The VII. Tisza-tavi PET Cup began in Tiszafüred on June 12, 2026, as 360 volunteers launched 22 bottle-boats and 60 canoes to clear waste from the river between Tiszafüred and Tiszanána–Dinnyéshát. For the first time in the event’s 13-year history, government representation attended the start, with Minister László Gajdos signaling a shift toward closer state cooperation with civil environmental groups.
Did You Know? Over the past 13 years, the PET Cup organization has recovered more than 452 tons of waste from the Tisza River, with nearly 60 percent of the collected plastic currently being kept in the recycling loop.
How the government plans to engage with environmental groups
Minister László Gajdos stated that the ministry’s ability to function effectively depends on cooperation with civil organizations, ranging from water guardians to animal welfare groups. According to the minister, his presence at the event carried symbolic importance, intended to demonstrate that the government views the civil sector as a necessary partner in environmental protection. Gajdos noted that volunteers at the event are performing the work of removing waste that originates largely outside of Hungary, specifically from the river’s source in Ukraine and the Romanian catchment area via the Szamos River.
Why the minister is planning a visit to Romania
In response to the transboundary pollution, Minister Gajdos confirmed he has received inquiries from municipal leaders in Romanian settlements along the Tisza. He stated that he intends to visit the region in the near future to meet with local counterparts. While the minister emphasized that Hungary strives to manage water resources responsibly for downstream neighbors, he criticized upstream nations for what he described as the “disproportionate” removal of water from the Tisza and Szamos rivers before they reach Hungarian territory.
Expert Insight: The challenge of water management
Expert Insight: The contrast between the Tisza-tó and Velencei-tó regions highlights the difficulty of managing water resources across different governance structures. While the Tisza-tó benefits from centralized management, the Velencei-tó suffers from fragmented oversight, leading to a critical drop in water levels to 52 centimeters—well below the optimal 130 centimeters. The government’s push for a new, unified law suggests a move toward centralizing control to address long-term sustainability, though the success of this strategy remains dependent on yet-to-be-defined water replenishment plans.
What happens next for the Velencei-tó
The Ministry is preparing a new, unified Velencei-tó law to regulate water usage among agricultural, residential, and tourism stakeholders. When asked about a 2021 government proposal for water replenishment that was previously rejected and classified for ten years, Minister Gajdos stated he had not seen the document. He maintained that the government has “definite, realistic ideas” for saving the lake, though specific methods for replenishing the water remain under investigation by experts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of the PET Cup?
The event aims to remove waste from the Tisza River; this year’s participants are focused on the section between Tiszafüred and Tiszanána–Dinnyéshát over a four-day period.
Where does the majority of the waste in the Tisza originate?
According to Minister Gajdos, the vast majority of the waste found in the river comes from outside Hungary, specifically from the Ukrainian source region and the Romanian catchment area.
What is the current status of the Velencei-tó?
The lake is facing a water crisis with levels measured at 52 centimeters, compared to an optimal level of 130 centimeters. The government intends to address this through new legislation and ongoing expert analysis of replenishment options.
How do you think cross-border cooperation can best address the issue of river pollution?
