25/02/2025, 𝓼𝓮𝓪𝓯𝓪𝓻𝓮𝓻'𝓼 𝓾𝓹𝓭𝓪𝓽𝓮 Hungary is making significant strides in its pursuit of maritime access, with the Trieste port project gaining momentum. The country has signed a 45 million euro agreement to develop a port in Trieste, Italy, which is expected to be operational by 2026 ¹. This move is part of Hungary's efforts to establish a stronger presence in maritime trade and commerce. The Trieste port is projected to handle up to 300,000 containers and 25,000 freight trains, making it a pivotal part of China's New Silk Road initiative ². The European Union is also contributing to the project, which includes the initial development stages of dredging the service channel and constructing a quay and road connector. Hungary's foreign minister, Péter Szijjártó, has praised the project, stating that it will provide Hungarian businesses with quicker and easier access to sea ports ¹. The project is also seen as a way to strengthen economic ties between Hungary and Italy, with bilateral trade turnover expected to increase by 20-25% this year ¹. *Key Highlights of the Trieste Port Project:* - *Expected Operational Date:* 2026 - *Container Handling Capacity:* 300,000 containers per year - *Freight Train Capacity:* 25,000 freight trains per year - *EU Contribution:* Initial development stages, including dredging and construction - *Hungarian Investment:* 45 million euros