Hongaars voorzitterschap wil zich op justitieel terrein vooral richten op belangen van de burger (en)
“The Hungarian Presidency is working to make the EU more citizen-friendly”, said Tibor Navracsics, Minister of Public Administration and Justice, at a hearing of the EP’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs.
The Presidency’s priority in justice, is to make progress in eliminating obstacles to the exercise of EU citizenship rights. Mr Navracsics expressed hope that the European Union will join the European Convention of Human Rights during Hungary’s term of EU presidency.
Mr Navracsics mentioned to further goals of the Hungarian Presidency, on the victim protection bills, the simplified inheritance procedures and the approval of a directive on sexual offences against children. He promised the EP, a constructive and flexible approach on behalf of the Council.
Responding to questions about the Hungarian Media Act, the Minister said the Hungarian Government will reply before deadline to the European Commission’s letter, which suggested that the law may restrict the freedom of opinion. Mr Navracsics said, “This act is aimed to strengthen rather than weaken the freedom of opinion,” adding that Hungary will change the law if necessary. He went on to say, “If the European Commission thinks so, we will have to find a regulatory scope which raises no concern for the Commission and meets Hungary’s needs for balanced information.”
Mr Navracsics promised the committee a detailed written response to several questions.