You will need Adobe Reader to view some of the files on this page. See EPA’s About PDF page to learn more.The Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe (REC) was established in 1990 by EPA on behalf of the United States, Hungary and the European Commission, at the initiative of then-U.S. President George H.W. Bush.

In honor of the 25th anniversary of the Regional Environmental Center (CEC) for Central and Eastern Europe, we've created a timeline to show some of the milestones on its journey.  All projects listed below were supported by EPA.  View the timeline.

July 1989: The REC is proposed by U.S. President George H.W. Bush during a speech in Budapest, Hungary (PDF) (5 pp, 184 K, About PDF) Exit.

November 1989: President Bush signs the U.S. Support for East European Democracy (SEED) Act Exitwhich provided EPA with authorization and initial U.S. funding to establish the REC.

June 1990: The United States, Hungary, European Community (predecessor of the European Commission) and the Netherlands sign the first REC Charter. [Search the EPA Archive for EPA Press Release: Charter Signed to Establish the Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe.]

September 1990: The REC opens its doors at a renovated silk mill in Budapest with then-EPA Administrator William K. Reilly representing President Bush and the United States at the opening ceremony.  [Search the EPA Archive for EPA Press Release: Reilly Participates in Opening of Environment Center in Budapest.]

1991: The REC begins to open local offices in its member countries to enhance information-sharing and networking.

1991: Publication begins of the REC Bulletin and its successor publication, Green Horizon, to raise public awareness of environmental issues.

1995-1998: The REC implements the Sofia Initiative on Lead Phase-out Exit to promote the elimination of leaded gasoline in Central and Eastern Europe.

1995-1998: The REC creates and manages a regional network of Environmental Management Training Centers to increase environmenal management capacity.

June 1996: The REC Charter is revised (PDF) (5 pp, 73.8 K, About PDF) Exit and additional Signatories are added.

1996: The REC moves from its first location in Budapest to a much larger campus in Szentendre which was provided by the Hungarian Government.

1997–2003: The REC creates and manages a Practitioners Network to support implementation of Local Environmental Action Programs (LEAPs) (PDF) (13 pp, 81.9 K, About PDF).

1997-1999: The REC implements the Sofia Initiative on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Exitto strengthen capacity and promote the use of EIA.

1999-2001: The REC supports development of Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers (PRTRs).

1999-2002: The REC implements the Capacity for Climate Program (PDF) (24 pp, 171 K, About PDF) Exit in cooperation with the World Resources Institute to strengthen climate policies.

June 2000: The REC celebrates its 10th Anniversary with U.S. Undersecretary of State and former REC Board Member Frank Loy and EPA Assistant Administrator for International Activities William Nitze representing the United States.

2000-2004: The REC implements the Sofia Initiative on Local Air Quality Exit to reduce health impacts from air pollution.

2000-2004: The REC serves as Secretariat for the Regional Environmental Reconstruction Program Exitto promote environmental improvements and capacity building in Southeastern Europe.

June 2005: The REC celebrates its 15th Anniversary with EPA Assistant Administrator for International Affairs Judith Ayres and U.S. Ambassador to Hungary George Herbert Walker Bush representing the United States.

June 2008: The REC unveils its renovated, zero emission conference center Exit which was created with support from Italy, Iceland, Lichtenstein and Norway.

April 2009: As the regional focal point for Central and Eastern Europe, the REC hosts the Global Partnership Meeting for the UNEP-managed Partnership for Clean Fuels and Vehicles. Exit

March 2010: His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales plants a tree on the REC grounds to commemorate  the REC’s 20th Anniversary.

June 2010: The REC celebrates its 20th Anniversary with EPA Deputy Assistant Administrator for International Affairs Shalini Vajjhala representing the United States.

2013: EPA begins to provide technical experts for training sessions organized by the REC's Sustainable Development Academy Exit in partnership with the Italian Ministry of Environment, Land and Sea.

June 2013: Former Vice President Al Gore leads a training session organized by the REC for his Climate Reality Leadership Corps Exit in Istanbul, Turkey.

2014: The REC initiates the CRESSIDA Project Exitto support sustainable watershed protection and resilience planning in the Western Balkans.

June 2015: The REC celebrates its 25th Anniversary Exitunder the sponsorship of Hungarian President Janos Ader with former EPA Administrator William Reilly and EPA Acting Administrator Lek Kadeli representing the United States.