Hongaars voorzitterschap benadrukt belang samenwerking tussen EU-instellingen (en)

The Hungarian Presidency believes that we all need a strong Europe, which is capable of reacting. This strength is based on smooth institutional cooperation and strong policies with a human dimension, Foreign Minister János Martonyi said before representatives of international think tanks in Brussels on 25 January 2011.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, János Martonyi, was invited to a professional debate held jointly by the most significant Brussels think-tanks in the Residence Palace. The meeting was attended by Herman van Rompuy, President of the European Council, Mikolaj Dowgielewitz, Polish Secretary of State for the European Affairs and Economic Policy, and researchers of various organisations as well. The discussion aimed to critically reflect on the European Union and to formulate recommendations to improve the Union on issues, such as economic governance, energy policies and institutional questions.

The Hungarian Foreign Minister stressed the importance of the institutional changes due to the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty. The economic crisis gives a great deal of opportunity to hammer out agreement amongst Member States and to push forward Europe towards increased economic integration. In order to bring this goal to success, all the European institutions have to work together. This is indeed a qualitative change in the inter-institutional dynamics. In the Minister’s view, the role of the rotating presidency is more of a shepherd, rather than a leader, as the presidency has to coordinate and do its best to reach a compromise on legislative proposals.

The European Union is not just an economic giant, and it shall come closer to its citizens. Therefore, it is crucial to strengthen the human dimension of the Union. Great emphasis shall be given to tackle with modern challenges, such as demographical changes, aging and shrinking population. Mr Martonyi informed the public that both the Danube Region Strategy and the Roma Strategy contains major elements of human touch.

Lastly, the EU has shown its capacities when it was proven by the crisis, and was able to react and it had a significant role to overcome the economic downturn at a global stage. We certainly need a strong Europe, which is capable of reacting. This strength is based on smooth institutional cooperation and strong policies with a human dimension.