show jumping – First Harghita County Show Jumping Championship, Children I Criteria category (90 cm), 1st place – coach: Adél Lakatos
- Franciska Bindea – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – First Harghita County Show Jumping Championship, Children I Criteria category (90 cm), 2nd place; National Championship Final, Children Criteria category (90 cm), 4th place – coach: Sándor Balázs
- Daria Ilisan – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – First Harghita County Show Jumping Championship, Children I Criteria category (90 cm), 3rd place – coach: Sándor Balázs
- Boglárka Bodó – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – First Harghita County Show Jumping Championship, Amateur category (100 cm), 1st place – coach: Sándor Balázs
- Dominik Dombai – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – First Harghita County Show Jumping Championship, Amateur category (100 cm), 2nd place – coach: Sándor Balázs
- Zsófia Nyisztor – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – First Harghita County Show Jumping Championship, Amateur category (100 cm), 3rd place; 10th Sekler Regional Show Jumping Championship (100 cm), 3rd place – coach: Sándor Balázs
- Réka Korodi – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – First Harghita County Show Jumping Championship, Junior category (120 cm), 1st place; National Championship Final, Junior category (130 cm), 5th place – coach: Sándor Balázs
- Vanda Joó – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – First Harghita County Show Jumping Championship, Junior category (120 cm), 2nd place; National Championship Final, Junior category (130 cm), 12th place – coach: Sándor Balázs
- Edina Petréd – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – 10th Sekler Regional Show Jumping Championship (80 cm), 2nd place – coach: Sándor Balázs
- Bernadett Ladó – Csicser Riding Stable – show jumping – 10th Sekler Regional Show Jumping Championship (80 cm), 3rd place – coach: Ábel André
- Jázmin Kovács – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – 10th Sekler Regional Show Jumping Championship (100 cm), 1st place – coach: Sándor Balázs
- Emma Lakatos – Judo Hargita – show jumping – 10th Sekler Regional Show Jumping Championship (100 cm), 2nd place – coach: Dalma Gergely
- Gáspár Petréd – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – 10th Sekler Regional Show Jumping Championship (110 cm), 1st place; National Championship Final, Junior category (130 cm), 10th place; Children’s final (125 cm), 8th place – coach: Sándor Balázs
- Biborka Bocskai – Astoria Horse Center – show jumping – National Championship Final, Junior Elite category (130 cm), 6th place
- Réka Ilyés – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – National Championship Final, Children Criteria category (90 cm), 23rd place – coach: Sándor Balázs
- Leila Szabó – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – Danube Champions Tour, international amateur category (110 cm), 1st place – coach: Sándor Balázs
- Kriszta Kádár – Táltos Equestrian Yard – dressage – Harghita County Dressage Championship, 1st place
- Virág Bartus – Septimia Sports Club – dressage, eventing – Harghita County Dressage Championship, 2nd place; Harghita County Eventing Championship, Prenovice category, 3rd place
- Csaba Hegyi – Táltos Equestrian Yard – dressage – Harghita County Dressage Championship, 3rd place
- Eszter Gábos – Katowice Association – eventing – Harghita County Eventing Championship, Novice Junior category, 1st place
- Katalin Ferencz – Kavalliera Association – eventing – Harghita County Eventing Championship, Prenovice category, 1st place
- Ernő Fejér – Kavalliera Association – eventing – Harghita County Eventing Championship, Prenovice category, 2nd place
- Tibor Bajkó and Ildikó Bajkó – Krigel Sports Club – carriage driving – Romanian Carriage Driving Championship, outstanding results
- László Orosz and István Benedek – Krigel Sports Club – carriage driving – Romanian Carriage Driving Championship, outstanding results
- Romeó Lőrincz – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Adult men’s category, 1st place
- Csongor Bakos – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Adult men’s category, 2nd place
- Levente Karácsony – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Adult men’s category, 3rd place
- Boglárka Bakó – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Adult women’s category, 1st place
- Nóra Török – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Adult women’s category, 2nd place
- Márton Albert – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Youth men’s category, 1st place
- Koppány Csiky Dácz – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Youth men’s category, 2nd place
- Ivett Csiszér – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Youth women’s category, 1st place
- Bernadett Bodor – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Youth women’s category, 2nd place
- Ármin Magor Rácz – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Children boys’ category, 1st place
- Tamás Kovács – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Children boys’ category, 2nd place
- Domán Szalontai – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Children boys’ category, 3rd place
- Virág Lőrincz – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Children girls’ category, 1st place
- Biborka Mátyás Ambrus – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Children girls’ category, 2nd place
- Dorka András – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Children girls’ category, 3rd place
Remetea, March 19, 2026.
The representative of the Embassy of Norway in Romania was received by Bíró Barna-Botond
Tor Martin Møller, representative of the Embassy of Norway in Romania, was received on March 18 by Bíró Barna-Botond, President of the Harghita County Council, at the temporary headquarters of the County Council.
During the meeting, they discussed the directions of regional development, cross-border cooperation, as well as the role of education, youth, and cultural development in building a strong community. Such meetings provide an opportunity for the exchange of experience and for strengthening our international relations, for the benefit of our communities – stated Bíró Barna-Botond.
Farm gates open: the Open Farm program is launched
The Open Farm program, designed to showcase local producers, farms, and food processors, offers a new opportunity for those who wish to gain a closer understanding of the journey of local food, the daily life of rural communities, and the values of sustainable farming.
The Harghita Community Development Association officially presented the Open Farm program and its participants on May 26 at Timian Chalet in Ciaracio. The initiative aims to enable local farms and food-processing units to receive visitors in an organized and safe manner. Participating units open their gates to visitors upon prior registration, allowing them to observe daily farming activities and food production processes up close.
The program places strong emphasis on providing a high-quality visitor experience, as well as ensuring appropriate hygiene and safety conditions. Beyond knowledge-sharing, it also serves a community-building purpose by strengthening the connection between local producers and consumers, while contributing to the promotion of the region’s gastronomic and agri-tourism values.
Participants are also partners in the Open Farm weekends organized twice a year, during which farms welcome visitors with special programs, demonstrations, and tastings. The first Open Farm weekend will take place between May 29 and June 1, 2026. During the four-day event, farms across multiple locations will open their gates to visitors. The second weekend will be held on September 25–26, 2026.
The launch of Open Farm is closely linked to Harghita County’s preparation for holding the title of European Region of Gastronomy 2027, and represents an important milestone in the process of presenting the region’s gastronomic and cultural values in a coordinated and unified way, both nationally and internationally.
A total of 46 entrepreneurs applied to the program, of which 33 met the Open Farm criteria. Károly Szabó, Executive Director of the Harghita Community Development Association, which developed and coordinates the initiative, stated:
“By capitalizing on the awarded title, we continue to develop the county’s tourism offer and systematically integrate into the tourism circuit those places that can most authentically tell our story—the journey of food from producer to consumer.”
Further information, the Open Farm weekend program, and the list of participating farms are available on the Visit Harghita platforms.
European Region of Gastronomy
European Regions of Gastronomy (candidates and award holders), selected and managed by IGCAT, aim to contribute to improving the quality of life of their citizens by raising awareness of the importance of cultural and gastronomic uniqueness, while also:
• encouraging creativity and gastronomic innovation,
• providing intellectual nourishment to children and adults through culinary education,
• improving the standards of sustainable tourism,
• strengthening circular economies in both urban and rural environments,
• supporting the well-being and health of communities and the environment.
IGCAT provides the award with the support of international and European institutions. Regions also join the global platform of awarded and candidate Gastronomic Regions to foster long-term benefits, increase international visibility, and support knowledge exchange.
The European Region of Gastronomy title recognizes communities (cities, counties, regions, islands, or countries) that place strong emphasis on their gastronomic heritage within a framework of sustainable development and community cooperation. Preserving and protecting local foods, beverages, agricultural products, as well as cultural and natural assets, is a key priority.
The title is a recognition that widely promotes the achievements, programs, community cooperation, and responses to future challenges of the given region; however, it does not include a financial prize.
Members of the Harghita County consortium:
• Harghita County Council
• Harghita Community Development Association
• Miercurea Ciuc City Hall
• Odorheiu Secuiesc City Hall
• Gheorgheni City Hall
• Association of Székely Farmers’ Organizations
• Sapientia Hungarian University of Transylvania, Faculty of Miercurea Ciuc
• Páva KulinarIQum Association
• Boro Info
• Honline Media (Székely Konyha és Kert)
• Association of Ciuc Hospitality Providers
• Pro Economica Foundation
Strengthening the social economy across Europe through mutual cooperation and development
The international SECON project, aimed at supporting the integration of people living in poverty and vulnerable groups, as well as significantly strengthening the social economy, includes Harghita County Council among its partners.
Project partners met between April 21–24 in Mannheim, Germany, where they explored good practices and, during roundtable discussions, formulated recommendations to raise awareness and strengthen the legal framework and the role of the social economy.
Harghita County was represented at the meeting by Melinda Szebeni, assistant manager of the working group from the County Council, along with representatives of the involved partner organizations: Cristian Gligor from the Pro Siculi Intercommunity Development Association in Miercurea Ciuc, and Árpád Csiszér from the Right Association, also based in Miercurea Ciuc.
As a good practice example, participants visited an institution that provides training for individuals who have dropped out of school. This training model is highly effective, with a success rate of 95–97%.
During the roundtable discussions, partners concluded that greater visibility is needed for the social economy and examples of best practices, along with the creation of a unified legal framework at EU level and the inclusion of vulnerable groups. Furthermore, the role of the social economy should be significantly strengthened so that it becomes a key, defining part of the economy, broadly contributing to the functioning and well-being of society. Achieving these goals requires raising awareness and developing the necessary competencies.
Partners also agreed on the need to introduce a European certification, establish an EU-level database, harmonize legislation to facilitate partnerships between Member States, and allocate more substantial public funding to the social economy. As summarized, these would represent the priorities for stabilizing the social economy over the next twenty years.
The SECON – Social Economy: Supporting Regional Policies for Social Economy Enterprises project aims to promote knowledge exchange through regional and interregional learning activities, as well as through the development of studies and reports. It supports participating regions in improving relevant policy instruments, fostering an environment conducive to the growth of the social economy, with particular focus on rural areas. The project is funded by the Interreg Europe programme.
Miercurea Ciuc, May 6, 2026.
International partnership for the development of vocational education
In Harghita County, special attention is given to ErasmusPro mobility programmes for beneficiaries. This is also the main objective of the AVETE project, which promotes international cooperation between vocational education and training providers, leaders of various industries, and decision-makers, as well as policy dialogue.
Harghita County Council is a partner in the project. Thanks to the mobility programme, this year local students will undertake professional internships in Slovakia, while Harghita County will host participants from Serbia.
