On 29 September 2026, Transcarpathian Day in Brussels was held for the eleventh time, organised by Viktória Ferenc, MEP of Fidesz–KDNP and member of the Patriots for Europe Group. Held under the motto “Embroidered Heritage – Tradition Rewoven”, this year’s event focused on Transcarpathia’s rich cultural and craft heritage and on the relationship between tradition and contemporary creative arts. “For more than a decade, Transcarpathian Day has been about showing, here in the heart of Europe, who we are as Transcarpathian Hungarians, what values we preserve and what we want to pass on to future generations. I believe it is particularly important to safeguard this opportunity for our community, irrespective of party-political considerations. Although the Tisza government prevented the Liszt Institute in Brussels, the Cultural Centre of the Embassy of Hungary in Brussels, from hosting our event as it traditionally has, our event promoting the traditions and culture of the Hungarian community in Transcarpathia still went ahead: we welcomed our guests at a new venue, but with the programme unchanged,” stressed the MEP of Transcarpathian origin.

As part of the programme, a round-table discussion entitled “Embroidered Heritage and Sustainable Fashion” was held. Moderated by Krisztina Indra, the discussion brought together Lívia Balogh, President of the Mid-level Organization of the Transcarpathian Hungarian Cultural Association (KMKSZ); Eleonóra Molnár, President of the Transcarpathian Folk College Association; Tünde Hrivnák, Pro Urbe Award-winning Hungarian fashion designer and founder of the BY ME TREASURE collection; and Veronika Vass, an embroiderer from Transcarpathia. Among the topics discussed were the importance of preserving cultural identity, the relationship between traditional craftsmanship and sustainable fashion, and the ways in which creative work can contribute to strengthening communities and supporting mental well-being.

“In the process of Ukraine’s accession to the European Union, the situation regarding the rights of national minorities, including the Hungarian community in Transcarpathia, and the restoration of minority rights previously guaranteed to them are of particular importance to me. At the same time, alongside advocating for the community at the political level, I consider it equally important to give visibility here in Brussels to its culture, traditions and the values embodied in its everyday life,” Viktória Ferenc said.

The evening concluded with a presentation of Tünde Hrivnák’s BY ME TREASURE collection. The collection demonstrated how motifs from Transcarpathian folk art can be given a new lease of life in contemporary fashion, and how craft skills handed down through generations can be combined with a modern approach to design.

Brussels, 30 September 2026