Csaba Borboly – SUSCOMNET Conference (17 October 2025)
Distinguished guests, dear colleagues,
First of all, I would like to thank you for the invitation and to extend special congratulations to Mayor Attila Korodi and his team.
It is increasingly rare to see a city administration that not only focuses on daily issues, but also plans responsibly and systematically for the future.
Today’s event and the SUSCOMNET project are not just another EU-funded initiative — they represent a shared roadmap toward sustainable cities.
In our discussions in Brussels, we often come back to one fundamental question:
How can we connect local realities with EU-level goals?
As a member of the European Committee of the Regions, I see that the political will in Brussels is there: we want a greener, fairer, and more livable Europe.
But for this to happen, we need cooperation models like the one represented by this project.
That is why, in recent professional forums, I have stressed that the next EU financial period (2028–2034) cannot be designed in a way that we only try to “catch up” afterward.
It is not enough to simply “ride in the trailer” — we need to sit in the driver’s seat now and help steer the direction.
I would also like to emphasize that I am ready to represent the SUSCOMNET project’s principles, results, and good practices within the Committee of the Regions and toward the relevant European Commission departments, identifying the policy channels where these materials can have an impact on future EU planning.
But what can we, concretely, contribute to sustainable urban planning?
1. Mountain regions, water retention, and biodiversity
Mountain cities – such as Miercurea Ciuc – are unique not only in terms of climate and ecology, but also physically: steep slopes, rapid water flow, and sensitive habitats.
Therefore, water retention cannot be seen solely as an agricultural task – it must also be integrated into urban planning. Examples include green roofs, rain gardens, and green corridors.
2. The 3-30-300 principle – and its adaptation
This principle says that every person should be able to see 3 trees from their home, cities should have 30% tree canopy cover, and a green space within 300 meters of every residence.
This is not only an environmental principle but also one related to public health and urban well-being.
The SUSCOMNET project is a great opportunity to adapt this principle to mountain urban realities: what does “urban nature” mean in a long, valley-shaped city like ours?
3. Learning communities and sustainability knowledge sharing
Regions and cities accumulate many good practices — but they rarely circulate effectively between territories.
SUSCOMNET could become a knowledge hub where solutions are not only presented but also systematized — from regulatory models and citizen engagement to greening public institutions.
4. The role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in urban planning
We cannot ignore the growing importance of data-driven planning.
Local decisions are often made without accurate measurements — such as shadow ratios, heat exposure, water runoff models, or wind flow impact.
By using AI, we can create decision-support systems that make urban planning faster and more evidence-based.
5. Building green communities – not only technologically, but humanly
The future of our cities depends not only on buildings but on the relationships between people.
That’s why sustainability must also be examined through a community lens:
Are citizens involved in decision-making?
Do they feel ownership of their city?
Can they connect to the transformation process?
I firmly believe that a sustainable city and region — in our case, the Ciuc region — cannot exist without a shared vision.
And this project provides exactly that: the opportunity not only to plan, but to build a common vision together.
Thank you for allowing me to reflect on these topics with you!