Project partners met in Dunajská Streda, Slovakia, between April 26–29, during which they evaluated project activities, best practices identified during implementation, and the tasks to be carried out. Harghita County Council was represented by project manager Tamás Tankó and local mentor Melinda Szebeni.
During the study visit, educational institutions and innovative teaching methods were presented, along with company visits and vocational training sites, where examples of private sector involvement in vocational education were examined, and the importance of integrating practical skills into training programmes was emphasized.
In addition, participants discussed new funding opportunities available under EU programmes and transnational cooperation possibilities.
Members of the delegation confirmed that the study visit was highly useful for expanding knowledge related to the implementation of ErasmusPro mobility programmes, identifying good practices, strengthening international relations, increasing institutional capacity in education and vocational training, and facilitating the transfer of know-how between educational institutions and the economic sector. All of this contributes to improving the quality of education and training programmes in Harghita County.
The AVETE – Alliance for Vocational Excellence project, funded by Erasmus+, aims to develop mobility and training opportunities in tourism-related vocational education. A key objective of the project is to ensure the long-term sustainability of the ErasmusPro programme and to promote professional mobility, as well as to strengthen the capacity of vocational education.
Miercurea Ciuc, May 6, 2026.
Professional meeting and awareness campaign within the SAFETY4TMF project
What to do in the event of a disaster?
The annual evaluation and professional day of the Harghita County Volunteer Firefighters Association was held in Vlăhița, which also included an information campaign and project presentation within the framework of the European Union–funded SAFETY4TMF project.
The strategic partner of Harghita County Council in the project is the Harghita County Volunteer Firefighters Association, which plays an active role in implementing project activities and engaging local communities. The meeting provided an opportunity to evaluate the volunteer firefighters’ activities over the past year, as well as to present ongoing initiatives. The event brought together volunteer firefighters, representatives of the professional emergency response services, and local government representatives, who jointly discussed key issues related to effective intervention and the management of various emergency situations.
As part of the programme, one of the key publications from the fifth phase of the SAFETY4TMF project’s public awareness campaign was presented: the guide entitled “What to do? – In the event of a tailings dam accident.” The publication provides practical information on how to respond in case of an incident involving a mining tailings facility, offering guidance for quick and appropriate action.
The participating volunteer firefighters received first-hand professional information, which is particularly important as they are often the first responders at disaster sites and play a crucial role in informing the public and carrying out initial interventions.
The event also provided an opportunity to strengthen professional cooperation, review relevant legislation and regulations, and lay the groundwork for future joint actions.
Participants emphasized the importance of prevention, preparedness, and effective inter-institutional cooperation in managing risks affecting the region.
The publication is available here: https://hargitamegye.ro/mit-tegyunk-katasztrofa-eseten/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Miercurea Ciuc, April 27, 2026.
Free digital training courses are being launched in libraries in Harghita County through the “Digital STARS” programme
Free digital competence development training will be provided to the public through several libraries in Harghita County, coordinated by the “Kájoni János” County Library, within the framework of the “Digital STARS” programme. The programme is funded by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) and aims to transform county libraries into modern digital knowledge and community development centres.
Within the programme, free digital training courses are available to a wide range of the population, including older adults, young people, job seekers, recent graduates, social assistance beneficiaries, and anyone who wishes to improve their digital skills and use computers or smart devices with greater confidence.
Participants can acquire practical skills in areas such as online communication, CV writing, job searching, bill payments, as well as the use of e-government services and online public administration platforms.
Gyulai Arthur, director of the county library, emphasized that the knowledge gained during the training can be directly applied in everyday life and on the labour market. At the end of the programme, participants receive an officially recognized certificate issued by the competent authorities, which increases their employment opportunities.
The training sessions are organized with a flexible schedule on weekdays between 8:00 and 16:00, and if necessary until 18:00. The curriculum is adapted to participants’ skill levels, and individual preparation is also available upon request. Sessions are accessible both online and in person, using either the libraries’ IT equipment or participants’ own devices.
The implementation sites of the project include the “Kájoni János” County Library in Miercurea Ciuc, the Municipal Library of Odorheiu Secuiesc, the Municipal Library of Gheorgheni, the “George Sbârcea” Municipal Library in Toplița, as well as the towns of Băile Tușnad, Borsec, Cristuru Secuiesc, and Vlăhița, and numerous communes including Atid, Bilbor, Căpâlnița, Cârța, Ciceu, Ciumani, Corund, Cozmeni, Dănești, Dealu, Ditrău, Galăuțaș, Joseni, Lăzarea, Lueta, Lunca de Jos, Lunca de Sus, Merești, Mihăileni, Ocland, Păuleni-Ciuc, Remetea, Românași, Sâncrăieni, Sândominic, Sărmaș, Sânmartin, Sânsimion, Suseni, Satu Mare, Siculeni, Șimonești, Tulgheș, and Vărșag.
Interested persons may register in person at the “Kájoni János” County Library, by phone at 0266 371 988 or 0755 341 312, by email at [email protected], or directly at the local libraries.
The initiative is implemented under the PNRR framework and aims to strengthen digital competences and enhance the community role of libraries. Upon successful completion of the training, participants receive a certificate recognized by ADR.
Bíró Barna-Botond, President of Harghita County Council, emphasized that the library is the centre of knowledge, a meeting place of ideas and communities.
– Whether in the form of printed books or digital resources, the library remains a fundamental space for education, culture, and personal development. Last year we took an important step in the life of the county library by purchasing the building where it operates, and through the PNRR-funded project we are contributing to turning county libraries into centres for the development of digital skills. I would like to thank librarians for their key role in preserving and promoting culture – he stated on the occasion of Librarians’ Day, celebrated every year on April 23.
Miercurea Ciuc, April 23, 2026.
Digital tools and innovative methods in entrepreneurship education – the 4th stakeholder meeting of the SEE project was successfully held
The Harghita County Council organized the 4th stakeholder meeting of the “SEE – Sustainable Entrepreneurship Education” project on March 31, 2026, in Miercurea Ciuc, at the Kájoni János County Library, focusing on the development and application of digital tools, games, and innovative educational methods.
The event is part of the SEE project implemented within the international Interreg Europe programme, which aims to develop regional policies supporting entrepreneurship education, with a special focus on youth skills development, the use of digital tools, and strengthening sustainability. Seven European regions are cooperating in the project, including Harghita County.
During the meeting, the current status of the project was presented, followed by the introduction of good practices identified during the study visit to Italy in January 2026. These innovative approaches – such as gamification, experiential learning, and hands-on experience – effectively support the development of young people’s entrepreneurial skills.
Within the framework of the event, participants also discussed the international meeting to be held in Poland in June 2026, focusing mainly on the selection of transferable good practices.
Special attention was given to the role of digital tools and game-based learning methods, as well as educational models that develop creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, and an entrepreneurial mindset. Participants also gained first-hand experience of the advantages of interactive, experiential learning by trying out the “LEADER board game.”
At the meeting, the Spektrum Educational Center, as a stakeholder, also presented the Ecopreneurs project, which aims to develop a sustainable entrepreneurial mindset. As part of the presentation, the educational game called “Eco Isle” was introduced, which innovatively supports the joint development of environmentally conscious thinking and entrepreneurial skills.
The aim of the SEE project is to contribute in the long term to strengthening young people’s entrepreneurial mindset, as well as to modernizing regional education and development policies. The project runs from 2024 to 2028 and places particular emphasis on the development of 21st-century skills, digital competences, and sustainable thinking.
The current meeting once again confirmed the importance of international cooperation and the exchange of good practices in preparing the entrepreneurs of the future.
Miercurea Ciuc, March 31, 2026.
The stake is the future of our forests
A national-level professional conference for forest owners and forest managers in Csíkszereda
For the fourth time, the Conference of Forest Managers and Forest Owners was organized on Friday, March 27. Nearly four hundred participants attended the professional panel discussions at the Erőss Zsolt Arena in Csíkszereda.
Attila Korodi, mayor of Csíkszereda, emphasized in his speech that the unconventional venue carries symbolic meaning, as Zsolt Erőss’s life was closely connected to the mountains, to the living environment in which we all reside. He added that the conference can serve as an important platform contributing significantly to the preparation of decisions.
Árpád Cilip, head of the Development Center, stated that they trust participants will be able to use the knowledge gained and the connections established at the conference throughout the year in their work.
Előd Melles, executive president of the Association of Forest Owners and Forest Managers of Székelyland, said that the role of forests is gaining importance on a global scale, representing at once a natural value, an economic resource, and one of the most important expressions of responsibility toward future generations.
Levente Porzsolt, president of the association, emphasized the need for joint thinking through professional dialogue, such as the conference held on Friday. In his speech, he recalled that while the professional conference started four years ago with 150 participants, it has now gained national recognition, with nearly 400 participants attending the event.
On behalf of the Romanian Association of Wood Processors, President Ciprian-Dumitru Muscă welcomed the participants, highlighting the role of active local communities that can develop by building on existing resources. In his speech, he also addressed future funding opportunities for the forestry sector.
Barna-Botond Bíró, president of the Harghita County Council, emphasized that in times of crisis every decision carries greater weight, and we cannot afford delays. As he stated, forests are one of Harghita County’s most important strategic reserves – part of our economic, energy, and community security.
– We do not need more money, but better, more responsible decisions. The foundation of sustainable management is trust, transparency, and dialogue. Only together can we ensure that forests create value today and for future generations as well – he added.
Deputy Prime Minister Barna Tánczos stated that forests are both a resource and a natural treasure that must be protected. Previous generations managed them by maintaining a balance between use and protection, and this remains crucial today. At the same time, he emphasized that amid rapid social and environmental changes, adaptation alone is not enough. As he said, forestry professionals, forest managers, and owners must explain, educate, build bridges between society and on-the-ground realities, and guide necessary changes.
From state institutions, George Gârbacea, chief inspector of the National Forest Guard, Gabriel-Simion Oltean, ministerial advisor at the Ministry of Environment, and Jean Vișan, the newly appointed general director of Romsilva, were also present.
The conference was structured around several thematic blocks, ranging from legal and ownership issues to economic and policy challenges, as well as sustainable forest management and addressing the impacts of climate change. Panel discussions placed particular emphasis on the role of local communities, changes in the regulatory environment, and the strategic importance of forests for the economy and energy supply.
The aim of the conference was once again to create dialogue among forest owners, professionals, and decision-makers, fostering joint thinking and the development of sustainable solutions. According to the organizers, such meetings play a key role in ensuring that professional experience and on-the-ground realities are reflected in decision-making.
The clear message of the event was that the future of forest management can only be built on cooperation, transparency, and responsible decision-making.
The event was initiated by the Harghita County Council and Deputy Prime Minister and Senator Barna Tánczos, organized by the Development Center and the Association of Forest Owners and Forest Managers of Székelyland (APAPET), in strategic partnership with the Romanian Association of Forest Managers (ASFOR) and the Association of Székely Farmers’ Organizations.
