The agreement also calls for transparent communication and regular dialogue with Hungarian authorities and local communities.
The declaration was signed at an event at the Budapest Marriott Hotel on November 9, led by South Korean Trade Minister Park Jung-sung.
Around 20 people attended, including executives from the Hungarian subsidiaries of Samsung SDI, SK On, EcoPro BM, Dongwha Electrolyte, W-Scope and SungEel HiTech. Representatives of the Korea Battery Industry Association, South Korea’s ambassador to Hungary and the head of KOTRA’s Budapest trade office also participated.
The initiative establishes shared commitments beyond the companies’ individual environmental, social and governance policies, with the aim of developing a battery industry that grows alongside Hungarian society.
The declaration covers three main areas. Environmental commitments include protecting air, water and soil, alongside transparent communication with local communities. On safety, the companies pledged to strengthen requirements at their sites and throughout their supply chains.
The human rights provisions cover respect for the rights and dignity of all employees, including foreign workers and those employed by partner companies.
“Korean battery companies have become reliable partners in Hungary’s economic growth. Today’s declaration is a promise that, beyond investment and job creation, they will earn the trust of local communities as responsible companies in environmental protection, safety and human rights. The Korean government will also work closely with the Hungarian government to ensure that our companies fully meet the commitments made in the declaration and grow alongside Hungarian society,” Park said.
South Korean battery companies have made substantial investments in Hungary in recent years, contributing to employment and the development of the country’s battery manufacturing sector.
The participating companies plan to maintain regular dialogue with the Hungarian government and local communities and jointly review progress in implementing the declaration.
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