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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

1. Sarolt Kolumbán – Astoria Horse Center – show jumping – First Harghita County Show Jumping Championship, Children I Criteria category (90 cm), 1st place – coach: Adél Lakatos
2. 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
3. Daria Ilisan – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – First Harghita County Show Jumping Championship, Children I Criteria category (90 cm), 3rd place – coach: Sándor Balázs
4. Boglárka Bodó – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – First Harghita County Show Jumping Championship, Amateur category (100 cm), 1st place – coach: Sándor Balázs
5. Dominik Dombai – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – First Harghita County Show Jumping Championship, Amateur category (100 cm), 2nd place – coach: Sándor Balázs
6. 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
7. 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
8. 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
9. Edina Petréd – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – 10th Sekler Regional Show Jumping Championship (80 cm), 2nd place – coach: Sándor Balázs
10. Bernadett Ladó – Csicser Riding Stable – show jumping – 10th Sekler Regional Show Jumping Championship (80 cm), 3rd place – coach: Ábel André
11. Jázmin Kovács – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – 10th Sekler Regional Show Jumping Championship (100 cm), 1st place – coach: Sándor Balázs
12. Emma Lakatos – Judo Hargita – show jumping – 10th Sekler Regional Show Jumping Championship (100 cm), 2nd place – coach: Dalma Gergely
13. 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
14. Biborka Bocskai – Astoria Horse Center – show jumping – National Championship Final, Junior Elite category (130 cm), 6th place
15. Réka Ilyés – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – National Championship Final, Children Criteria category (90 cm), 23rd place – coach: Sándor Balázs
16. Leila Szabó – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – Danube Champions Tour, international amateur category (110 cm), 1st place – coach: Sándor Balázs
17. Kriszta Kádár – Táltos Equestrian Yard – dressage – Harghita County Dressage Championship, 1st place
18. Virág Bartus – Septimia Sports Club – dressage, eventing – Harghita County Dressage Championship, 2nd place; Harghita County Eventing Championship, Prenovice category, 3rd place
19. Csaba Hegyi – Táltos Equestrian Yard – dressage – Harghita County Dressage Championship, 3rd place
20. Eszter Gábos – Katowice Association – eventing – Harghita County Eventing Championship, Novice Junior category, 1st place
21. Katalin Ferencz – Kavalliera Association – eventing – Harghita County Eventing Championship, Prenovice category, 1st place
22. Ernő Fejér – Kavalliera Association – eventing – Harghita County Eventing Championship, Prenovice category, 2nd place
23. Tibor Bajkó and Ildikó Bajkó – Krigel Sports Club – carriage driving – Romanian Carriage Driving Championship, outstanding results
24. László Orosz and István Benedek – Krigel Sports Club – carriage driving – Romanian Carriage Driving Championship, outstanding results
25. Romeó Lőrincz – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Adult men’s category, 1st place
26. Csongor Bakos – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Adult men’s category, 2nd place
27. Levente Karácsony – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Adult men’s category, 3rd place
28. Boglárka Bakó – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Adult women’s category, 1st place
29. Nóra Török – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Adult women’s category, 2nd place
30. Márton Albert – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Youth men’s category, 1st place
31. Koppány Csiky Dácz – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Youth men’s category, 2nd place
32. Ivett Csiszér – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Youth women’s category, 1st place
33. Bernadett Bodor – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Youth women’s category, 2nd place
34. Ármin Magor Rácz – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Children boys’ category, 1st place
35. Tamás Kovács – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Children boys’ category, 2nd place
36. Domán Szalontai – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Children boys’ category, 3rd place
37. Virág Lőrincz – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Children girls’ category, 1st place
38. Biborka Mátyás Ambrus – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Children girls’ category, 2nd place
39. Dorka András – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Children girls’ category, 3rd place

Remetea, March 19, 2026.

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.

Within the PATHS project, professionals from Harghita County visited Vienna to learn about good practices that support skills development and labour market integration for young people aged 14–21.

The Austrian partner presented the programmes of ÖJAB – Österreichische Jungarbeiterbewegung ‘EducationFit’ and the IPC training centre. These programmes involve young people who have already completed compulsory education but have not yet found their place in the labour market, offering them 10-week, personalised training courses.

Based on decades of Austrian experience, key success factors include:

• small-group training (8–10 participants), enabling more effective learning;
• mentoring and continuous follow-up, not only training itself;
• skills development aligned with labour market needs – alongside traditional trades, also design, e-commerce, digital tools, and social media skills;
• stable state support and a well-structured institutional framework.