The conference is open to visitors until 5 PM. The detailed program can be viewed HERE.
Csíkszereda, March 27, 2026.
39 athletes received recognition based on results across multiple competition categories and disciplines
The Equestrian Gala of this year was held in a ceremonial setting on March 18 in Remetea, where equestrian athletes with outstanding performances in the 2025 competition season were awarded. The event, hosted at the Community House, was one of the prestigious gatherings of the county’s equestrian sport, placing athletes’ achievements at the center of attention.
The event was organized by the Harghita County Council, the Harghita County Council’s Rural Development Association, the Remetea Equestrian Club, and the Municipality of Remetea, with the aim of presenting and rewarding athletes’ performances.
Among those present were Lőrinc Nacsa, State Secretary for National Policy of Hungary, Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council, Marilena Mladin, President of the Romanian Equestrian Federation, Csaba Borboly, President of the Harghita County Council’s Rural Development Association, Elemér Laczkó-Albert, Mayor of Remetea, as well as representatives of equestrian sport at local and national level, coaches, athletes, and invited guests.
A total of 39 athletes received recognition during the Equestrian Gala, with awards granted based on results across several competition categories and disciplines. The recognitions were based on the First Harghita County Show Jumping Championship, the 10th Sekler Regional Show Jumping Championship, and the National Championship Final. In addition, outstanding athletes in dressage, eventing, carriage driving, and horse archery were also awarded.
As host, Elemér Laczkó-Albert, Mayor of Remetea, welcomed the participants, highlighting that the event is both a tribute to the past and a message for the future.
– The relationship between the horse and the Sekler people is not only a tradition but a heritage. The horse was once a working partner, a companion in labor, a comrade on the road, and often a symbol of freedom. Therefore, today is not only an award ceremony, but also pride, a tribute to our past, and a message to the future. The tradition lives on: not in museums, but on the field, in the saddle, and in people’s hearts and souls – emphasized the mayor.
Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council, underlined in his speech that equestrian sport is not merely competition, but a value system that teaches discipline, perseverance, and responsibility, and provides guidance for the community even in difficult times.
– When a young person chooses equestrian sport, they do not only choose a discipline, but enter an order. They learn how to move forward even when the path is difficult. A rider knows that when reaching difficult terrain, one should not speed up but slow down. This is not a sign of fear, but of responsibility: one must take care of both oneself and the horse, while keeping the goal in mind. This is a lesson for all of us: in difficult situations, we should not amplify the noise or rush, but slow down, focus on the goal, support each other, and make responsible decisions.
He also emphasized the importance of representing the community where decisions are made, both in Bucharest and Budapest, to ensure that decisions serve the interests of the community.
Marilena Mladin, President of the Romanian Equestrian Federation, stressed that the participants were not only attending a ceremonial event, but were part of a community where tradition is actively lived. As she noted, equestrian sport requires discipline, respect, and perseverance, and true performance is built through everyday work. She added that not only results are being celebrated, but also the invisible work and inner strength behind them, and that the future must be built together by strengthening one another.
Lőrinc Nacsa, State Secretary for National Policy of Hungary, highlighted the importance of equestrian traditions and communities, and announced that from March 23, 2026, the Secretariat for National Policy will launch the Carpathian Basin Equestrian Program.
– It is very important that Hungarians are a horse-riding nation, therefore it is a value for us to preserve our equestrian traditions and communities, and to give more and more people the opportunity to connect to them in some way. This is a targeted funding scheme specifically serving equestrian communities, and in recent years we have already seen its results: in young people, in performances, and in the successes coming from Sekler as well.
Every sporting achievement, every award, every such community event makes the entire Hungarian nation stronger – he emphasized.
Csaba Borboly, President of the Harghita County Council’s Rural Development Association, drew attention to the changing role of equestrian sport and its future opportunities.
– Many say that the horse is disappearing from the fields, but it is not the horse that is disappearing, rather the agricultural work carried out with horses is transforming. A quiet but profound transformation is underway, where the working horse is increasingly being replaced by sport, tourism, therapy, and heritage preservation. As he said, equestrian life has a future both in Europe and locally, and the opportunities must be seized and prepared for.
The message of Gyula Dallos, ministerial commissioner, was also read at the event, emphasizing that the horse is a symbol of freedom and unity for Hungarians living in the Carpathian Basin, praising the work of equestrian communities and the importance of the Carpathian Basin Equestrian Program, while wishing further success to the participants.
During the award ceremony, 39 athletes received recognition, reflecting the diversity and development of the county’s equestrian sport.
Awardees – Equestrian Gala 2026
- Sarolt Kolumbán – Astoria Horse Center – show jumping – First Harghita County Show Jumping Championship, Children I Criteria category (90 cm), 1st place – coach: Adél Lakatos
- Franciska Bindea – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – First Harghita County Show Jumping Championship, Children I Criteria category (90 cm), 2nd place; National Championship Final, Children Criteria category (90 cm), 4th place – coach: Sándor Balázs
- Daria Ilisan – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – First Harghita County Show Jumping Championship, Children I Criteria category (90 cm), 3rd place – coach: Sándor Balázs
- Boglárka Bodó – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – First Harghita County Show Jumping Championship, Amateur category (100 cm), 1st place – coach: Sándor Balázs
- Dominik Dombai – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – First Harghita County Show Jumping Championship, Amateur category (100 cm), 2nd place – coach: Sándor Balázs
- Zsófia Nyisztor – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – First Harghita County Show Jumping Championship, Amateur category (100 cm), 3rd place; 10th Sekler Regional Show Jumping Championship (100 cm), 3rd place – coach: Sándor Balázs
- Réka Korodi – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – First Harghita County Show Jumping Championship, Junior category (120 cm), 1st place; National Championship Final, Junior category (130 cm), 5th place – coach: Sándor Balázs
- Vanda Joó – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – First Harghita County Show Jumping Championship, Junior category (120 cm), 2nd place; National Championship Final, Junior category (130 cm), 12th place – coach: Sándor Balázs
- Edina Petréd – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – 10th Sekler Regional Show Jumping Championship (80 cm), 2nd place – coach: Sándor Balázs
- Bernadett Ladó – Csicser Riding Stable – show jumping – 10th Sekler Regional Show Jumping Championship (80 cm), 3rd place – coach: Ábel André
- Jázmin Kovács – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – 10th Sekler Regional Show Jumping Championship (100 cm), 1st place – coach: Sándor Balázs
- Emma Lakatos – Judo Hargita – show jumping – 10th Sekler Regional Show Jumping Championship (100 cm), 2nd place – coach: Dalma Gergely
- Gáspár Petréd – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – 10th Sekler Regional Show Jumping Championship (110 cm), 1st place; National Championship Final, Junior category (130 cm), 10th place; Children’s final (125 cm), 8th place – coach: Sándor Balázs
- Biborka Bocskai – Astoria Horse Center – show jumping – National Championship Final, Junior Elite category (130 cm), 6th place
- Réka Ilyés – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – National Championship Final, Children Criteria category (90 cm), 23rd place – coach: Sándor Balázs
- Leila Szabó – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – Danube Champions Tour, international amateur category (110 cm), 1st place – coach: Sándor Balázs
- Kriszta Kádár – Táltos Equestrian Yard – dressage – Harghita County Dressage Championship, 1st place
- Virág Bartus – Septimia Sports Club – dressage, eventing – Harghita County Dressage Championship, 2nd place; Harghita County Eventing Championship, Prenovice category, 3rd place
- Csaba Hegyi – Táltos Equestrian Yard – dressage – Harghita County Dressage Championship, 3rd place
- Eszter Gábos – Katowice Association – eventing – Harghita County Eventing Championship, Novice Junior category, 1st place
- Katalin Ferencz – Kavalliera Association – eventing – Harghita County Eventing Championship, Prenovice category, 1st place
- Ernő Fejér – Kavalliera Association – eventing – Harghita County Eventing Championship, Prenovice category, 2nd place
- Tibor Bajkó and Ildikó Bajkó – Krigel Sports Club – carriage driving – Romanian Carriage Driving Championship, outstanding results
- László Orosz and István Benedek – Krigel Sports Club – carriage driving – Romanian Carriage Driving Championship, outstanding results
- Romeó Lőrincz – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Adult men’s category, 1st place
- Csongor Bakos – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Adult men’s category, 2nd place
- Levente Karácsony – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Adult men’s category, 3rd place
- Boglárka Bakó – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Adult women’s category, 1st place
- Nóra Török – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Adult women’s category, 2nd place
- Márton Albert – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Youth men’s category, 1st place
- Koppány Csiky Dácz – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Youth men’s category, 2nd place
- Ivett Csiszér – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Youth women’s category, 1st place
- Bernadett Bodor – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Youth women’s category, 2nd place
- Ármin Magor Rácz – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Children boys’ category, 1st place
- Tamás Kovács – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Children boys’ category, 2nd place
- Domán Szalontai – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Children boys’ category, 3rd place
- Virág Lőrincz – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Children girls’ category, 1st place
- Biborka Mátyás Ambrus – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Children girls’ category, 2nd place
- Dorka András – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Children girls’ category, 3rd place
Remetea, March 19, 2026.
The representative of the Embassy of Norway in Romania was received by Bíró Barna-Botond
Tor Martin Møller, representative of the Embassy of Norway in Romania, was received on March 18 by Bíró Barna-Botond, President of the Harghita County Council, at the temporary headquarters of the County Council.
During the meeting, they discussed the directions of regional development, cross-border cooperation, as well as the role of education, youth, and cultural development in building a strong community. Such meetings provide an opportunity for the exchange of experience and for strengthening our international relations, for the benefit of our communities – stated Bíró Barna-Botond.
The Harghita County delegation explored best practices of dual education in Slovenia
Within the framework of the Erasmus+ EASI project, they studied methods that can support the more effective preparation of young people for the labour market in Harghita County. Participants examined the functioning of dual education in automotive, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and innovation companies, as well as in vocational education institutions.
Between 15–18 June 2026, representatives of the Harghita County Council took part in a study visit to Slovenia under the Erasmus+ funded EASI (Enhancing Assessment Skills of In-company Tutors Hosting International Students for Improved Work-based Learning Evaluation) project, hosted by the Šolski Center Novo mesto.
During the professional programme, participants gained insight into the Slovenian vocational education system and became familiar with best practices that foster cooperation between educational institutions and economic actors. As part of the study visit, they explored the operations and training collaborations of Adria Mobil, Krka d.d., the Rudolfovo Science Center, GRM – Secondary School Center of Biotechnology and Tourism & Agricultural School, as well as the Colnar company.
The visits focused on work-based learning, dual education, the role of in-company mentors, and methods for assessing competencies acquired during practical training.
The study visit provided an opportunity for international exchange of experience, learning about innovative educational models, and strengthening professional connections that can contribute in the long term to improving the quality of vocational education and enhancing young people’s labour market readiness in Harghita County.
