Europese Liberalen (ALDE) steunen Hongaars Voorzitterschap (en)

The European Parliament (EP) group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE), praised and offered its support for the Hungarian Presidency’s programme at its negotiations with government members in the Hungarian Parliament on 27 January 2011.

The delegation of the EP’s liberal party was the third EP group to visit Budapest for the purpose of receiving first-hand information about the Hungarian Presidency’s priorities. Group leader, Guy Verhofstadt i, and his delegation, followed suit of the visit to Budapest by EP groups of the Social and People’s Parties in November and December, respectively.

According to the EU’s traditions, the government of the member state holding the Presidency, invites EP groups for the Presidency’s political preparation, with a view to the EP’s key role in legislation. As declared on several occasions, the Hungarian Presidency’s ambition is to closely cooperate with the EP.

The ALDE delegation was first received by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán i. Afterwards, an official lunch was hosted by Foreign Minister, János Martonyi, and Minister of State for EU Affairs, Eniko Gyori. Lastly, the government and the delegation held a joint meeting, presided by Deputy Prime Minister Tibor Navracsics.

At the official lunch, Mr Martonyi referred to the idea of “Strong Europe”, strong community policies, strong and cooperating institutions and a strong common currency, to emphasise the human dimension, as the centrepiece of the Hungarian Presidency’s programme. Mr Verhofstadt stressed that the liberal group is in favour of the community method, and considers the Hungarian Presidency’s success is important.

The ALDE delegation praised and offered its support for the Hungarian Presidency’s programme. Discussion at the lunch revolved around the Roma strategy and the Danube Strategy, both enjoying special attention by ALDE politicians, the Enlargement of the Schengen Area, and the accession of Croatia.

At the meeting presided by Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Navracsics, Minister for Home Affairs, Sándor Pintér, presented the Presidency’s ideas on the fight against organised crime. Minister for National Economy, György Matolcsy, declared that the Hungarian Presidency’s key priority is for the EU to find the most important means to handle the economic crisis. The aim is to reach an agreement in this respect during the Presidency’s term.

Mr Matolcsy mentioned the ‘3+1’ objective: to implement the European Semester, to reform economic governance, to reinforce the regulatory system of financial services, and to create the European Stability Mechanism. The latter requires a limited amendment of the Lisbon Treaty. According to Mr Matolcsy, there is a need to consolidate budgets, reduce indebtedness, to boost economy and creating jobs.