La City of Lugano welcomed this morning, in the Town Hall, SE József Czukor, Ambassador of Hungary to Switzerland, for a courtesy visit as part of the institutional relations between local authorities and diplomatic representations. He was joined by the Deputy Head of Mission Zsófia Nógrádi-Barkaszi and the employee Eszter Kroll.
The meeting was also attended by the Councillor to the States Fabio Regazzi, confirming the political and institutional interest that accompanies the dialogue between Lugano and its international partners.
Culture as a ground for cooperation
During the meeting, the Hungarian delegation expressed its intention to deepen and expand opportunities for collaboration, particularly in the cultural sphere. The stated goal is to enhance exchanges between urban and institutional entities, fostering opportunities for discussion that can translate into concrete and lasting projects.
The focus on the cultural dimension is seen as a first step towards consolidating broader relationships, capable of involving various sectors of city life and strengthening Lugano's position within the European context.
Lugano as a European crossroads
In his speech, the Mayor Michael Foletti He recalled the city's historical and geographical vocation, emphasizing how Lugano has long represented a meeting point between the Latin world and Central Europe. This position, according to the city government, naturally underscores its focus on countries that have made innovation a cornerstone of their development strategies.
This approach, geared towards dialogue and exchange, is also reflected in the desire to build relationships that go beyond the formal dimension, focusing on structured, long-term collaborations.
The strategic role of the university center
A key part of the meeting was dedicated to Lugano's academic system. The City Council reiterated that the relationship between the City and its universities is not limited to simple coexistence, but rather a stable partnership, capable of generating tangible benefits for the economic and social fabric.
The recent recognition obtained by the Startup Centre of theUniversity of Svizzera Italiana, included in the 2026 edition of the “Europe's Leading Start-Up Hubs” ranking, published by Financial Times in collaboration with Statista and Sifted. This achievement strengthens Lugano's international profile as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship with a high scientific content.
Lugano and international relations in the medium term
The meeting with the Hungarian delegation is part of a broader strategy of international outreach and positioning for the City. Culture, education, and innovation emerge as the key levers through which Lugano intends to consolidate its international relations, while also strengthening the region's attractiveness.
A process that, according to the city authorities, aims to translate diplomatic dialogue into concrete opportunities for the local community and the Canton's economic and cultural system.
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