The mobility was co-financed by the European Union under the Erasmus+ programme.
The Harghita County delegation explored best practices of dual education in Slovenia
Within the framework of the Erasmus+ EASI project, they studied methods that can support the more effective preparation of young people for the labour market in Harghita County. Participants examined the functioning of dual education in automotive, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and innovation companies, as well as in vocational education institutions.
Between 15–18 June 2026, representatives of the Harghita County Council took part in a study visit to Slovenia under the Erasmus+ funded EASI (Enhancing Assessment Skills of In-company Tutors Hosting International Students for Improved Work-based Learning Evaluation) project, hosted by the Šolski Center Novo mesto.
During the professional programme, participants gained insight into the Slovenian vocational education system and became familiar with best practices that foster cooperation between educational institutions and economic actors. As part of the study visit, they explored the operations and training collaborations of Adria Mobil, Krka d.d., the Rudolfovo Science Center, GRM – Secondary School Center of Biotechnology and Tourism & Agricultural School, as well as the Colnar company.
The visits focused on work-based learning, dual education, the role of in-company mentors, and methods for assessing competencies acquired during practical training.
The study visit provided an opportunity for international exchange of experience, learning about innovative educational models, and strengthening professional connections that can contribute in the long term to improving the quality of vocational education and enhancing young people’s labour market readiness in Harghita County.
The mobility was co-financed by the European Union under the Erasmus+ programme.
Farm gates open: the Open Farm program is launched
The Open Farm program, designed to showcase local producers, farms, and food processors, offers a new opportunity for those who wish to gain a closer understanding of the journey of local food, the daily life of rural communities, and the values of sustainable farming.
The Harghita Community Development Association officially presented the Open Farm program and its participants on May 26 at Timian Chalet in Ciaracio. The initiative aims to enable local farms and food-processing units to receive visitors in an organized and safe manner. Participating units open their gates to visitors upon prior registration, allowing them to observe daily farming activities and food production processes up close.
The program places strong emphasis on providing a high-quality visitor experience, as well as ensuring appropriate hygiene and safety conditions. Beyond knowledge-sharing, it also serves a community-building purpose by strengthening the connection between local producers and consumers, while contributing to the promotion of the region’s gastronomic and agri-tourism values.
Participants are also partners in the Open Farm weekends organized twice a year, during which farms welcome visitors with special programs, demonstrations, and tastings. The first Open Farm weekend will take place between May 29 and June 1, 2026. During the four-day event, farms across multiple locations will open their gates to visitors. The second weekend will be held on September 25–26, 2026.
The launch of Open Farm is closely linked to Harghita County’s preparation for holding the title of European Region of Gastronomy 2027, and represents an important milestone in the process of presenting the region’s gastronomic and cultural values in a coordinated and unified way, both nationally and internationally.
A total of 46 entrepreneurs applied to the program, of which 33 met the Open Farm criteria. Károly Szabó, Executive Director of the Harghita Community Development Association, which developed and coordinates the initiative, stated:
“By capitalizing on the awarded title, we continue to develop the county’s tourism offer and systematically integrate into the tourism circuit those places that can most authentically tell our story—the journey of food from producer to consumer.”
Further information, the Open Farm weekend program, and the list of participating farms are available on the Visit Harghita platforms.
European Region of Gastronomy
European Regions of Gastronomy (candidates and award holders), selected and managed by IGCAT, aim to contribute to improving the quality of life of their citizens by raising awareness of the importance of cultural and gastronomic uniqueness, while also:
• encouraging creativity and gastronomic innovation,
• providing intellectual nourishment to children and adults through culinary education,
• improving the standards of sustainable tourism,
• strengthening circular economies in both urban and rural environments,
• supporting the well-being and health of communities and the environment.
IGCAT provides the award with the support of international and European institutions. Regions also join the global platform of awarded and candidate Gastronomic Regions to foster long-term benefits, increase international visibility, and support knowledge exchange.
The European Region of Gastronomy title recognizes communities (cities, counties, regions, islands, or countries) that place strong emphasis on their gastronomic heritage within a framework of sustainable development and community cooperation. Preserving and protecting local foods, beverages, agricultural products, as well as cultural and natural assets, is a key priority.
The title is a recognition that widely promotes the achievements, programs, community cooperation, and responses to future challenges of the given region; however, it does not include a financial prize.
Members of the Harghita County consortium:
• Harghita County Council
• Harghita Community Development Association
• Miercurea Ciuc City Hall
• Odorheiu Secuiesc City Hall
• Gheorgheni City Hall
• Association of Székely Farmers’ Organizations
• Sapientia Hungarian University of Transylvania, Faculty of Miercurea Ciuc
• Páva KulinarIQum Association
• Boro Info
• Honline Media (Székely Konyha és Kert)
• Association of Ciuc Hospitality Providers
• Pro Economica Foundation
Strengthening the social economy across Europe through mutual cooperation and development
The international SECON project, aimed at supporting the integration of people living in poverty and vulnerable groups, as well as significantly strengthening the social economy, includes Harghita County Council among its partners.
Project partners met between April 21–24 in Mannheim, Germany, where they explored good practices and, during roundtable discussions, formulated recommendations to raise awareness and strengthen the legal framework and the role of the social economy.
Harghita County was represented at the meeting by Melinda Szebeni, assistant manager of the working group from the County Council, along with representatives of the involved partner organizations: Cristian Gligor from the Pro Siculi Intercommunity Development Association in Miercurea Ciuc, and Árpád Csiszér from the Right Association, also based in Miercurea Ciuc.
As a good practice example, participants visited an institution that provides training for individuals who have dropped out of school. This training model is highly effective, with a success rate of 95–97%.
During the roundtable discussions, partners concluded that greater visibility is needed for the social economy and examples of best practices, along with the creation of a unified legal framework at EU level and the inclusion of vulnerable groups. Furthermore, the role of the social economy should be significantly strengthened so that it becomes a key, defining part of the economy, broadly contributing to the functioning and well-being of society. Achieving these goals requires raising awareness and developing the necessary competencies.
Partners also agreed on the need to introduce a European certification, establish an EU-level database, harmonize legislation to facilitate partnerships between Member States, and allocate more substantial public funding to the social economy. As summarized, these would represent the priorities for stabilizing the social economy over the next twenty years.
The SECON – Social Economy: Supporting Regional Policies for Social Economy Enterprises project aims to promote knowledge exchange through regional and interregional learning activities, as well as through the development of studies and reports. It supports participating regions in improving relevant policy instruments, fostering an environment conducive to the growth of the social economy, with particular focus on rural areas. The project is funded by the Interreg Europe programme.
Miercurea Ciuc, May 6, 2026.
International partnership for the development of vocational education
In Harghita County, special attention is given to ErasmusPro mobility programmes for beneficiaries. This is also the main objective of the AVETE project, which promotes international cooperation between vocational education and training providers, leaders of various industries, and decision-makers, as well as policy dialogue.
Harghita County Council is a partner in the project. Thanks to the mobility programme, this year local students will undertake professional internships in Slovakia, while Harghita County will host participants from Serbia.
Project partners met in Dunajská Streda, Slovakia, between April 26–29, during which they evaluated project activities, best practices identified during implementation, and the tasks to be carried out. Harghita County Council was represented by project manager Tamás Tankó and local mentor Melinda Szebeni.
During the study visit, educational institutions and innovative teaching methods were presented, along with company visits and vocational training sites, where examples of private sector involvement in vocational education were examined, and the importance of integrating practical skills into training programmes was emphasized.
In addition, participants discussed new funding opportunities available under EU programmes and transnational cooperation possibilities.
Members of the delegation confirmed that the study visit was highly useful for expanding knowledge related to the implementation of ErasmusPro mobility programmes, identifying good practices, strengthening international relations, increasing institutional capacity in education and vocational training, and facilitating the transfer of know-how between educational institutions and the economic sector. All of this contributes to improving the quality of education and training programmes in Harghita County.
The AVETE – Alliance for Vocational Excellence project, funded by Erasmus+, aims to develop mobility and training opportunities in tourism-related vocational education. A key objective of the project is to ensure the long-term sustainability of the ErasmusPro programme and to promote professional mobility, as well as to strengthen the capacity of vocational education.
Miercurea Ciuc, May 6, 2026.
Professional meeting and awareness campaign within the SAFETY4TMF project
What to do in the event of a disaster?
The annual evaluation and professional day of the Harghita County Volunteer Firefighters Association was held in Vlăhița, which also included an information campaign and project presentation within the framework of the European Union–funded SAFETY4TMF project.
The strategic partner of Harghita County Council in the project is the Harghita County Volunteer Firefighters Association, which plays an active role in implementing project activities and engaging local communities. The meeting provided an opportunity to evaluate the volunteer firefighters’ activities over the past year, as well as to present ongoing initiatives. The event brought together volunteer firefighters, representatives of the professional emergency response services, and local government representatives, who jointly discussed key issues related to effective intervention and the management of various emergency situations.
As part of the programme, one of the key publications from the fifth phase of the SAFETY4TMF project’s public awareness campaign was presented: the guide entitled “What to do? – In the event of a tailings dam accident.” The publication provides practical information on how to respond in case of an incident involving a mining tailings facility, offering guidance for quick and appropriate action.
The participating volunteer firefighters received first-hand professional information, which is particularly important as they are often the first responders at disaster sites and play a crucial role in informing the public and carrying out initial interventions.
The event also provided an opportunity to strengthen professional cooperation, review relevant legislation and regulations, and lay the groundwork for future joint actions.
Participants emphasized the importance of prevention, preparedness, and effective inter-institutional cooperation in managing risks affecting the region.
The publication is available here: https://hargitamegye.ro/mit-tegyunk-katasztrofa-eseten/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Miercurea Ciuc, April 27, 2026.
Free digital training courses are being launched in libraries in Harghita County through the “Digital STARS” programme
Free digital competence development training will be provided to the public through several libraries in Harghita County, coordinated by the “Kájoni János” County Library, within the framework of the “Digital STARS” programme. The programme is funded by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) and aims to transform county libraries into modern digital knowledge and community development centres.
Within the programme, free digital training courses are available to a wide range of the population, including older adults, young people, job seekers, recent graduates, social assistance beneficiaries, and anyone who wishes to improve their digital skills and use computers or smart devices with greater confidence.
Participants can acquire practical skills in areas such as online communication, CV writing, job searching, bill payments, as well as the use of e-government services and online public administration platforms.
Gyulai Arthur, director of the county library, emphasized that the knowledge gained during the training can be directly applied in everyday life and on the labour market. At the end of the programme, participants receive an officially recognized certificate issued by the competent authorities, which increases their employment opportunities.
The training sessions are organized with a flexible schedule on weekdays between 8:00 and 16:00, and if necessary until 18:00. The curriculum is adapted to participants’ skill levels, and individual preparation is also available upon request. Sessions are accessible both online and in person, using either the libraries’ IT equipment or participants’ own devices.
