Budapest’s path to resilience: Insights from Kata Tüttő, EU Covenant Board Member and President of the EU Committee of the Regions

Kata Tüttő has long been at the forefront of Budapest’s transformation, championing policies that put citizens’ health, quality of life and democratic participation at the heart of urban development. From creating healthier streets and expanding green spaces to tackling housing, affordability and climate challenges, Budapest is building a resilient future for its residents. 

As a member of the EU Covenant of Mayors Board and President of the EU Committee of the Regions, Tüttő brings the perspective of a European capital while connecting local realities with Europe-wide ambitions. In our conversation, she discusses Budapest’s transformative projects, its commitment to democracy and citizen participation, and the importance of collaboration and shared learning among cities to accelerate the green transition.

What are your top priorities as Mayor/local politician, and how do they align with your city’s long-term vision for sustainability and climate resilience?

Budapest’s vision is “We give a future to Budapest”, putting citizens’ health at the centre of all policies. From healthcare to healthy streets, housing, and clean air, every decision serves an inclusive, life-affirming agenda. We are strengthening Budapest’s resilience to the housing, climate, and cost-of-living crises so that our city can thrive for generations to come. 

Can you share the most exciting or transformative project in your city that is helping to meet the EU Covenant of Mayors’ targets? What makes this project stand out for you?

One of our most transformative initiatives is the Healthy Streets programme, which reclaims public space for people, prioritises active and sustainable mobility, and integrates more trees and green corridors into our urban fabric. It stands out because it tackles climate resilience, air quality, and quality of life in one coherent vision, while directly involving citizens in shaping their neighbourhoods. 

As a member of the EU Covenant of Mayors Board, what unique perspective or initiative do you hope to bring to the table? What do you hope to learn from your fellow mayors in return? 

As former Deputy Mayor of Budapest, I bring the perspective of a capital city facing the same interconnected crises as many other EU capitals — water, housing, climate, and affordability. What makes Budapest’s experience particularly important now is that we witness, in practice, how centralisation can harm the public good by weakening local authority. As President of the EU Committee of the Regions, I add a panoramic view — from islands to mountain regions, from rural areas to metropolises — understanding the EU-wide layers of challenges we face together. In the Covenant, we listen to each other’s stories — survival stories, hero stories, like the 100 Climate-Neutral Mission Cities — drawing inspiration from success, learning from failure, and building a community of mutual support. 

What makes you proudest about your city, especially in terms of its commitment to sustainability and improving quality of life?

I am proud that Budapest continues to push forward on sustainability even in difficult political and economic circumstances — from expanding green spaces and protecting our riverfront to improving public transport and creating healthier streets. Budapest also serves as a reserve of democracy, investing in citizen participation and keeping public dialogue alive. Two of our districts are pioneering the first-ever Citizens’ Assembly for Women, exploring the city from women’s perspectives to shape more inclusive and responsive policies. 

Beyond the official duties, how do you personally connect with the people and culture of your city? Any local traditions or hidden gems you’d recommend to visitors?

I was born in Budapest, and with my family, children, and friends here, it is truly my home and my favourite place to spend time. I love the vibrancy of city life, but also the many ways to connect with nature — from the Danube to the surrounding hills and forests. For a hidden gem, I recommend a sunrise SUP tour on the Danube, starting from Római-part ('Roman Embankment') and gliding into downtown Budapest as the city wakes up.

_{Photo credit: European Committee of the Regions}