Volume XIX, Number 1, 2025

ABSTRACT – The 20th century saw the emergence of new urban systems and networks due to globalization processes. Municipality sistering is a classic example of this. Cooperation between municipalities in this way can have a positive impact in many areas, including the economy and culture. However, city diplomacy, a form of subnational diplomacy based on sistering between municipalities in different countries, has received limited attention from scholars in the social sciences. The research presented here examines sistering in the Southern Transdanubia region, specifically exploring the development of networks among municipalities in the Hungarian counties of Baranya, Somogy, and Tolna. The analysis covers 656 municipalities, which can be considered as a rural area as 92.22% of the municipalities have the status of a municipality with a population between 25 and 142,873 inhabitants. The study is based on the analysis of the Hungarian National Association of Municipalities’ (TÖOSZ) database of sistering partnerships. IBM SPSS Statistics 21 software was used for the analysis. The study provides an overview of the emergence and development of municipality cooperation in rural area.

ABSTRACT – This study investigates noise levels in urban recreational areas, focusing on Bistrița, to understand the impact on public health and well-being and its importance for sustainable development. The research aims to assess noise pollution in playgrounds and parks, where high noise levels can disrupt recreational activities and affect the quality of life. Field research used a sound level meter to measure noise levels at various locations within these recreational areas. The study employed systematic sampling to ensure comprehensive coverage of different times of the day and week. The results indicate that noise levels in some areas exceed the recommended limits, particularly during peak usage, highlighting the need for noise management strategies. The findings suggest that urban planning and policy interventions are necessary to mitigate noise pollution and enhance recreational experience for residents. This study underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and the implementation of noise reduction measures to promote healthier urban environments, contributing to the sustainable development of cities by ensuring that recreational spaces remain conducive to relaxation and social interaction.

ABSTRACT – Our study summarizes the practical findings from the results of the SPOT Horizon 2020 research project on the Komárom–Komárno city pair, focusing on the development opportunities of heritage tourism. Cross-border tourist destinations in the European Union face significant development opportunities, both due to the permeable borders and the available development resources. Heritage tourism is particularly suitable for realizing the idea of integration and joint development of the two sides of the border, and exploiting the touristically attractive features of the colourful and rich cultural heritage of the border regions. This work presents the development results of the city pair located on the Slovak–Hungarian border through some good practices, and explores the problems that stand in the way of developing it into a unified destination. According to our findings, a unified destination can transform the current national/regional attractiveness into a European level if the attractions of the two sides can be organised into a unified offer. To achieve this, the study formulates policy recommendations.

ABSTRACT – The municipality of Satu Mare, strategically located in the North-West region and the Carpathian Euroregion, borders Hungary and Ukraine at the intersection of various internal and international trade routes. With high human potential and through judicious planning, Satu Mare can develop sustainably and harmoniously. This research aims to analyze the development, transformation, and expansion of Satu Mare Municipality, influenced by its historical and socio-economic context to identify development solutions for a modern city. The study utilized a methodology that combined the analysis of historical documentation, specialized works, historical maps, and information collected from the field. A clear view of the city’s development and a sustainable plan will boost its regional importance and improve residents’ quality of life.