A strong Europe means support and power resource

Created: 7th December, 2010 15:38 | Last updated: 7th December, 2010 15:53	print	send

Viktor Orbán explained: the kind of balance of power that has evolved in Hungary that does not threaten the presidency, not only because of the two-third majority in the Parliament but also due to the agreement with the opposition parties.

The Prime Minister emphasized that he had had discussions with EP speaker Jerzy Buzek and every fraction of the Parliament. Prior to the beginning of the presidency the Prime Minister will visit each EU member state.

Regarding the Eastern Partnership he underlined that while consulting with three prime ministers they came to an understanding that everyone needed a strong Europe which is a support and a power resource while a weak one would only be a burden.

Regarding priorities he said that the modification of the Treaty is first-ranked adding that they will intend to carry it out in the easiest and shortest way. Secondly, the implementation of the Europe 2020 Strategy has a key importance and thirdly, the accomplishment of a European Roma strategy is necessary.

EU organizations stand before a major restructuring

"Europe is standing before its hardest year since the fall of the Communism"- said Viktor Orbán. The EU must be converted from a decadent, leisurely old gentleman or else it will fatally fall behind.

The Prime Minister hopes that Europe can become innovational. Orbán underlined that solutions in economic policies are expected adding that there is a need for a serious renewal.

As for serious, never mentioned issues he remembered what José Manuel Barrosó asked him: the most important is to expect the unexpected. Following the six months of the presidency he will revisit the member states and speak up for a strong EU. Orbán emphasized that the distance between the European idea and its citizens ought to be abridged. The Prime Minister stressed that they had done everything a human being is able to do. "We all are in the hands of God now and we hope that God will help us, too." - he added.

Buzek: Serious tasks await Hungary

Jerzy Buzek thanked the government for its preparatory efforts. He emphasized that serious tasks were ahead us as we got in to the presidency in a crucial period.

Buzek explained that we must create a consistent European strategy designed to lead us out of the economic crisis while a better guarantee for the citizens' safety should be granted through adequate migration and neighborhood policies.

The EP speaker underlined that Hungarian activity in the Eastern Partnership is very important and is needed in the Roma integration issue as well. Finally, he expressed hopes of a successful presidency.

Orbán: Hungarian priorities are made by life

Viktor Orbán stated that it was an honor to greet Jerzy Buzek within these walls. He underlined that the cooperation with the EP and the member states is essential.

The Prime Minister noted that the preparation was successful in the EP because it had been determined by life. He added: this is the hardest period of the last 20 years as the Hungarian presidency must carry out a Treaty amendment, the handling of the financial crisis, the economic governance and coordination of the economy policies as well as managing the Roma issues in a satisfying way. The accession negotiations are of high priority, too.

I agreed with the Polish Prime Minister on Wednesday in Warsaw that the continuity between the presidencies of the two countries will be assured - said Viktor Orbán.

Jerzy Buzek was grateful adding that he always felt at home in the Hungarian Parliament. The EU presidency of Hungary and Poland is a huge opportunity for both countries.
He mentioned that the EP intends to cooperate with the presidency. Hungary's priorities are important for the citizens of Europe as well as they are concerned how we will emerge from the crisis and will create new jobs.

In his conclusion Jerzy Buzek congratulated the Hungarian government.