EMDH logo EMDHEuropean Hungarian Diaspora Network

Our Projects

Four cities. One bridge.

Hungarian Roots. European Branches. Built together, one chapter at a time.

EMDH is built on a four-legged bridge — four European cities, each representing a pillar of the network: roots, career, community and civic identity. Together they carry the full weight of what we are building.

🇭🇺
Tapolca
Roots & Local Impact
🇫🇷
Strasbourg
European Civic Identity
🇩🇪
München
Diaspora Community
🇬🇧
London
Career Bridge

Petőfi Memorial Restoration

🇫🇷 Strasbourg, France
● Active — October 21, 2026

The only Sándor Petőfi monument in all of France was vandalised in May 2026 — the bronze relief stolen, the sandstone stele damaged. EMDH discovered the incident and immediately took the lead: coordinating with the City of Strasbourg, the Hungarian Permanent Representation at the Council of Europe, and two local Hungarian associations. We are the main bridge between all parties involved.

What we are doing

  • Located the sculptor's family — the original artist's son will recast the bronze relief
  • Fundraising campaign launching imminently — GoFundMe or HelloAsso, target €3,000
  • City of Strasbourg covers stonework, fixation and CCTV as in-kind contribution
  • University outreach: students reciting Petőfi's poems, debate on freedom and 1956

Why it matters

  • Strasbourg sheltered Hungarian refugees in 1956 — rebuilding this monument is a symbol of that solidarity
  • The only Petőfi monument in all of France — a fight against terrorism and for freedom and democracy
  • 70th anniversary of 1956 — re-inauguration on October 21, 2026 with MEPs present
Ez az EMDH legérettebb, legbiztosabb projektje. A dátum rögzített, a felek összehangoltak, az adománygyűjtés napok kérdése.

Roots & Local Impact — Tapolca Region

🇭🇺 Tapolca, Hungary — Launch 1
⟳ September 12, 2026 — registration open

The first EMDH chapter launch in Hungary: connecting local youth, families, mentors and civil organisations in the Tapolca / Sümeg / Nyirád region. A regional meeting of around 50 civil groups and innovative local companies is planned for September 12, 2026. If a minimum of 40 civil associations register, the event goes ahead. If not, we will postpone to a more active session closer to EU grant deadlines.

Register for September 12 →

Programme focus

  • Career bridge: how diaspora experience returns value to local youth
  • Mentoring programme — building connections with local school teachers
  • EU grants information platform: helping civil associations apply for European funding
  • Twin City partnership — Tapolca as anchor for a CERV Town-Twinning application

Target outcomes

  • 50-80 participants, 5-10 mentor leads, 3-5 local partner conversations
  • First proof of concept for sponsors and grant applications

Diaspora Chapter — München

🇩🇪 Munich, Germany — Launch 3
⟳ In preparation — Q4 2026

Munich is home to around 200,000 Hungarians — the largest Hungarian diaspora community in Europe. EMDH is preparing its first official meeting with the Hungarian Ambassador and high-level diplomats in Bavaria to discuss a regional cultural exchange plan, with a focus on Twin City projects. A public launch event in München will follow.

What we are building

  • Diplomatic groundwork: meeting with the Hungarian Consul General (Tordai Lejkó Gábor)
  • Twin City framework: connecting a Bavarian city with matching interests to a Hungarian partner city — EMDH's role is to find and connect the right partners
  • Community chapter: bringing together families, entrepreneurs, and mentors

Scale

  • ~200,000 Hungarians in Munich area
  • Public launch event planned once diplomatic meetings are confirmed

Career Bridge — London

🇬🇧 London, United Kingdom — Launch 2
◷ No fixed date — building the group first

London is the most ambitious EMDH chapter for young Hungarian professionals and students. The concept: connect those who offer their skills as volunteer mentors with those seeking shadowing experiences, career guidance and professional connections. Before any event date can be set, we need to build two groups first: professionals willing to offer mentoring, shadowing and coaching, and young people seeking those opportunities. EMDH is currently the only organiser — there is no external deadline, only a target. A venue sponsor has already been identified.

Programme concept

  • Mentor matching: professionals offer free shadowing and career guidance
  • Hungarian students and young professionals gathering — networking, career talks
  • Venue sponsor identified — financial sponsors and donors still being sought

How you can help

  • Offer your expertise as a volunteer mentor
  • Sponsor the event to make it happen
London is the most needed — and the most difficult to organise alone. If you are a professional willing to offer mentoring, shadowing or coaching, or if you want to sponsor this initiative, please reach out: contact@emdh.eu

Get involved

Every bridge needs builders.

Whether you want to volunteer as a mentor, partner with us, or support our fundraising — there is a role for you.