On November 6, 2024, the first online meeting on cross-border forestry cooperation took place with the participation of Hungarian and Slovak experts within the framework of the #ACCESS project. The meeting was attended by representatives of government and professional organisations from both countries, as well as the organisers CESCI Budapest and CESCI Carpathia. The meeting was preceded by the conclusions of the previously conducted interviews, during which several administrative and legal discrepancies in the field of forestry were identified, which could hinder effective cross-border cooperation.

The first topic was the issue of informing forest visitors. Information about restrictions and emergencies is not always clear in the border region, which can cause problems for tourists. In Hungary, the forest manager is responsible for proper signage, while in Slovakia several ministries are involved in the issue. To solve this, bilingual signs and generally understandable pictograms are recommended.

The second topic discussed dealt with the different transposition of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUTR/EUDR). The Hungarian regulation contains stricter requirements regarding the obligations to transport and place timber products on the market, which can result in trade barriers, additional administrative burdens, legal uncertainties and lawsuits. The participants therefore recommended a detailed comparison of the regulations of the two countries and the exploration of harmonisation options.

The third important topic was the transboundary management of invasive species. Due to the different national transposition of EU regulations, there is no uniform treatment protocol, so Hungarian and Slovak national legislations use different approaches. The need to develop common treatment protocols was raised during the meeting, which could ensure the effective control of invasive species in the border region.

At the meeting, representatives of CESCI Budapest and CESCI Carpathia emphasised that the #ACCESS project aims to strengthen cooperation and address cross-border problems. The participants agreed that a common information system is needed on the issue of forest visits, which ensures the flow of information between authorities. In order to coordinate the EUTR/EUDR regulations, the participation of experts from both countries is necessary at the next meeting, while the joint management of the spread of invasive species requires further research and consultations.

The next steps include a detailed examination by Hungarian and Slovak experts of the differences between the current regulations and the exploration of possibilities for harmonisation. A joint proposal is being prepared to improve information for forest visitors, including the standardisation of bilingual signs and pictograms. Further consultations and research are needed to develop a common protocol for the management of invasive species. The next online meeting will take place in spring 2025, where experts will present progress and recommendations.