The implementation sites of the project include the “Kájoni János” County Library in Miercurea Ciuc, the Municipal Library of Odorheiu Secuiesc, the Municipal Library of Gheorgheni, the “George Sbârcea” Municipal Library in Toplița, as well as the towns of Băile Tușnad, Borsec, Cristuru Secuiesc, and Vlăhița, and numerous communes including Atid, Bilbor, Căpâlnița, Cârța, Ciceu, Ciumani, Corund, Cozmeni, Dănești, Dealu, Ditrău, Galăuțaș, Joseni, Lăzarea, Lueta, Lunca de Jos, Lunca de Sus, Merești, Mihăileni, Ocland, Păuleni-Ciuc, Remetea, Românași, Sâncrăieni, Sândominic, Sărmaș, Sânmartin, Sânsimion, Suseni, Satu Mare, Siculeni, Șimonești, Tulgheș, and Vărșag.
Interested persons may register in person at the “Kájoni János” County Library, by phone at 0266 371 988 or 0755 341 312, by email at [email protected], or directly at the local libraries.
The initiative is implemented under the PNRR framework and aims to strengthen digital competences and enhance the community role of libraries. Upon successful completion of the training, participants receive a certificate recognized by ADR.
Bíró Barna-Botond, President of Harghita County Council, emphasized that the library is the centre of knowledge, a meeting place of ideas and communities.
– Whether in the form of printed books or digital resources, the library remains a fundamental space for education, culture, and personal development. Last year we took an important step in the life of the county library by purchasing the building where it operates, and through the PNRR-funded project we are contributing to turning county libraries into centres for the development of digital skills. I would like to thank librarians for their key role in preserving and promoting culture – he stated on the occasion of Librarians’ Day, celebrated every year on April 23.
Miercurea Ciuc, April 23, 2026.
Digital tools and innovative methods in entrepreneurship education – the 4th stakeholder meeting of the SEE project was successfully held
The Harghita County Council organized the 4th stakeholder meeting of the “SEE – Sustainable Entrepreneurship Education” project on March 31, 2026, in Miercurea Ciuc, at the Kájoni János County Library, focusing on the development and application of digital tools, games, and innovative educational methods.
The event is part of the SEE project implemented within the international Interreg Europe programme, which aims to develop regional policies supporting entrepreneurship education, with a special focus on youth skills development, the use of digital tools, and strengthening sustainability. Seven European regions are cooperating in the project, including Harghita County.
During the meeting, the current status of the project was presented, followed by the introduction of good practices identified during the study visit to Italy in January 2026. These innovative approaches – such as gamification, experiential learning, and hands-on experience – effectively support the development of young people’s entrepreneurial skills.
Within the framework of the event, participants also discussed the international meeting to be held in Poland in June 2026, focusing mainly on the selection of transferable good practices.
Special attention was given to the role of digital tools and game-based learning methods, as well as educational models that develop creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, and an entrepreneurial mindset. Participants also gained first-hand experience of the advantages of interactive, experiential learning by trying out the “LEADER board game.”
At the meeting, the Spektrum Educational Center, as a stakeholder, also presented the Ecopreneurs project, which aims to develop a sustainable entrepreneurial mindset. As part of the presentation, the educational game called “Eco Isle” was introduced, which innovatively supports the joint development of environmentally conscious thinking and entrepreneurial skills.
The aim of the SEE project is to contribute in the long term to strengthening young people’s entrepreneurial mindset, as well as to modernizing regional education and development policies. The project runs from 2024 to 2028 and places particular emphasis on the development of 21st-century skills, digital competences, and sustainable thinking.
The current meeting once again confirmed the importance of international cooperation and the exchange of good practices in preparing the entrepreneurs of the future.
Miercurea Ciuc, March 31, 2026.
The stake is the future of our forests
A national-level professional conference for forest owners and forest managers in Csíkszereda
For the fourth time, the Conference of Forest Managers and Forest Owners was organized on Friday, March 27. Nearly four hundred participants attended the professional panel discussions at the Erőss Zsolt Arena in Csíkszereda.
Attila Korodi, mayor of Csíkszereda, emphasized in his speech that the unconventional venue carries symbolic meaning, as Zsolt Erőss’s life was closely connected to the mountains, to the living environment in which we all reside. He added that the conference can serve as an important platform contributing significantly to the preparation of decisions.
Árpád Cilip, head of the Development Center, stated that they trust participants will be able to use the knowledge gained and the connections established at the conference throughout the year in their work.
Előd Melles, executive president of the Association of Forest Owners and Forest Managers of Székelyland, said that the role of forests is gaining importance on a global scale, representing at once a natural value, an economic resource, and one of the most important expressions of responsibility toward future generations.
Levente Porzsolt, president of the association, emphasized the need for joint thinking through professional dialogue, such as the conference held on Friday. In his speech, he recalled that while the professional conference started four years ago with 150 participants, it has now gained national recognition, with nearly 400 participants attending the event.
On behalf of the Romanian Association of Wood Processors, President Ciprian-Dumitru Muscă welcomed the participants, highlighting the role of active local communities that can develop by building on existing resources. In his speech, he also addressed future funding opportunities for the forestry sector.
Barna-Botond Bíró, president of the Harghita County Council, emphasized that in times of crisis every decision carries greater weight, and we cannot afford delays. As he stated, forests are one of Harghita County’s most important strategic reserves – part of our economic, energy, and community security.
– We do not need more money, but better, more responsible decisions. The foundation of sustainable management is trust, transparency, and dialogue. Only together can we ensure that forests create value today and for future generations as well – he added.
Deputy Prime Minister Barna Tánczos stated that forests are both a resource and a natural treasure that must be protected. Previous generations managed them by maintaining a balance between use and protection, and this remains crucial today. At the same time, he emphasized that amid rapid social and environmental changes, adaptation alone is not enough. As he said, forestry professionals, forest managers, and owners must explain, educate, build bridges between society and on-the-ground realities, and guide necessary changes.
From state institutions, George Gârbacea, chief inspector of the National Forest Guard, Gabriel-Simion Oltean, ministerial advisor at the Ministry of Environment, and Jean Vișan, the newly appointed general director of Romsilva, were also present.
The conference was structured around several thematic blocks, ranging from legal and ownership issues to economic and policy challenges, as well as sustainable forest management and addressing the impacts of climate change. Panel discussions placed particular emphasis on the role of local communities, changes in the regulatory environment, and the strategic importance of forests for the economy and energy supply.
The aim of the conference was once again to create dialogue among forest owners, professionals, and decision-makers, fostering joint thinking and the development of sustainable solutions. According to the organizers, such meetings play a key role in ensuring that professional experience and on-the-ground realities are reflected in decision-making.
The clear message of the event was that the future of forest management can only be built on cooperation, transparency, and responsible decision-making.
The event was initiated by the Harghita County Council and Deputy Prime Minister and Senator Barna Tánczos, organized by the Development Center and the Association of Forest Owners and Forest Managers of Székelyland (APAPET), in strategic partnership with the Romanian Association of Forest Managers (ASFOR) and the Association of Székely Farmers’ Organizations.
The conference is open to visitors until 5 PM. The detailed program can be viewed HERE.
Csíkszereda, March 27, 2026.
39 athletes received recognition based on results across multiple competition categories and disciplines
The Equestrian Gala of this year was held in a ceremonial setting on March 18 in Remetea, where equestrian athletes with outstanding performances in the 2025 competition season were awarded. The event, hosted at the Community House, was one of the prestigious gatherings of the county’s equestrian sport, placing athletes’ achievements at the center of attention.
The event was organized by the Harghita County Council, the Harghita County Council’s Rural Development Association, the Remetea Equestrian Club, and the Municipality of Remetea, with the aim of presenting and rewarding athletes’ performances.
Among those present were Lőrinc Nacsa, State Secretary for National Policy of Hungary, Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council, Marilena Mladin, President of the Romanian Equestrian Federation, Csaba Borboly, President of the Harghita County Council’s Rural Development Association, Elemér Laczkó-Albert, Mayor of Remetea, as well as representatives of equestrian sport at local and national level, coaches, athletes, and invited guests.
A total of 39 athletes received recognition during the Equestrian Gala, with awards granted based on results across several competition categories and disciplines. The recognitions were based on the First Harghita County Show Jumping Championship, the 10th Sekler Regional Show Jumping Championship, and the National Championship Final. In addition, outstanding athletes in dressage, eventing, carriage driving, and horse archery were also awarded.
As host, Elemér Laczkó-Albert, Mayor of Remetea, welcomed the participants, highlighting that the event is both a tribute to the past and a message for the future.
– The relationship between the horse and the Sekler people is not only a tradition but a heritage. The horse was once a working partner, a companion in labor, a comrade on the road, and often a symbol of freedom. Therefore, today is not only an award ceremony, but also pride, a tribute to our past, and a message to the future. The tradition lives on: not in museums, but on the field, in the saddle, and in people’s hearts and souls – emphasized the mayor.
Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council, underlined in his speech that equestrian sport is not merely competition, but a value system that teaches discipline, perseverance, and responsibility, and provides guidance for the community even in difficult times.
– When a young person chooses equestrian sport, they do not only choose a discipline, but enter an order. They learn how to move forward even when the path is difficult. A rider knows that when reaching difficult terrain, one should not speed up but slow down. This is not a sign of fear, but of responsibility: one must take care of both oneself and the horse, while keeping the goal in mind. This is a lesson for all of us: in difficult situations, we should not amplify the noise or rush, but slow down, focus on the goal, support each other, and make responsible decisions.
He also emphasized the importance of representing the community where decisions are made, both in Bucharest and Budapest, to ensure that decisions serve the interests of the community.
Marilena Mladin, President of the Romanian Equestrian Federation, stressed that the participants were not only attending a ceremonial event, but were part of a community where tradition is actively lived. As she noted, equestrian sport requires discipline, respect, and perseverance, and true performance is built through everyday work. She added that not only results are being celebrated, but also the invisible work and inner strength behind them, and that the future must be built together by strengthening one another.
Lőrinc Nacsa, State Secretary for National Policy of Hungary, highlighted the importance of equestrian traditions and communities, and announced that from March 23, 2026, the Secretariat for National Policy will launch the Carpathian Basin Equestrian Program.
– It is very important that Hungarians are a horse-riding nation, therefore it is a value for us to preserve our equestrian traditions and communities, and to give more and more people the opportunity to connect to them in some way. This is a targeted funding scheme specifically serving equestrian communities, and in recent years we have already seen its results: in young people, in performances, and in the successes coming from Sekler as well.
Every sporting achievement, every award, every such community event makes the entire Hungarian nation stronger – he emphasized.
Csaba Borboly, President of the Harghita County Council’s Rural Development Association, drew attention to the changing role of equestrian sport and its future opportunities.
