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József Pálinkás, President of the National Research, Development and Innovation Office presented the Hungarian position on the strategic directions and content of the 9th RDI framework programme at the Permanent Representation of Hungary to the EU.

The event held at the Permanent Representation of Hungary in Brussels was opened by H.E. Ambassador Tibor Stelbaczky, who reminded that RDI faces big challenges related to the role of innovation, widening the participation in the framework programme, rationalization of partnerships, and the relationship between smart policies and RDI policy. The keynote speaker, Wolfgang Burtscher, deputy director general of DG RTD, shared the European Commission’s views on the next Framework Programme. The event also gave space to a high –level policy discussion with Aleksander Bobko, state secretary for science and higher education of Poland, Tomaz Boh, state secretary for education and science of Slovenia, and Václav Velčovský, deputy minister of education of the Czech Republic. 

According to the document presented in Brussels, the best way to promote an efficient RDI system both at EU and member state level is to utilise national and EU funds in a coordinated, mutually complementary and value-creating manner. The RDI calls for project proposals of the NRDI Office lay the foundations of entering the international arena and successfully participating in the EU’s research and innovation framework programmes.

According to the Hungarian position, in addition to supporting market-making breakthrough innovations, it is also very important that the framework programme also promotes innovation resulting from gradual development. Besides funding the independent development activities of SMEs, the Hungarian position also emphasises the role of RDI funds in fostering cooperation. Funding programmes significantly contribute not only to cooperation between industrial actors and research centres but also to the reinforcement of macro-regional cooperation programmes. In Hungary nearly HUF 200 billion (over EUR 660 million) has been awarded in total to industry/research cooperation projects since 2015, which lays the foundations of successful Hungarian participation in FP calls beyond 2020. The domestic system of research funding also offers several funding schemes for stimulating corporate innovation. Since 2015 altogether HUF 300 billion (nearly EUR 1 billion) of funding has been awarded to businesses for RDI activities, elaborating business ideas, targeted research, prototype development, export-oriented development of already complete products, as well as for intellectual property protection, procurement of RDI services and creating startup incubator houses.

In addition to funding issues and the coordination of sources, the Hungarian position also touches on RDI policy topics of strategic importance. In respect of researcher wages, it sets the objective to reduce the wage gap between researchers working in old member states and member states which have joined the EU since 2004 by approximating wages, thus reducing the outflow of researchers. The document also covers the topic of open science: it suggests that the framework programme should include actions targeted at open access to scientific results. József Pálinkás emphasised that the administrative burden of the application process in the framework programme needs to be further eased by introducing funding schemes that are more flexible for applicants and by further speeding up evaluation and contracting processes. The President of the NRDI Office added: it is necessary to create a system of rules that promote the collective and coordinated use of funds under the framework programme and the Structural Funds.

In terms of the expected budget of the framework programme after 2021 it is suggestive that the currently running framework programme was originally announced with a total budget of EUR 80 billion, of which EUR 30 billion was made available under several calls a few weeks ago by the European Commission. More than EUR 140 million (over HUF 42 billion) in funding has been awarded to Hungarian institutions and businesses so far in Horizon 2020, the EU’s framework programme for research, development and innovation. In connection with the mid-term evaluation of the Horizon 2020 programme this summer, the preparation of the upcoming RDI framework programme of the EU also commenced. The presentation of member state positions forms part of the planning. The package of suggestions for FP9, expected to be published in June 2018, will be discussed in detail by member states and MEPs to collectively decide on its final budget, form and content.  The member states’ positions also provide a point of reference for consultation between member states, enabling them to identify their joint interests and to take common action later on. The Hungarian position was developed with the contribution of an expert group of renowned academic, university and business leaders, as well as experts of institutions with related RDI policy or public duties, who were familiar with both national and international RDI policies and with the evolution of the EU research and innovation framework programmes over the years.

The Permanent Representation of Hungary to the European Union organised a half-day seminar with the title of “High Quality Education for All – Seminar on the Education of Roma Children” on 27 November 2017, directly preceding the European Platform for Roma Inclusion.

Lívia Járóka, Vice–President of the European Parliament, Károly Czibere, Hungarian Minister of State for Social Affairs and Social Inclusion and Tibor Stelbaczky, Ambassador, Deputy Permanent Representative opened the seminar and actively participated in the discussion, together with representatives of Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic and the Hungarian Ministry of Human Capacities. Representatives of the Member States, EU Institutions and NGOs were invited to participate at the seminar.

The aim of this event was to give experts of education and Roma inclusion an opportunity to discuss about the education of Roma children and to present measures of the Commission as well as the mentioned four Member States implemented within the EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies up to 2020 and within the Education and Training 2020 strategic framework. Participants were also able to learn concrete examples and personal life stories, bringing the experiences of everyday life closer to policy-makers.

The participants of the seminar all agreed that it is inevitable to actively support the participation of Roma children in high quality, inclusive education, starting from an early age, with early childhood education and care. Besides early intervention special emphasis was laid on the support and training of teachers and on the importance of cooperation between different sectors, stakeholders and services on all levels.

There was agreement that efforts in order to enhance the participation of Roma children in high quality education and to improve their success in school need to be continued on national as well as on European level. Member States and the EU should uphold ongoing work within the EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies and the Education and Training 2020 strategic framework.

