The Hungarian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association, member of the EHA since 2007, organized its HFC Workshop to introduce  the future tendencies and programs in hydrogen based vehicles in Europe and the future possibilities of projects, tenders and co-operation within the European Horizon 2020 program.  The workshop was the first event organized in the brand new Research Center for Natural Sciences (TTK) of Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA) in Budapest. A representative of the City Budapest, József Margitfalvi, president of the association indicated that in the field of hydrogen technologies the Central European region is far behind with the Western part of Europe. A successful catch-up is not possible without the close co-operation of the Central European countries. The common FCH-JU bus project for example could be a successful beginning.  The Hungarian Industrial automation company evopro presented its concept for a composite modular bus system that could be powered by different power systems as fuel cells. They bought an American bus company Mabi and are developing two electric buses on the Mabi premises near Budapest with support of the Hungarian government.
Dr. András Tompos, Director, Institute of Material and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre of Natural Sciences, HAS, Hungary presented the impressive progress in new catalyst research that recently moved to the state of the art Research Centre that was hosting the event.

At the workshop representatives of neighbouring Slovenia and Romania presented recent developments as well  Dr. Marta Svoljšak, Project Manager, Petrol, d.d., Slovenia presented its first hydrogen station located at a PETROL filling station in Lesce near Lake Bled. The project is currently in its demonstration phase, and operation of the HRS is intended to provide the necessary experience of constructing and building the future hydrogen infrastructure necessary for fuel cell electric vehicles. Installation of the HRS, valued at close to €0.5 million, has been supported by the European fund for regional development. Project partners include CONOT, PETROL, DOMEL, TPJ and INEA and they are working to develop a learning environment for the State as a whole and to create a legislative framework for future construction and expansion of hydrogen technology.  Dr. Ioan Iordache, CEO, of Romanian Association for Hydrogen Energy and member of the EHA, presented the Centre of Excellence for hydrogen that has been set up recently stressing the urgent for cooperation and alignment of activities in Eastern Europe