– Many say that the horse is disappearing from the fields, but it is not the horse that is disappearing, rather the agricultural work carried out with horses is transforming. A quiet but profound transformation is underway, where the working horse is increasingly being replaced by sport, tourism, therapy, and heritage preservation. As he said, equestrian life has a future both in Europe and locally, and the opportunities must be seized and prepared for.
The message of Gyula Dallos, ministerial commissioner, was also read at the event, emphasizing that the horse is a symbol of freedom and unity for Hungarians living in the Carpathian Basin, praising the work of equestrian communities and the importance of the Carpathian Basin Equestrian Program, while wishing further success to the participants.
During the award ceremony, 39 athletes received recognition, reflecting the diversity and development of the county’s equestrian sport.
Awardees – Equestrian Gala 2026
- Sarolt Kolumbán – Astoria Horse Center – show jumping – First Harghita County Show Jumping Championship, Children I Criteria category (90 cm), 1st place – coach: Adél Lakatos
- Franciska Bindea – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – First Harghita County Show Jumping Championship, Children I Criteria category (90 cm), 2nd place; National Championship Final, Children Criteria category (90 cm), 4th place – coach: Sándor Balázs
- Daria Ilisan – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – First Harghita County Show Jumping Championship, Children I Criteria category (90 cm), 3rd place – coach: Sándor Balázs
- Boglárka Bodó – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – First Harghita County Show Jumping Championship, Amateur category (100 cm), 1st place – coach: Sándor Balázs
- Dominik Dombai – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – First Harghita County Show Jumping Championship, Amateur category (100 cm), 2nd place – coach: Sándor Balázs
- Zsófia Nyisztor – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – First Harghita County Show Jumping Championship, Amateur category (100 cm), 3rd place; 10th Sekler Regional Show Jumping Championship (100 cm), 3rd place – coach: Sándor Balázs
- Réka Korodi – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – First Harghita County Show Jumping Championship, Junior category (120 cm), 1st place; National Championship Final, Junior category (130 cm), 5th place – coach: Sándor Balázs
- Vanda Joó – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – First Harghita County Show Jumping Championship, Junior category (120 cm), 2nd place; National Championship Final, Junior category (130 cm), 12th place – coach: Sándor Balázs
- Edina Petréd – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – 10th Sekler Regional Show Jumping Championship (80 cm), 2nd place – coach: Sándor Balázs
- Bernadett Ladó – Csicser Riding Stable – show jumping – 10th Sekler Regional Show Jumping Championship (80 cm), 3rd place – coach: Ábel André
- Jázmin Kovács – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – 10th Sekler Regional Show Jumping Championship (100 cm), 1st place – coach: Sándor Balázs
- Emma Lakatos – Judo Hargita – show jumping – 10th Sekler Regional Show Jumping Championship (100 cm), 2nd place – coach: Dalma Gergely
- Gáspár Petréd – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – 10th Sekler Regional Show Jumping Championship (110 cm), 1st place; National Championship Final, Junior category (130 cm), 10th place; Children’s final (125 cm), 8th place – coach: Sándor Balázs
- Biborka Bocskai – Astoria Horse Center – show jumping – National Championship Final, Junior Elite category (130 cm), 6th place
- Réka Ilyés – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – National Championship Final, Children Criteria category (90 cm), 23rd place – coach: Sándor Balázs
- Leila Szabó – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – Danube Champions Tour, international amateur category (110 cm), 1st place – coach: Sándor Balázs
- Kriszta Kádár – Táltos Equestrian Yard – dressage – Harghita County Dressage Championship, 1st place
- Virág Bartus – Septimia Sports Club – dressage, eventing – Harghita County Dressage Championship, 2nd place; Harghita County Eventing Championship, Prenovice category, 3rd place
- Csaba Hegyi – Táltos Equestrian Yard – dressage – Harghita County Dressage Championship, 3rd place
- Eszter Gábos – Katowice Association – eventing – Harghita County Eventing Championship, Novice Junior category, 1st place
- Katalin Ferencz – Kavalliera Association – eventing – Harghita County Eventing Championship, Prenovice category, 1st place
- Ernő Fejér – Kavalliera Association – eventing – Harghita County Eventing Championship, Prenovice category, 2nd place
- Tibor Bajkó and Ildikó Bajkó – Krigel Sports Club – carriage driving – Romanian Carriage Driving Championship, outstanding results
- László Orosz and István Benedek – Krigel Sports Club – carriage driving – Romanian Carriage Driving Championship, outstanding results
- Romeó Lőrincz – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Adult men’s category, 1st place
- Csongor Bakos – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Adult men’s category, 2nd place
- Levente Karácsony – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Adult men’s category, 3rd place
- Boglárka Bakó – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Adult women’s category, 1st place
- Nóra Török – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Adult women’s category, 2nd place
- Márton Albert – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Youth men’s category, 1st place
- Koppány Csiky Dácz – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Youth men’s category, 2nd place
- Ivett Csiszér – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Youth women’s category, 1st place
- Bernadett Bodor – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Youth women’s category, 2nd place
- Ármin Magor Rácz – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Children boys’ category, 1st place
- Tamás Kovács – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Children boys’ category, 2nd place
- Domán Szalontai – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Children boys’ category, 3rd place
- Virág Lőrincz – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Children girls’ category, 1st place
- Biborka Mátyás Ambrus – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Children girls’ category, 2nd place
- Dorka András – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Children girls’ category, 3rd place
Remetea, March 19, 2026.
The representative of the Embassy of Norway in Romania was received by Bíró Barna-Botond
Tor Martin Møller, representative of the Embassy of Norway in Romania, was received on March 18 by Bíró Barna-Botond, President of the Harghita County Council, at the temporary headquarters of the County Council.
During the meeting, they discussed the directions of regional development, cross-border cooperation, as well as the role of education, youth, and cultural development in building a strong community. Such meetings provide an opportunity for the exchange of experience and for strengthening our international relations, for the benefit of our communities – stated Bíró Barna-Botond.
Farm gates open: the Open Farm program is launched
The Open Farm program, designed to showcase local producers, farms, and food processors, offers a new opportunity for those who wish to gain a closer understanding of the journey of local food, the daily life of rural communities, and the values of sustainable farming.
The Harghita Community Development Association officially presented the Open Farm program and its participants on May 26 at Timian Chalet in Ciaracio. The initiative aims to enable local farms and food-processing units to receive visitors in an organized and safe manner. Participating units open their gates to visitors upon prior registration, allowing them to observe daily farming activities and food production processes up close.
The program places strong emphasis on providing a high-quality visitor experience, as well as ensuring appropriate hygiene and safety conditions. Beyond knowledge-sharing, it also serves a community-building purpose by strengthening the connection between local producers and consumers, while contributing to the promotion of the region’s gastronomic and agri-tourism values.
Participants are also partners in the Open Farm weekends organized twice a year, during which farms welcome visitors with special programs, demonstrations, and tastings. The first Open Farm weekend will take place between May 29 and June 1, 2026. During the four-day event, farms across multiple locations will open their gates to visitors. The second weekend will be held on September 25–26, 2026.
The launch of Open Farm is closely linked to Harghita County’s preparation for holding the title of European Region of Gastronomy 2027, and represents an important milestone in the process of presenting the region’s gastronomic and cultural values in a coordinated and unified way, both nationally and internationally.
A total of 46 entrepreneurs applied to the program, of which 33 met the Open Farm criteria. Károly Szabó, Executive Director of the Harghita Community Development Association, which developed and coordinates the initiative, stated:
“By capitalizing on the awarded title, we continue to develop the county’s tourism offer and systematically integrate into the tourism circuit those places that can most authentically tell our story—the journey of food from producer to consumer.”
Further information, the Open Farm weekend program, and the list of participating farms are available on the Visit Harghita platforms.
European Region of Gastronomy
European Regions of Gastronomy (candidates and award holders), selected and managed by IGCAT, aim to contribute to improving the quality of life of their citizens by raising awareness of the importance of cultural and gastronomic uniqueness, while also:
• encouraging creativity and gastronomic innovation,
• providing intellectual nourishment to children and adults through culinary education,
• improving the standards of sustainable tourism,
• strengthening circular economies in both urban and rural environments,
• supporting the well-being and health of communities and the environment.
IGCAT provides the award with the support of international and European institutions. Regions also join the global platform of awarded and candidate Gastronomic Regions to foster long-term benefits, increase international visibility, and support knowledge exchange.
The European Region of Gastronomy title recognizes communities (cities, counties, regions, islands, or countries) that place strong emphasis on their gastronomic heritage within a framework of sustainable development and community cooperation. Preserving and protecting local foods, beverages, agricultural products, as well as cultural and natural assets, is a key priority.
The title is a recognition that widely promotes the achievements, programs, community cooperation, and responses to future challenges of the given region; however, it does not include a financial prize.
Members of the Harghita County consortium:
• Harghita County Council
• Harghita Community Development Association
• Miercurea Ciuc City Hall
• Odorheiu Secuiesc City Hall
• Gheorgheni City Hall
• Association of Székely Farmers’ Organizations
• Sapientia Hungarian University of Transylvania, Faculty of Miercurea Ciuc
• Páva KulinarIQum Association
• Boro Info
• Honline Media (Székely Konyha és Kert)
• Association of Ciuc Hospitality Providers
• Pro Economica Foundation
Strengthening the social economy across Europe through mutual cooperation and development
The international SECON project, aimed at supporting the integration of people living in poverty and vulnerable groups, as well as significantly strengthening the social economy, includes Harghita County Council among its partners.
Project partners met between April 21–24 in Mannheim, Germany, where they explored good practices and, during roundtable discussions, formulated recommendations to raise awareness and strengthen the legal framework and the role of the social economy.
Harghita County was represented at the meeting by Melinda Szebeni, assistant manager of the working group from the County Council, along with representatives of the involved partner organizations: Cristian Gligor from the Pro Siculi Intercommunity Development Association in Miercurea Ciuc, and Árpád Csiszér from the Right Association, also based in Miercurea Ciuc.
As a good practice example, participants visited an institution that provides training for individuals who have dropped out of school. This training model is highly effective, with a success rate of 95–97%.
During the roundtable discussions, partners concluded that greater visibility is needed for the social economy and examples of best practices, along with the creation of a unified legal framework at EU level and the inclusion of vulnerable groups. Furthermore, the role of the social economy should be significantly strengthened so that it becomes a key, defining part of the economy, broadly contributing to the functioning and well-being of society. Achieving these goals requires raising awareness and developing the necessary competencies.
Partners also agreed on the need to introduce a European certification, establish an EU-level database, harmonize legislation to facilitate partnerships between Member States, and allocate more substantial public funding to the social economy. As summarized, these would represent the priorities for stabilizing the social economy over the next twenty years.
