Many disciplines deal with the analysis of the spread of epidemics (or pandemics). Spatial relations and regional inequalities are the determining variables of the intensity, extent and severity of the spread of an epidemic, so it is essential to investigate epidemics from a regional perspective. Mathematical, statistical, network, and spatial simulation models can be used in spatial analysis for investigating the spread of epidemics. In this study, statistical methods are used as a basis. A possible way to reduce the severity of epidemics – be it health or economic effects – is to slow down the intensity of the spread. To this end, we carried out the retrospective study and examined the Győr-Moson-Sopron county during the period when the pandemic caused by the Covid-19 coronavirus was most intense in our country, just as it was in most countries of the world, too.

A Hungarian city will be designated as the European Capital of Culture in 2023. The series of programmes are designed to show the multi-colour European culture, accordingly, the cultural values and cultural dimensions of the cities are in the focus. Several cities take part in the competition in the customary way by submitting their tender documentation within the framework of a pre-selection procedure. Győr, Veszprém and Debrecen proved to be the most probable candidate cities to win in Hungary, they were chosen to enter the second round of the selection procedure. Although the focus of intense attention usually falls on the cultural programmes planned for the project year, the period of the competition itself is also regarded an exciting phase of the project, since this is the period when candidate cities are expected to give an account of their plans, moreover, they are also expected to outline their projected development conception in the field of culture and their cultural potentials. The present study aims to analyse and confront the plans of three Hungarian cities that were selected to enter the second round of the competition and, consequently, it also intends to explore the visions, the strengths and weaknesses of the Hungarian cities of outstanding cultural ambitions mainly via factors denoted in figures. Today we know, that the winning city became Veszprém. Although based on the quantitative data we saw the other two cities as more likely to win, due to a number of qualitative as well as subjective factors, the city of Veszprém proved to be better during the selection procedure. We do not want to override the decision; we only outline an analytical framework for the cultural comparison of our culturally ambitious Hungarian cities.

The European Capital of Culture (ECOC) programme series aims to present the diversity of European culture, focusing on the cultural values and dimensions of cities. In 2023, Debrecen, Győr and Veszprém, as Hungarian applicants, entered the second round of the selection procedure. Although most attention is focused on the cultural programs of the project year, the project application phase is also exciting, as applicant cities can present their plans, development ideas and potentials in the field of culture. The study compares the creative aspirations and cultural potential of these 3 cities, exploring the cultural visions, strengths and weaknesses of these culturally outstandingly ambitious cities, mainly using quantifiable indicators. The authors developed and applied a survey model having 14 indicators for a quantitative comparative analysis of the cultural, tourism and financial potential of the three cities. Comparing 2 large and 1 medium-sized cities in Hungary, the authors conclude that not only in Central and Eastern Europe, but also in Hungary, stronger efforts are made to have culturally rich and creative cities.

The European Union is paying increasing more attention to the creative sector, acknowledging the economic significance of the sphere and appreciating the social benefits of creative and cultural activities. Its latest innovation is the Cultural and Creative Cities Monitor (CCCM), which shows the creative vibrancy of 168 European cities, thus enabling a comparison and ranking in terms of different creative and cultural aspects. Gyor has been included in this platform's list besides Budapest, Pecs, and Szeged. In this study the creative position of Gyor, in relation to similar mid-sized Central and Eastern European cities is examined, thus estimating the creative potential of Gyor. The analysis enables us to observe the elements and indicators of a creative city that are used to measure and show creativity. Exploring the city's strengths and weaknesses provides guidance as the CCCM annually renews its evaluation and changes the ranking. With conscious initiatives Gyor may become more creative, both internationally and locally. Based on the CCCM scores Gyor has numerous strengths: favourable geographic location, adequate amount of cultural offerings, strong economic potential, cultural vibrancy, and a high level of participation in cultural life. However, the city has weak features too, that require strengthening. The aim is for the cities to become more creative, but this requires analysis from the creative and cultural aspects. We offer an analysis that focuses on Hungarian cities, on our macro-region and on the creative and cultural elements of these cities.

The cities of Central and Eastern Europe have recognized those trends, which are already visible in the Western Europe on cultural sphere. The Western European cities generate development of society and economy based on culture. These trends came up with the age of knowledge-based economy. The cultural economy and the creative economy are spreading more and more in the Western Europe. The progress is helped by the European Union through several cultural project. For example the European Capital of Culture program. Participation in this process has become a strategic weapon for cities seeking to attract cultural visitors. Nowadays, the event has certainly developed beyond its cultural origins. It is becoming a part of urban economic and cultural revitalization. Since 2007 Central and Eastern European cities also can be the title holder of the European Capital of Culture. The first city was Sibiu in Romania in Central and Eastern Europe. I examine the impacts of the European Capital of Culture program on the local economy and society in the cities in Central and Eastern Europe.