Again, publicly available plans related to building permits

Hungary’s Minister of Transport and Investment, Vitézy Dávid, has announced that blueprints associated with construction permits are once again publicly accessible. This change was made possible through the electronic building authority system known as ÉTDR, which allows users to access these documents via its public interface. The move comes after a period during which this information was not available online, following changes implemented in August 2024.

The public interface of the ÉTDR had been discontinued earlier that year, making it impossible to view the plans related to issued construction permits online. According to Vitézy, the government decided early in June to restore public access to these documents. He stated that the ÉTDR would soon allow anyone to review the blueprints tied to construction permits. In his recent Facebook post, Vitézy confirmed that the implementation of this decision has been completed and that the system's public interface is now operational again. He emphasized that the change supports the transparency of public interest data, stating that the new government aims to represent public interests rather than private ones.

Vitézy highlighted that one of his first proposals presented at the initial cabinet meeting was about restoring the public accessibility of the ÉTDR. The government accepted this proposal at the beginning of the month, and now individuals can view the blueprints associated with issued construction permits online with just a few clicks. The system can be accessed at the official website: https://www.etdr.gov.hu/nyilvanos-adatok.

The restoration of public access to construction permit-related blueprints follows a previous decision made by former Minister of Construction and Transport, Lázár János, who proposed discontinuing the public interface in the summer of 2024. This change significantly limited who could view documents related to specific cases and how they could access them. The modification came after reports published by Válaszonline, which used the ÉTDR to reveal that Tiborcz István and his associates were planning to develop the remaining areas of Svábhegy.

Vitézy described this prior decision as an example of how the desires of a small group of private individuals can override public interest, with the minister using his power to act against such interests. His comments reflect a broader policy shift aimed at increasing transparency and ensuring that public data remains accessible to all citizens.

The changes to the ÉTDR have sparked discussions among various stakeholders regarding the balance between privacy and transparency in governmental operations. While some argue that increased public access to such information promotes accountability and openness, others raise concerns about potential misuse or overexposure of sensitive data. These differing perspectives highlight the complexity of managing public records while maintaining appropriate safeguards.

As the system becomes fully functional again, officials are expected to monitor its usage and ensure that it meets both legal standards and public expectations. Future developments might include additional features or enhancements aimed at improving user experience and expanding the range of accessible information. The government has indicated that further measures will be taken to reinforce transparency and public engagement in administrative processes.