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classes of roads were equally available (which has not necessarily been the case, also see
Annex I). From a discourse analytical point of view, the cited Phare regional
development objective represents an interesting “rationalization” for infrastructure
funding, since it is conveniently phrased such that it in fact leaves the door wide open for
funding almost any kind of road not strictly intended for local use. Keep in mind,
however, that at least the main “victims” of the M0 ring road are likely to be found at the
local level.
The second source of EU-related funds came via the house bank of the EU, the
EIB. Approved in 1993, the € 72 million EIB loan had two components: rehabilitation of
350 km of existing roads as well as construction of a 35 km section of the M2 highway
north of Budapest, part of which is included in the M0 ring road. The EIB also partially
funded the new construction of national road Nr.2 to which the M0 was to connect.
9.2.3 The Eastern Section: A comparatively undisputed fait non-accompli?
The next major stretch to be built is the Eastern section. Hungary’s National
ISPA strategy asked for EU funding for the new construction of the 46 km long stretch of
the M0 ring road connecting the M3 and the M5 highways. The total budget of the
project is a whopping € 469.5 million (1999 price level estimate, excluded VAT). The
justification was as follows (Republic of Hungary 2000:21-22):
The so-called “Eastern Sector” of the M0 Ring Road, functioning as bypass road to
Budapest, starts at Motorway M5 and terminates at Motorway M3. This Section of the
Budapest Ring Road forms part of the transit routes of south-west/north-east
direction and forms link with the existing section to Motorways M1 and M7 (Pan-
European Corridor V. and link to Corridor IV.). The construction of this major section
of M0 will facilitate the development of traffic and result in very important gains in
terms of time and safety for all kinds of passenger and freight road traffic (local,
international and transit) in, out and through Budapest. It will substantially improve