Since 2025, Harghita County Council has been participating in the PATHS (Personalized Approach To Territorial Life And Career Support) European Union project, together with partners from eight additional countries in the Danube Region.

The initiative aims to strengthen career guidance and long-term life-path support, especially for young people living in rural areas. An important goal is to help as many young people as possible build their future locally and reduce outward migration.

The visit took place between March 9–12, 2026. In addition to experts from the County Council, Mózes Csongor, director of the “Kájoni János” Vocational High School in Miercurea Ciuc, also participated.

Unique opportunity for small local producers in Harghita County to participate in the World Food Gift Challenge 2026. The international competition, organized by IGCAT, aims to promote authentic and sustainable products from the world’s gastronomy regions. The event will take place in Crete on May 21, 2026. Winners receive international visibility and official recognition.

What types of products can be submitted?

• Gastronomic gifts: non-perishable local food products made from natural ingredients.
• Gastronomy-related craft products: kitchen tools or equipment that reflect local culture.
• Products must be produced in small quantities, be sustainable, and reflect the characteristics of the region.

How are participants selected?

To ensure high-quality representation of Harghita County, the Visit Harghita team will select 4 products for the final competition.

In case of high interest, selection will be based on the following criteria:

• Authenticity and local connection – the product should reflect the traditions, raw materials, or craftsmanship techniques of the region.
• Sustainability – preference is given to environmentally friendly production, responsibly packaged products, and those made from local ingredients.
• Quality and aesthetic appearance – the product must be well-crafted, visually appealing, and suitable as a gift.
• International promotional potential – products that can attract the interest of tourists and international markets.
• Story behind the product – each entry must include an interesting background story reflecting local culture and traditions.

Why apply?

• International promotion opportunity
• Increased visibility for local products
• Official quality certification

Visit Harghita covers half of the participation fee for selected applicants.

Application deadline: April 10, 2026.

Full call available here:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/61g22zgq5ywjj8ztmitli/AK2EOiqtmlmIFsnRfbebzLM?rlkey=dyg1z48rd73fvrhnpbv7p6yca&e=1&st=02dvn28g&dl=0

For applications, please write to: [email protected]

Harghita Community Development Association (ADI Harghita)

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

1. Sarolt Kolumbán – Astoria Horse Center – show jumping – First Harghita County Show Jumping Championship, Children I Criteria category (90 cm), 1st place – coach: Adél Lakatos
2. 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
3. Daria Ilisan – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – First Harghita County Show Jumping Championship, Children I Criteria category (90 cm), 3rd place – coach: Sándor Balázs
4. Boglárka Bodó – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – First Harghita County Show Jumping Championship, Amateur category (100 cm), 1st place – coach: Sándor Balázs
5. Dominik Dombai – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – First Harghita County Show Jumping Championship, Amateur category (100 cm), 2nd place – coach: Sándor Balázs
6. 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
7. 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
8. 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
9. Edina Petréd – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – 10th Sekler Regional Show Jumping Championship (80 cm), 2nd place – coach: Sándor Balázs
10. Bernadett Ladó – Csicser Riding Stable – show jumping – 10th Sekler Regional Show Jumping Championship (80 cm), 3rd place – coach: Ábel André
11. Jázmin Kovács – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – 10th Sekler Regional Show Jumping Championship (100 cm), 1st place – coach: Sándor Balázs
12. Emma Lakatos – Judo Hargita – show jumping – 10th Sekler Regional Show Jumping Championship (100 cm), 2nd place – coach: Dalma Gergely
13. 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
14. Biborka Bocskai – Astoria Horse Center – show jumping – National Championship Final, Junior Elite category (130 cm), 6th place
15. Réka Ilyés – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – National Championship Final, Children Criteria category (90 cm), 23rd place – coach: Sándor Balázs
16. Leila Szabó – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – Danube Champions Tour, international amateur category (110 cm), 1st place – coach: Sándor Balázs
17. Kriszta Kádár – Táltos Equestrian Yard – dressage – Harghita County Dressage Championship, 1st place
18. Virág Bartus – Septimia Sports Club – dressage, eventing – Harghita County Dressage Championship, 2nd place; Harghita County Eventing Championship, Prenovice category, 3rd place
19. Csaba Hegyi – Táltos Equestrian Yard – dressage – Harghita County Dressage Championship, 3rd place
20. Eszter Gábos – Katowice Association – eventing – Harghita County Eventing Championship, Novice Junior category, 1st place
21. Katalin Ferencz – Kavalliera Association – eventing – Harghita County Eventing Championship, Prenovice category, 1st place
22. Ernő Fejér – Kavalliera Association – eventing – Harghita County Eventing Championship, Prenovice category, 2nd place
23. Tibor Bajkó and Ildikó Bajkó – Krigel Sports Club – carriage driving – Romanian Carriage Driving Championship, outstanding results
24. László Orosz and István Benedek – Krigel Sports Club – carriage driving – Romanian Carriage Driving Championship, outstanding results
25. Romeó Lőrincz – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Adult men’s category, 1st place
26. Csongor Bakos – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Adult men’s category, 2nd place
27. Levente Karácsony – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Adult men’s category, 3rd place
28. Boglárka Bakó – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Adult women’s category, 1st place
29. Nóra Török – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Adult women’s category, 2nd place
30. Márton Albert – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Youth men’s category, 1st place
31. Koppány Csiky Dácz – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Youth men’s category, 2nd place
32. Ivett Csiszér – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Youth women’s category, 1st place
33. Bernadett Bodor – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Youth women’s category, 2nd place
34. Ármin Magor Rácz – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Children boys’ category, 1st place
35. Tamás Kovács – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Children boys’ category, 2nd place
36. Domán Szalontai – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Children boys’ category, 3rd place
37. Virág Lőrincz – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Children girls’ category, 1st place
38. Biborka Mátyás Ambrus – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Children girls’ category, 2nd place
39. Dorka András – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Children girls’ category, 3rd place