The SECON – Social Economy: Supporting Regional Policies for Social Economy Enterprises project aims to promote knowledge exchange through regional and interregional learning activities, as well as through the development of studies and reports. It supports participating regions in improving relevant policy instruments, fostering an environment conducive to the growth of the social economy, with particular focus on rural areas. The project is funded by the Interreg Europe programme.
Miercurea Ciuc, May 6, 2026.
International partnership for the development of vocational education
In Harghita County, special attention is given to ErasmusPro mobility programmes for beneficiaries. This is also the main objective of the AVETE project, which promotes international cooperation between vocational education and training providers, leaders of various industries, and decision-makers, as well as policy dialogue.
Harghita County Council is a partner in the project. Thanks to the mobility programme, this year local students will undertake professional internships in Slovakia, while Harghita County will host participants from Serbia.
Project partners met in Dunajská Streda, Slovakia, between April 26–29, during which they evaluated project activities, best practices identified during implementation, and the tasks to be carried out. Harghita County Council was represented by project manager Tamás Tankó and local mentor Melinda Szebeni.
During the study visit, educational institutions and innovative teaching methods were presented, along with company visits and vocational training sites, where examples of private sector involvement in vocational education were examined, and the importance of integrating practical skills into training programmes was emphasized.
In addition, participants discussed new funding opportunities available under EU programmes and transnational cooperation possibilities.
Members of the delegation confirmed that the study visit was highly useful for expanding knowledge related to the implementation of ErasmusPro mobility programmes, identifying good practices, strengthening international relations, increasing institutional capacity in education and vocational training, and facilitating the transfer of know-how between educational institutions and the economic sector. All of this contributes to improving the quality of education and training programmes in Harghita County.
The AVETE – Alliance for Vocational Excellence project, funded by Erasmus+, aims to develop mobility and training opportunities in tourism-related vocational education. A key objective of the project is to ensure the long-term sustainability of the ErasmusPro programme and to promote professional mobility, as well as to strengthen the capacity of vocational education.
Miercurea Ciuc, May 6, 2026.
Professional meeting and awareness campaign within the SAFETY4TMF project
What to do in the event of a disaster?
The annual evaluation and professional day of the Harghita County Volunteer Firefighters Association was held in Vlăhița, which also included an information campaign and project presentation within the framework of the European Union–funded SAFETY4TMF project.
The strategic partner of Harghita County Council in the project is the Harghita County Volunteer Firefighters Association, which plays an active role in implementing project activities and engaging local communities. The meeting provided an opportunity to evaluate the volunteer firefighters’ activities over the past year, as well as to present ongoing initiatives. The event brought together volunteer firefighters, representatives of the professional emergency response services, and local government representatives, who jointly discussed key issues related to effective intervention and the management of various emergency situations.
As part of the programme, one of the key publications from the fifth phase of the SAFETY4TMF project’s public awareness campaign was presented: the guide entitled “What to do? – In the event of a tailings dam accident.” The publication provides practical information on how to respond in case of an incident involving a mining tailings facility, offering guidance for quick and appropriate action.
The participating volunteer firefighters received first-hand professional information, which is particularly important as they are often the first responders at disaster sites and play a crucial role in informing the public and carrying out initial interventions.
The event also provided an opportunity to strengthen professional cooperation, review relevant legislation and regulations, and lay the groundwork for future joint actions.
Participants emphasized the importance of prevention, preparedness, and effective inter-institutional cooperation in managing risks affecting the region.
The publication is available here: https://hargitamegye.ro/mit-tegyunk-katasztrofa-eseten/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Miercurea Ciuc, April 27, 2026.
Free digital training courses are being launched in libraries in Harghita County through the “Digital STARS” programme
Free digital competence development training will be provided to the public through several libraries in Harghita County, coordinated by the “Kájoni János” County Library, within the framework of the “Digital STARS” programme. The programme is funded by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) and aims to transform county libraries into modern digital knowledge and community development centres.
Within the programme, free digital training courses are available to a wide range of the population, including older adults, young people, job seekers, recent graduates, social assistance beneficiaries, and anyone who wishes to improve their digital skills and use computers or smart devices with greater confidence.
Participants can acquire practical skills in areas such as online communication, CV writing, job searching, bill payments, as well as the use of e-government services and online public administration platforms.
Gyulai Arthur, director of the county library, emphasized that the knowledge gained during the training can be directly applied in everyday life and on the labour market. At the end of the programme, participants receive an officially recognized certificate issued by the competent authorities, which increases their employment opportunities.
The training sessions are organized with a flexible schedule on weekdays between 8:00 and 16:00, and if necessary until 18:00. The curriculum is adapted to participants’ skill levels, and individual preparation is also available upon request. Sessions are accessible both online and in person, using either the libraries’ IT equipment or participants’ own devices.
The implementation sites of the project include the “Kájoni János” County Library in Miercurea Ciuc, the Municipal Library of Odorheiu Secuiesc, the Municipal Library of Gheorgheni, the “George Sbârcea” Municipal Library in Toplița, as well as the towns of Băile Tușnad, Borsec, Cristuru Secuiesc, and Vlăhița, and numerous communes including Atid, Bilbor, Căpâlnița, Cârța, Ciceu, Ciumani, Corund, Cozmeni, Dănești, Dealu, Ditrău, Galăuțaș, Joseni, Lăzarea, Lueta, Lunca de Jos, Lunca de Sus, Merești, Mihăileni, Ocland, Păuleni-Ciuc, Remetea, Românași, Sâncrăieni, Sândominic, Sărmaș, Sânmartin, Sânsimion, Suseni, Satu Mare, Siculeni, Șimonești, Tulgheș, and Vărșag.
Interested persons may register in person at the “Kájoni János” County Library, by phone at 0266 371 988 or 0755 341 312, by email at [email protected], or directly at the local libraries.
The initiative is implemented under the PNRR framework and aims to strengthen digital competences and enhance the community role of libraries. Upon successful completion of the training, participants receive a certificate recognized by ADR.
Bíró Barna-Botond, President of Harghita County Council, emphasized that the library is the centre of knowledge, a meeting place of ideas and communities.
– Whether in the form of printed books or digital resources, the library remains a fundamental space for education, culture, and personal development. Last year we took an important step in the life of the county library by purchasing the building where it operates, and through the PNRR-funded project we are contributing to turning county libraries into centres for the development of digital skills. I would like to thank librarians for their key role in preserving and promoting culture – he stated on the occasion of Librarians’ Day, celebrated every year on April 23.
Miercurea Ciuc, April 23, 2026.
Digital tools and innovative methods in entrepreneurship education – the 4th stakeholder meeting of the SEE project was successfully held
The Harghita County Council organized the 4th stakeholder meeting of the “SEE – Sustainable Entrepreneurship Education” project on March 31, 2026, in Miercurea Ciuc, at the Kájoni János County Library, focusing on the development and application of digital tools, games, and innovative educational methods.
The event is part of the SEE project implemented within the international Interreg Europe programme, which aims to develop regional policies supporting entrepreneurship education, with a special focus on youth skills development, the use of digital tools, and strengthening sustainability. Seven European regions are cooperating in the project, including Harghita County.
During the meeting, the current status of the project was presented, followed by the introduction of good practices identified during the study visit to Italy in January 2026. These innovative approaches – such as gamification, experiential learning, and hands-on experience – effectively support the development of young people’s entrepreneurial skills.
Within the framework of the event, participants also discussed the international meeting to be held in Poland in June 2026, focusing mainly on the selection of transferable good practices.
Special attention was given to the role of digital tools and game-based learning methods, as well as educational models that develop creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, and an entrepreneurial mindset. Participants also gained first-hand experience of the advantages of interactive, experiential learning by trying out the “LEADER board game.”
At the meeting, the Spektrum Educational Center, as a stakeholder, also presented the Ecopreneurs project, which aims to develop a sustainable entrepreneurial mindset. As part of the presentation, the educational game called “Eco Isle” was introduced, which innovatively supports the joint development of environmentally conscious thinking and entrepreneurial skills.
The aim of the SEE project is to contribute in the long term to strengthening young people’s entrepreneurial mindset, as well as to modernizing regional education and development policies. The project runs from 2024 to 2028 and places particular emphasis on the development of 21st-century skills, digital competences, and sustainable thinking.
The current meeting once again confirmed the importance of international cooperation and the exchange of good practices in preparing the entrepreneurs of the future.
Miercurea Ciuc, March 31, 2026.
The stake is the future of our forests
A national-level professional conference for forest owners and forest managers in Csíkszereda
For the fourth time, the Conference of Forest Managers and Forest Owners was organized on Friday, March 27. Nearly four hundred participants attended the professional panel discussions at the Erőss Zsolt Arena in Csíkszereda.
Attila Korodi, mayor of Csíkszereda, emphasized in his speech that the unconventional venue carries symbolic meaning, as Zsolt Erőss’s life was closely connected to the mountains, to the living environment in which we all reside. He added that the conference can serve as an important platform contributing significantly to the preparation of decisions.
Árpád Cilip, head of the Development Center, stated that they trust participants will be able to use the knowledge gained and the connections established at the conference throughout the year in their work.
Előd Melles, executive president of the Association of Forest Owners and Forest Managers of Székelyland, said that the role of forests is gaining importance on a global scale, representing at once a natural value, an economic resource, and one of the most important expressions of responsibility toward future generations.
Levente Porzsolt, president of the association, emphasized the need for joint thinking through professional dialogue, such as the conference held on Friday. In his speech, he recalled that while the professional conference started four years ago with 150 participants, it has now gained national recognition, with nearly 400 participants attending the event.
On behalf of the Romanian Association of Wood Processors, President Ciprian-Dumitru Muscă welcomed the participants, highlighting the role of active local communities that can develop by building on existing resources. In his speech, he also addressed future funding opportunities for the forestry sector.
Barna-Botond Bíró, president of the Harghita County Council, emphasized that in times of crisis every decision carries greater weight, and we cannot afford delays. As he stated, forests are one of Harghita County’s most important strategic reserves – part of our economic, energy, and community security.
– We do not need more money, but better, more responsible decisions. The foundation of sustainable management is trust, transparency, and dialogue. Only together can we ensure that forests create value today and for future generations as well – he added.
Deputy Prime Minister Barna Tánczos stated that forests are both a resource and a natural treasure that must be protected. Previous generations managed them by maintaining a balance between use and protection, and this remains crucial today. At the same time, he emphasized that amid rapid social and environmental changes, adaptation alone is not enough. As he said, forestry professionals, forest managers, and owners must explain, educate, build bridges between society and on-the-ground realities, and guide necessary changes.
From state institutions, George Gârbacea, chief inspector of the National Forest Guard, Gabriel-Simion Oltean, ministerial advisor at the Ministry of Environment, and Jean Vișan, the newly appointed general director of Romsilva, were also present.
