In a signing ceremony at the Sofia "Environment for Europe" Ministerial Conference, the Hungarian government made official its announcement to grant the Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe (REC) international organization is a huge vote of confidence for the REC's activities, which have been ongoing in Central and Eastern Europe since 1990. The transformation places it on a level similar to that of the International Red Cross.

As part of the status change, the Hungarian government donated a large piece of property, appraised at ECU 5 million, to the REC. Situated just north of Budapest in the small town of Szentendre, the property will be home to the REC's headquarters,which are now in Budapest. REC officials hope the donation will encourage other governments to make additional contributions that will ensure the REC's financial sustainability in the future.

"The Regional Environmental Center has proved that Central and Eastern Europe can benefit from environmental cooperation amongst and between both governments and NGOs. The new international status of the REC and the donation of the Szentendre site together represent a formal recognition of the REC's activities carried out over the last five years. The Hungarian government continues to regard the REC as an international organization with an international mission," says Dr.Ferenc Baja, Hungary's Minister of Environment.

Both the chonge in status and the property donation are a real boon to the REC. The elevated stature will give the REC more visibility on the international stage. And the property, which offers an office building, conference facilities, and several bungalows, will support the Center's activities by providing a place where NGOs, government officials and business leaders can participate in workshops, seminars and training sessions.

"Pragmatically, the status change and property donation will allow us to operate more efficiently. With offices and support staff in 13 Central and Eastern European countries, we are already operating as an international organization promoting cooperation within CEE and acting as a bridge between East and West," says Dr. Bedrich Moldan, Chairman of the REC's board of directors.

Contact:

Janos Zlinszky
Government and Public Affairs Manager
REC
Miklos ter 1
1050 Budapest
HUNGARY

Tel: +36.1. 250-3401