Remetea, March 19, 2026.

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.

Within the PATHS project, professionals from Harghita County visited Vienna to learn about good practices that support skills development and labour market integration for young people aged 14–21.

The Austrian partner presented the programmes of ÖJAB – Österreichische Jungarbeiterbewegung ‘EducationFit’ and the IPC training centre. These programmes involve young people who have already completed compulsory education but have not yet found their place in the labour market, offering them 10-week, personalised training courses.

Based on decades of Austrian experience, key success factors include:

• small-group training (8–10 participants), enabling more effective learning;
• mentoring and continuous follow-up, not only training itself;
• skills development aligned with labour market needs – alongside traditional trades, also design, e-commerce, digital tools, and social media skills;
• stable state support and a well-structured institutional framework.

Since 2025, Harghita County Council has been participating in the PATHS (Personalized Approach To Territorial Life And Career Support) European Union project, together with partners from eight additional countries in the Danube Region.

The initiative aims to strengthen career guidance and long-term life-path support, especially for young people living in rural areas. An important goal is to help as many young people as possible build their future locally and reduce outward migration.

The visit took place between March 9–12, 2026. In addition to experts from the County Council, Mózes Csongor, director of the “Kájoni János” Vocational High School in Miercurea Ciuc, also participated.

Unique opportunity for small local producers in Harghita County to participate in the World Food Gift Challenge 2026. The international competition, organized by IGCAT, aims to promote authentic and sustainable products from the world’s gastronomy regions. The event will take place in Crete on May 21, 2026. Winners receive international visibility and official recognition.

What types of products can be submitted?

• Gastronomic gifts: non-perishable local food products made from natural ingredients.
• Gastronomy-related craft products: kitchen tools or equipment that reflect local culture.
• Products must be produced in small quantities, be sustainable, and reflect the characteristics of the region.

How are participants selected?

To ensure high-quality representation of Harghita County, the Visit Harghita team will select 4 products for the final competition.

In case of high interest, selection will be based on the following criteria:

• Authenticity and local connection – the product should reflect the traditions, raw materials, or craftsmanship techniques of the region.
• Sustainability – preference is given to environmentally friendly production, responsibly packaged products, and those made from local ingredients.
• Quality and aesthetic appearance – the product must be well-crafted, visually appealing, and suitable as a gift.
• International promotional potential – products that can attract the interest of tourists and international markets.
• Story behind the product – each entry must include an interesting background story reflecting local culture and traditions.

Why apply?

• International promotion opportunity
• Increased visibility for local products
• Official quality certification

Visit Harghita covers half of the participation fee for selected applicants.

Application deadline: April 10, 2026.

