Cooperatives in Eastern and Central Europe - Hungary

Abstract

Like other institutions in Eastern and Central Europe, co-operatives have been profoundly affected by the dramatic changes which have occurred in the region during the last three years. In order to present an accurate view o f the current situation o f the cooperatives, the ICA has com missioned a series o f national studies by authors who are knowledgeable, but still independent, of the co­operative sector. This report, on Hungary, is the first country study to be published in the series. Following the approval o f new co-operative and transformation legislation in January 1992, the framework within which co-operatives will operate has now been clearly established. The author. Dr. Janos Juhasz, has lengthy experience in studying, and working with, the co-operative movement in Hungary. This report reflects his personal analysis o f the situation, and does not necessarily represent the views o f ICA or its member organisations. We hope that this report will provide useful inform ation to all readers who are interested in knowing more about the role which co-operatives have played, and are likely to play in the future, in Hungary. It analyses both the strengths and weaknesses o f the different co-operative sectors in an unbiased manner. The treatment of co-operative property and capital under the new Hungarian legislation should be o f interest to co-operative practitioners and students in all countries in light of the current international review of co-operative values and principles.