The conference was structured around several thematic blocks, ranging from legal and ownership issues to economic and policy challenges, as well as sustainable forest management and addressing the impacts of climate change. Panel discussions placed particular emphasis on the role of local communities, changes in the regulatory environment, and the strategic importance of forests for the economy and energy supply.
The aim of the conference was once again to create dialogue among forest owners, professionals, and decision-makers, fostering joint thinking and the development of sustainable solutions. According to the organizers, such meetings play a key role in ensuring that professional experience and on-the-ground realities are reflected in decision-making.
The clear message of the event was that the future of forest management can only be built on cooperation, transparency, and responsible decision-making.
The event was initiated by the Harghita County Council and Deputy Prime Minister and Senator Barna Tánczos, organized by the Development Center and the Association of Forest Owners and Forest Managers of Székelyland (APAPET), in strategic partnership with the Romanian Association of Forest Managers (ASFOR) and the Association of Székely Farmers’ Organizations.
The conference is open to visitors until 5 PM. The detailed program can be viewed HERE.
Csíkszereda, March 27, 2026.
39 athletes received recognition based on results across multiple competition categories and disciplines
The Equestrian Gala of this year was held in a ceremonial setting on March 18 in Remetea, where equestrian athletes with outstanding performances in the 2025 competition season were awarded. The event, hosted at the Community House, was one of the prestigious gatherings of the county’s equestrian sport, placing athletes’ achievements at the center of attention.
The event was organized by the Harghita County Council, the Harghita County Council’s Rural Development Association, the Remetea Equestrian Club, and the Municipality of Remetea, with the aim of presenting and rewarding athletes’ performances.
Among those present were Lőrinc Nacsa, State Secretary for National Policy of Hungary, Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council, Marilena Mladin, President of the Romanian Equestrian Federation, Csaba Borboly, President of the Harghita County Council’s Rural Development Association, Elemér Laczkó-Albert, Mayor of Remetea, as well as representatives of equestrian sport at local and national level, coaches, athletes, and invited guests.
A total of 39 athletes received recognition during the Equestrian Gala, with awards granted based on results across several competition categories and disciplines. The recognitions were based on the First Harghita County Show Jumping Championship, the 10th Sekler Regional Show Jumping Championship, and the National Championship Final. In addition, outstanding athletes in dressage, eventing, carriage driving, and horse archery were also awarded.
As host, Elemér Laczkó-Albert, Mayor of Remetea, welcomed the participants, highlighting that the event is both a tribute to the past and a message for the future.
– The relationship between the horse and the Sekler people is not only a tradition but a heritage. The horse was once a working partner, a companion in labor, a comrade on the road, and often a symbol of freedom. Therefore, today is not only an award ceremony, but also pride, a tribute to our past, and a message to the future. The tradition lives on: not in museums, but on the field, in the saddle, and in people’s hearts and souls – emphasized the mayor.
Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council, underlined in his speech that equestrian sport is not merely competition, but a value system that teaches discipline, perseverance, and responsibility, and provides guidance for the community even in difficult times.
– When a young person chooses equestrian sport, they do not only choose a discipline, but enter an order. They learn how to move forward even when the path is difficult. A rider knows that when reaching difficult terrain, one should not speed up but slow down. This is not a sign of fear, but of responsibility: one must take care of both oneself and the horse, while keeping the goal in mind. This is a lesson for all of us: in difficult situations, we should not amplify the noise or rush, but slow down, focus on the goal, support each other, and make responsible decisions.
He also emphasized the importance of representing the community where decisions are made, both in Bucharest and Budapest, to ensure that decisions serve the interests of the community.
Marilena Mladin, President of the Romanian Equestrian Federation, stressed that the participants were not only attending a ceremonial event, but were part of a community where tradition is actively lived. As she noted, equestrian sport requires discipline, respect, and perseverance, and true performance is built through everyday work. She added that not only results are being celebrated, but also the invisible work and inner strength behind them, and that the future must be built together by strengthening one another.
Lőrinc Nacsa, State Secretary for National Policy of Hungary, highlighted the importance of equestrian traditions and communities, and announced that from March 23, 2026, the Secretariat for National Policy will launch the Carpathian Basin Equestrian Program.
– It is very important that Hungarians are a horse-riding nation, therefore it is a value for us to preserve our equestrian traditions and communities, and to give more and more people the opportunity to connect to them in some way. This is a targeted funding scheme specifically serving equestrian communities, and in recent years we have already seen its results: in young people, in performances, and in the successes coming from Sekler as well.
Every sporting achievement, every award, every such community event makes the entire Hungarian nation stronger – he emphasized.
Csaba Borboly, President of the Harghita County Council’s Rural Development Association, drew attention to the changing role of equestrian sport and its future opportunities.
– Many say that the horse is disappearing from the fields, but it is not the horse that is disappearing, rather the agricultural work carried out with horses is transforming. A quiet but profound transformation is underway, where the working horse is increasingly being replaced by sport, tourism, therapy, and heritage preservation. As he said, equestrian life has a future both in Europe and locally, and the opportunities must be seized and prepared for.
The message of Gyula Dallos, ministerial commissioner, was also read at the event, emphasizing that the horse is a symbol of freedom and unity for Hungarians living in the Carpathian Basin, praising the work of equestrian communities and the importance of the Carpathian Basin Equestrian Program, while wishing further success to the participants.
During the award ceremony, 39 athletes received recognition, reflecting the diversity and development of the county’s equestrian sport.
Awardees – Equestrian Gala 2026
- Sarolt Kolumbán – Astoria Horse Center – show jumping – First Harghita County Show Jumping Championship, Children I Criteria category (90 cm), 1st place – coach: Adél Lakatos
- Franciska Bindea – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – First Harghita County Show Jumping Championship, Children I Criteria category (90 cm), 2nd place; National Championship Final, Children Criteria category (90 cm), 4th place – coach: Sándor Balázs
- Daria Ilisan – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – First Harghita County Show Jumping Championship, Children I Criteria category (90 cm), 3rd place – coach: Sándor Balázs
- Boglárka Bodó – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – First Harghita County Show Jumping Championship, Amateur category (100 cm), 1st place – coach: Sándor Balázs
- Dominik Dombai – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – First Harghita County Show Jumping Championship, Amateur category (100 cm), 2nd place – coach: Sándor Balázs
- Zsófia Nyisztor – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – First Harghita County Show Jumping Championship, Amateur category (100 cm), 3rd place; 10th Sekler Regional Show Jumping Championship (100 cm), 3rd place – coach: Sándor Balázs
- Réka Korodi – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – First Harghita County Show Jumping Championship, Junior category (120 cm), 1st place; National Championship Final, Junior category (130 cm), 5th place – coach: Sándor Balázs
- Vanda Joó – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – First Harghita County Show Jumping Championship, Junior category (120 cm), 2nd place; National Championship Final, Junior category (130 cm), 12th place – coach: Sándor Balázs
- Edina Petréd – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – 10th Sekler Regional Show Jumping Championship (80 cm), 2nd place – coach: Sándor Balázs
- Bernadett Ladó – Csicser Riding Stable – show jumping – 10th Sekler Regional Show Jumping Championship (80 cm), 3rd place – coach: Ábel André
- Jázmin Kovács – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – 10th Sekler Regional Show Jumping Championship (100 cm), 1st place – coach: Sándor Balázs
- Emma Lakatos – Judo Hargita – show jumping – 10th Sekler Regional Show Jumping Championship (100 cm), 2nd place – coach: Dalma Gergely
- Gáspár Petréd – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – 10th Sekler Regional Show Jumping Championship (110 cm), 1st place; National Championship Final, Junior category (130 cm), 10th place; Children’s final (125 cm), 8th place – coach: Sándor Balázs
- Biborka Bocskai – Astoria Horse Center – show jumping – National Championship Final, Junior Elite category (130 cm), 6th place
- Réka Ilyés – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – National Championship Final, Children Criteria category (90 cm), 23rd place – coach: Sándor Balázs
- Leila Szabó – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – Danube Champions Tour, international amateur category (110 cm), 1st place – coach: Sándor Balázs
- Kriszta Kádár – Táltos Equestrian Yard – dressage – Harghita County Dressage Championship, 1st place
- Virág Bartus – Septimia Sports Club – dressage, eventing – Harghita County Dressage Championship, 2nd place; Harghita County Eventing Championship, Prenovice category, 3rd place
- Csaba Hegyi – Táltos Equestrian Yard – dressage – Harghita County Dressage Championship, 3rd place
- Eszter Gábos – Katowice Association – eventing – Harghita County Eventing Championship, Novice Junior category, 1st place
- Katalin Ferencz – Kavalliera Association – eventing – Harghita County Eventing Championship, Prenovice category, 1st place
- Ernő Fejér – Kavalliera Association – eventing – Harghita County Eventing Championship, Prenovice category, 2nd place
- Tibor Bajkó and Ildikó Bajkó – Krigel Sports Club – carriage driving – Romanian Carriage Driving Championship, outstanding results
- László Orosz and István Benedek – Krigel Sports Club – carriage driving – Romanian Carriage Driving Championship, outstanding results
- Romeó Lőrincz – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Adult men’s category, 1st place
- Csongor Bakos – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Adult men’s category, 2nd place
- Levente Karácsony – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Adult men’s category, 3rd place
- Boglárka Bakó – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Adult women’s category, 1st place
- Nóra Török – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Adult women’s category, 2nd place
- Márton Albert – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Youth men’s category, 1st place
- Koppány Csiky Dácz – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Youth men’s category, 2nd place
- Ivett Csiszér – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Youth women’s category, 1st place
- Bernadett Bodor – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Youth women’s category, 2nd place
- Ármin Magor Rácz – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Children boys’ category, 1st place
- Tamás Kovács – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Children boys’ category, 2nd place
- Domán Szalontai – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Children boys’ category, 3rd place
- Virág Lőrincz – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Children girls’ category, 1st place
- Biborka Mátyás Ambrus – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Children girls’ category, 2nd place
- Dorka András – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Children girls’ category, 3rd place
Remetea, March 19, 2026.
The representative of the Embassy of Norway in Romania was received by Bíró Barna-Botond
Tor Martin Møller, representative of the Embassy of Norway in Romania, was received on March 18 by Bíró Barna-Botond, President of the Harghita County Council, at the temporary headquarters of the County Council.
During the meeting, they discussed the directions of regional development, cross-border cooperation, as well as the role of education, youth, and cultural development in building a strong community. Such meetings provide an opportunity for the exchange of experience and for strengthening our international relations, for the benefit of our communities – stated Bíró Barna-Botond.
KÖLTSÉGVETÉSSEL KAPCSOLATOS IRATOK ÉS INFORMÁCIÓK
- Költségvetés
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- Hargita Megye Tanácsának Költségvetése
- A tisztségek helyzete Hargita Megye Tanácsán belül
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EGYÉBB KÖZÉRDEKŰ OKIRATOK”