Full call available here:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/61g22zgq5ywjj8ztmitli/AK2EOiqtmlmIFsnRfbebzLM?rlkey=dyg1z48rd73fvrhnpbv7p6yca&e=1&st=02dvn28g&dl=0

For applications, please write to: [email protected]

Harghita Community Development Association (ADI Harghita)

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

1. Sarolt Kolumbán – Astoria Horse Center – show jumping – First Harghita County Show Jumping Championship, Children I Criteria category (90 cm), 1st place – coach: Adél Lakatos
2. 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
3. Daria Ilisan – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – First Harghita County Show Jumping Championship, Children I Criteria category (90 cm), 3rd place – coach: Sándor Balázs
4. Boglárka Bodó – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – First Harghita County Show Jumping Championship, Amateur category (100 cm), 1st place – coach: Sándor Balázs
5. Dominik Dombai – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – First Harghita County Show Jumping Championship, Amateur category (100 cm), 2nd place – coach: Sándor Balázs
6. 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
7. 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
8. 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
9. Edina Petréd – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – 10th Sekler Regional Show Jumping Championship (80 cm), 2nd place – coach: Sándor Balázs
10. Bernadett Ladó – Csicser Riding Stable – show jumping – 10th Sekler Regional Show Jumping Championship (80 cm), 3rd place – coach: Ábel André
11. Jázmin Kovács – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – 10th Sekler Regional Show Jumping Championship (100 cm), 1st place – coach: Sándor Balázs
12. Emma Lakatos – Judo Hargita – show jumping – 10th Sekler Regional Show Jumping Championship (100 cm), 2nd place – coach: Dalma Gergely
13. 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
14. Biborka Bocskai – Astoria Horse Center – show jumping – National Championship Final, Junior Elite category (130 cm), 6th place
15. Réka Ilyés – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – National Championship Final, Children Criteria category (90 cm), 23rd place – coach: Sándor Balázs
16. Leila Szabó – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – Danube Champions Tour, international amateur category (110 cm), 1st place – coach: Sándor Balázs
17. Kriszta Kádár – Táltos Equestrian Yard – dressage – Harghita County Dressage Championship, 1st place
18. Virág Bartus – Septimia Sports Club – dressage, eventing – Harghita County Dressage Championship, 2nd place; Harghita County Eventing Championship, Prenovice category, 3rd place
19. Csaba Hegyi – Táltos Equestrian Yard – dressage – Harghita County Dressage Championship, 3rd place
20. Eszter Gábos – Katowice Association – eventing – Harghita County Eventing Championship, Novice Junior category, 1st place
21. Katalin Ferencz – Kavalliera Association – eventing – Harghita County Eventing Championship, Prenovice category, 1st place
22. Ernő Fejér – Kavalliera Association – eventing – Harghita County Eventing Championship, Prenovice category, 2nd place
23. Tibor Bajkó and Ildikó Bajkó – Krigel Sports Club – carriage driving – Romanian Carriage Driving Championship, outstanding results
24. László Orosz and István Benedek – Krigel Sports Club – carriage driving – Romanian Carriage Driving Championship, outstanding results
25. Romeó Lőrincz – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Adult men’s category, 1st place
26. Csongor Bakos – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Adult men’s category, 2nd place
27. Levente Karácsony – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Adult men’s category, 3rd place
28. Boglárka Bakó – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Adult women’s category, 1st place
29. Nóra Török – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Adult women’s category, 2nd place
30. Márton Albert – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Youth men’s category, 1st place
31. Koppány Csiky Dácz – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Youth men’s category, 2nd place
32. Ivett Csiszér – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Youth women’s category, 1st place
33. Bernadett Bodor – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Youth women’s category, 2nd place
34. Ármin Magor Rácz – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Children boys’ category, 1st place
35. Tamás Kovács – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Children boys’ category, 2nd place
36. Domán Szalontai – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Children boys’ category, 3rd place
37. Virág Lőrincz – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Children girls’ category, 1st place
38. Biborka Mátyás Ambrus – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Children girls’ category, 2nd place
39. Dorka András – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Children girls’ category, 3rd place

Remetea, March 19, 2026.

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.

Within the PATHS project, professionals from Harghita County visited Vienna to learn about good practices that support skills development and labour market integration for young people aged 14–21.

The Austrian partner presented the programmes of ÖJAB – Österreichische Jungarbeiterbewegung ‘EducationFit’ and the IPC training centre. These programmes involve young people who have already completed compulsory education but have not yet found their place in the labour market, offering them 10-week, personalised training courses.

Based on decades of Austrian experience, key success factors include:

• small-group training (8–10 participants), enabling more effective learning;
• mentoring and continuous follow-up, not only training itself;
• skills development aligned with labour market needs – alongside traditional trades, also design, e-commerce, digital tools, and social media skills;
• stable state support and a well-structured institutional framework.

