Toespraak Hongaarse minister van Buitenlandse Zaken Martonyi over Hongaars voorzitterschap (en)

Member states unanimously supported the Hungarian Presidency’s programme presented to the General Affairs Council, by Minister for Foreign Affairs, János Martonyi, on 31 January 2011. The Hungarian Presidency is committed to a strong European Union, a strong Euro and strong European institutions that works closely together.

In his speech, Mr Martonyi emphasised the six-month programme’s motto “Strong Europe with a Human Touch”, reflecting the Hungarian Presidency’s efforts to strengthen the European Union, the single currency; and to reinforce institutions with a view to their close cooperation. Mr Martonyi stressed that Hungary aims at continuity during the trio presidency, and appreciated the work of the previous Spanish and Belgian presidencies.

Economy and finances in focus

Mr Martonyi identified four priorities in the Hungarian Presidency’s six-month programme. Hungary pays special attention to economic and financial matters. The primary tasks include the stabilisation of the Euro and the Eurozone, the economic governance reform and the launch of the European Semester.

The timetable for the European Semester was later discussed and approved by the General Affairs Council. Mr Martonyi said, “The Hungarian Presidency’s primary goal is to push through an agreement by the end of the first quarter on six new laws to reinforce economic governance.” He added that besides efforts to mitigate the effects of the crisis, Hungary is doing its utmost to jump-start real economy and to kick off the Europe 2020 Strategy with a focus on job creation and the deepening of the internal market.

Strong common policies

Mr Martonyi explained, that the Hungarian Presidency advocates strong common policies, whether in cohesion or in agricultural policy, as guarantees of a competitive Europe. Adopting a new common energy policy will present new challenges for the EU, and will place a greater responsibility on Hungary regarding the common energy market, energy security and energy infrastructure,

Human touch

“The human dimension, the human-oriented approach is a leitmotiv in the Hungarian Presidency’s programme”, Mr Martonyi said at the Council’s meeting. Social inclusion and Roma integration are key elements in the programme, but Hungary also intends to bring the EU closer to its citizens through the protection and enforcement of fundamental rights, and the improvement of public safety. In this context. Mr Martonyi pointed out, “ the Presidency’s priorities still includes the enlargement of the Schengen Area with Bulgaria and Romania. Hungary thinks that the process has to rely on Bulgaria’s and Romania’s actual performance and the Presidency is ambitious to find a solution that is acceptable for all member states.”

Enlargement and neighbourhood policy

“The fourth major issue in the Presidency’s programme is enlargement, which contributes to stability, peace and social unity in more and more parts of Europe”, Mr Martonyi declared. He also expressed hope that the enlargement process will not be obstructed by bilateral debates. The Hungarian Foreign Minister also advocated a renewed neighbourhood policy, pointing out that the Hungarian Presidency’s primary aim is to further strengthen relations with the six Eastern Partnership countries.

In summary, Mr Martonyi remarked that the Hungarian Presidency’s activities are driven by the idea of admission. The Danube Strategy means the involvement of six non-member states in a macro-regional cooperation, the Schengen Area is about to admit Bulgaria and Romania, and accession talks with Croatia will soon be closed. Broadly speaking, the Eastern Partnership is also about admission, which the Hungarian Presidency thinks will build economic and commercial relationships, and extend the common European principles and values.

Full support by Commission

Speaking on behalf of the Commission, Maroš Šefcovic promised all support to the Presidency in performing its programme, and considered the human-oriented approach particularly topical and important. Mr Šefcovic also appreciated the Presidency’s ambition to work in close cooperation with the European Parliament. Ministers from several member states unanimously welcomed the Presidency’s programme in their speeches. Jean Asselborn, Deputy Head of Government and Foreign Minister of Luxemburg, asked János Martonyi to amend the Media Act. In response, Mr Martonyi declared that “Hungary is committed to the values of democracy and the freedom of press.”