On 6 May 2026, the Mayor of Budapest, Gergely Karácsony, visited Vienna with a delegation of experts. Discussions with the Mayor of Vienna, Michael Ludwig, focused on strengthening cooperation between the two cities. As part of a professional exchange with experts from the Vienna's Municipal Department for Parks and Gardens, discussions centred on the revitalisation of brownfield sites, with particular emphasis on green space planning and city district development.
Brownfield revitalisation refers to the planned ecological, and economic redevelopment of abandoned industrial or commercial sites. The aim is to sustainably reuse existing urban land, reduce soil sealing, and create new opportunities for housing, employment and public infrastructure. In Budapest, such a project is planned for the former Rákosrendező railway site, where around 10,000 flats and at least 25 hectares of green space are to be developed, supported by excellent public transport connections.
During a visit to the Nordbahnhof - Freie Mitte park, the Budapest delegation gained an insight into Vienna's experience with a large-scale brownfield project. Experts from the Parks and Gardens Department presented the park's design, use, and governance while also addressing urban ecological and climate policy aspects. Launched in 2019 on the site of the former Vienna Nordbahnhof railway station, the project aims to combine nature conservation with the interests of park visitors across 9.3 hectares. Signs of the site's former use, such as railway tracks, have been preserved and integrated into the five newly created green spaces. To ensure species protection, the revitalisation work was overseen by the ecological construction experts.
Meeting of the Mayors of Vienna and Budapest
During the subsequent meeting, the two mayors discussed shared urban challenges and opportunities for closer cooperation between Vienna and Budapest. The talks focused on how both European cities can maintain their social balance in the long term while remaining liveable and sustainable. For Vienna's Mayor Michael Ludwig, Budapest's Mayor Karácsony is an important voice for a united Europe and a strong supporter of democratic values, even in challenging circumstances.
The visit by the Budapest delegation to Vienna highlighted the importance of dialogue and mutual learning between cities in addressing shared challenges and provided valuable impetus for the future development of urban spaces.
Further information
- Rákosrendező Masterplan
- Freie Mitte project - City of Vienna (German)
- Nordbahnhof park - City of Vienna (German)
- Mayor of Budapest in Vienna (German)
- Results of urban and public space design competition for brownfield area in Budapest (German)