Since 2025, Harghita County Council has been participating in the PATHS (Personalized Approach To Territorial Life And Career Support) European Union project, together with partners from eight additional countries in the Danube Region.

The initiative aims to strengthen career guidance and long-term life-path support, especially for young people living in rural areas. An important goal is to help as many young people as possible build their future locally and reduce outward migration.

The visit took place between March 9–12, 2026. In addition to experts from the County Council, Mózes Csongor, director of the “Kájoni János” Vocational High School in Miercurea Ciuc, also participated.

Unique opportunity for small local producers in Harghita County to participate in the World Food Gift Challenge 2026. The international competition, organized by IGCAT, aims to promote authentic and sustainable products from the world’s gastronomy regions. The event will take place in Crete on May 21, 2026. Winners receive international visibility and official recognition.

What types of products can be submitted?

• Gastronomic gifts: non-perishable local food products made from natural ingredients.
• Gastronomy-related craft products: kitchen tools or equipment that reflect local culture.
• Products must be produced in small quantities, be sustainable, and reflect the characteristics of the region.

How are participants selected?

To ensure high-quality representation of Harghita County, the Visit Harghita team will select 4 products for the final competition.

In case of high interest, selection will be based on the following criteria:

• Authenticity and local connection – the product should reflect the traditions, raw materials, or craftsmanship techniques of the region.
• Sustainability – preference is given to environmentally friendly production, responsibly packaged products, and those made from local ingredients.
• Quality and aesthetic appearance – the product must be well-crafted, visually appealing, and suitable as a gift.
• International promotional potential – products that can attract the interest of tourists and international markets.
• Story behind the product – each entry must include an interesting background story reflecting local culture and traditions.

Why apply?

• International promotion opportunity
• Increased visibility for local products
• Official quality certification

Visit Harghita covers half of the participation fee for selected applicants.

Application deadline: April 10, 2026.

Full call available here:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/61g22zgq5ywjj8ztmitli/AK2EOiqtmlmIFsnRfbebzLM?rlkey=dyg1z48rd73fvrhnpbv7p6yca&e=1&st=02dvn28g&dl=0

For applications, please write to: [email protected]

Harghita Community Development Association (ADI Harghita)

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

1. Sarolt Kolumbán – Astoria Horse Center – show jumping – First Harghita County Show Jumping Championship, Children I Criteria category (90 cm), 1st place – coach: Adél Lakatos
2. 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
3. Daria Ilisan – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – First Harghita County Show Jumping Championship, Children I Criteria category (90 cm), 3rd place – coach: Sándor Balázs
4. Boglárka Bodó – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – First Harghita County Show Jumping Championship, Amateur category (100 cm), 1st place – coach: Sándor Balázs
5. Dominik Dombai – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – First Harghita County Show Jumping Championship, Amateur category (100 cm), 2nd place – coach: Sándor Balázs
6. 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
7. 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
8. 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
9. Edina Petréd – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – 10th Sekler Regional Show Jumping Championship (80 cm), 2nd place – coach: Sándor Balázs
10. Bernadett Ladó – Csicser Riding Stable – show jumping – 10th Sekler Regional Show Jumping Championship (80 cm), 3rd place – coach: Ábel André
11. Jázmin Kovács – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – 10th Sekler Regional Show Jumping Championship (100 cm), 1st place – coach: Sándor Balázs
12. Emma Lakatos – Judo Hargita – show jumping – 10th Sekler Regional Show Jumping Championship (100 cm), 2nd place – coach: Dalma Gergely
13. 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
14. Biborka Bocskai – Astoria Horse Center – show jumping – National Championship Final, Junior Elite category (130 cm), 6th place
15. Réka Ilyés – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – National Championship Final, Children Criteria category (90 cm), 23rd place – coach: Sándor Balázs
16. Leila Szabó – Remetea Equestrian Club – show jumping – Danube Champions Tour, international amateur category (110 cm), 1st place – coach: Sándor Balázs
17. Kriszta Kádár – Táltos Equestrian Yard – dressage – Harghita County Dressage Championship, 1st place
18. Virág Bartus – Septimia Sports Club – dressage, eventing – Harghita County Dressage Championship, 2nd place; Harghita County Eventing Championship, Prenovice category, 3rd place
19. Csaba Hegyi – Táltos Equestrian Yard – dressage – Harghita County Dressage Championship, 3rd place
20. Eszter Gábos – Katowice Association – eventing – Harghita County Eventing Championship, Novice Junior category, 1st place
21. Katalin Ferencz – Kavalliera Association – eventing – Harghita County Eventing Championship, Prenovice category, 1st place
22. Ernő Fejér – Kavalliera Association – eventing – Harghita County Eventing Championship, Prenovice category, 2nd place
23. Tibor Bajkó and Ildikó Bajkó – Krigel Sports Club – carriage driving – Romanian Carriage Driving Championship, outstanding results
24. László Orosz and István Benedek – Krigel Sports Club – carriage driving – Romanian Carriage Driving Championship, outstanding results
25. Romeó Lőrincz – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Adult men’s category, 1st place
26. Csongor Bakos – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Adult men’s category, 2nd place
27. Levente Karácsony – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Adult men’s category, 3rd place
28. Boglárka Bakó – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Adult women’s category, 1st place
29. Nóra Török – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Adult women’s category, 2nd place
30. Márton Albert – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Youth men’s category, 1st place
31. Koppány Csiky Dácz – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Youth men’s category, 2nd place
32. Ivett Csiszér – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Youth women’s category, 1st place
33. Bernadett Bodor – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Youth women’s category, 2nd place
34. Ármin Magor Rácz – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Children boys’ category, 1st place
35. Tamás Kovács – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Children boys’ category, 2nd place
36. Domán Szalontai – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Children boys’ category, 3rd place
37. Virág Lőrincz – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Children girls’ category, 1st place
38. Biborka Mátyás Ambrus – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Children girls’ category, 2nd place
39. Dorka András – horse archery – Romanian National Final, Children girls’ category, 3rd place

Remetea, March 19, 2026.

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.

Within the PATHS project, professionals from Harghita County visited Vienna to learn about good practices that support skills development and labour market integration for young people aged 14–21.

The Austrian partner presented the programmes of ÖJAB – Österreichische Jungarbeiterbewegung ‘EducationFit’ and the IPC training centre. These programmes involve young people who have already completed compulsory education but have not yet found their place in the labour market, offering them 10-week, personalised training courses.

Based on decades of Austrian experience, key success factors include:

• small-group training (8–10 participants), enabling more effective learning;
• mentoring and continuous follow-up, not only training itself;
• skills development aligned with labour market needs – alongside traditional trades, also design, e-commerce, digital tools, and social media skills;
• stable state support and a well-structured institutional framework.

Since 2025, Harghita County Council has been participating in the PATHS (Personalized Approach To Territorial Life And Career Support) European Union project, together with partners from eight additional countries in the Danube Region.

The initiative aims to strengthen career guidance and long-term life-path support, especially for young people living in rural areas. An important goal is to help as many young people as possible build their future locally and reduce outward migration.

The visit took place between March 9–12, 2026. In addition to experts from the County Council, Mózes Csongor, director of the “Kájoni János” Vocational High School in Miercurea Ciuc, also participated.

Unique opportunity for small local producers in Harghita County to participate in the World Food Gift Challenge 2026. The international competition, organized by IGCAT, aims to promote authentic and sustainable products from the world’s gastronomy regions. The event will take place in Crete on May 21, 2026. Winners receive international visibility and official recognition.

What types of products can be submitted?

• Gastronomic gifts: non-perishable local food products made from natural ingredients.
• Gastronomy-related craft products: kitchen tools or equipment that reflect local culture.
• Products must be produced in small quantities, be sustainable, and reflect the characteristics of the region.

How are participants selected?

To ensure high-quality representation of Harghita County, the Visit Harghita team will select 4 products for the final competition.

In case of high interest, selection will be based on the following criteria:

• Authenticity and local connection – the product should reflect the traditions, raw materials, or craftsmanship techniques of the region.
• Sustainability – preference is given to environmentally friendly production, responsibly packaged products, and those made from local ingredients.
• Quality and aesthetic appearance – the product must be well-crafted, visually appealing, and suitable as a gift.
• International promotional potential – products that can attract the interest of tourists and international markets.
• Story behind the product – each entry must include an interesting background story reflecting local culture and traditions.

Why apply?

• International promotion opportunity
• Increased visibility for local products
• Official quality certification

Visit Harghita covers half of the participation fee for selected applicants.

Application deadline: April 10, 2026.

Full call available here:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/61g22zgq5ywjj8ztmitli/AK2EOiqtmlmIFsnRfbebzLM?rlkey=dyg1z48rd73fvrhnpbv7p6yca&e=1&st=02dvn28g&dl=0

For applications, please write to: [email protected]

Harghita Community Development Association (ADI Harghita)