Ambassador Tibor Stelbaczky and Deputy Secretary of State Ákos Mernyei represented Hungary in the TTE Telecommunications Council on 4 December in Brussels.

The Council discussed the draft regulation on the free flow of non-personal data. The regulation would end unjustified data localisation requirements and would establish a clear framework for non-personal data to move across borders in the EU. The debate showed strong support from member states for the free flow of data proposal and the presidency’s efforts to reach an agreement in the Council this year.

Ministers took note of the progress on a proposal to update privacy rules for electronic communications (ePrivacy regulation). The draft regulation is intended to ensure a high level of protection for private life, communications and personal data in the electronic communications sector. The Council noted that some elements need further discussion before the general approach can be agreed.

The Council reached a general approach on updating the regulation for the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communication (BEREC). This will serve as a mandate for negotiations with the European Parliament.  The central element of the text is the independence of BEREC and the BEREC Office. Ministers agreed that the existing two- tier structure should be maintained. The Council agreed that the new rules should be aligned with its mandate on the European Electronic Communications Code, since the two proposals are closely interlinked. Negotiations on both dossiers will run in parallel.

The presidency briefed ministers on the state of play of negotiations on the European Electronic Communications Code. The first trilogue was held on 25 October 2017. The second trilogue is planned for 6 December, after the TTE Telecoms Council on 4 December. The overall aim is to reach an agreement by June 2018.

Urvo Palo, Council President and Minister for Entrepreneurship and Information Technology signed a 5G roadmap that sets out specific deadlines for the harmonisation of spectrum necessary for the rollout of 5G as agreed between member states and confirms the objective of positioning Europe as a leading market for 5G on the world stage.

Lastly, the incoming Bulgarian presidency presented its telecommunications work programme for the first half of 2018.

At the health EPSCO Council of 8 December, the Hungarian delegation highlighted that a number of facts suggest that the EU pharma market is not supportive enough for the sustainability of the national healthcare systems.

In Greece, price reduction ordered for budgetary reasons led the manufacturer to withdraw an anti-cancer drug, while in Romania parallel trade resulted in shortages. The report of the European Commission on the paediatric medicines regulation pointed out that paediatric drug development is not in line with children’s medical needs. All these circumstances prove that that medicines are not ordinary costumer goods and therefore appropriate regulatory environment and member states’ cooperation is vital. Hungary, together with Poland, Slovakia, Lithuania, Slovenia and Croatia is also engaged in a regional initiative aiming at fair pricing and supply security of pharmaceuticals.

Hungary appreciates that during the Estonian Presidency digitalization as overarching priority covered the field of healthcare as well. E-health and relating applications can significantly improve efficiency and help to meet challenges affecting our health systems today. The year of 2017 has been milestone for Hungary as in November the electronic healthcare service platform was started, establishing the digital fundament of the Hungarian healthcare sector. E-health is also a priority for Hungary as Presidency of the V4 group. In November 2017, the Antall József Knowledge Center organized a conference on the future of healthcare in the age of digitalisation. The event had special focus on e-health related challenges faced by the Visegrad countries.

The Council also adopted conclusions on alcohol policy and obtained information from the Commission and OECD on the country health profiles published within the framework of the Health in the EU cycle.

At the end of the Council, the upcoming Bulgarian Presidency informed the ministers on its priorities relating to providing better food for children and more efficient pharma policy.

On the day preceding the EPSCO Council, Zoltán Balog minister of human capacities and Kiril Ananiev Bulgarian minister of health discussed the Bulgarian Presidency priorities and the current challenges relating to pharma pricing and reimbursement. Minister Balog presented the Hungarian child health promoting measures such as public health tax, public catering regulation and everyday physical education. In addition, he explained how the Hungarian pharma reimbursement scheme supports access to innovative medicines and talked about the assessment of joint vaccine procurement possibilities at regional level.

The 4th Stakeholder Seminar of the ‘Sustainable energy’ priority area (PA2) of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region was held in Brussels on 5 December 2017 at the premises of the Permanent Representation of Hungary to the European Union, with the participation of energy experts from the Danube Region countries and EU institutions.

The event was organized by the coordinating countries of the PA 2, Hungary and the Czech Republic, with the aim to identify the potential steps to complete gas market integration in the Danube Region in line with the Energy Union goals.

Following the opening remarks by Mr György Kozma, Head of Cabinet of the Permanent Representation of Hungary to the EU and Mr Roman Diatka, Head of Unit at the Permanent Representation of the Czech Republic to the EU, two studies were presented as the kick-off presentations for the following panel discussion. The first one, elaborated by the Masaryk University, focused on the current situation and obstacles of the market integration, while the second one, prepared by the Regional Centre for Energy Policy Research (REKK), took a look at 2020 as an important milestone from an analytical approach and took stock on the important elements impacting the way ahead, such as policy questions, infrastructure and geopolitical developments.

In the course of the panel discussion focusing on gas market integration, energy experts shared up-to-date information about the impact of new U.S. sanctions on Russian energy export pipelines, and the status of the Ukrainian gas market integration, especially in light of the delayed Gazprom-Naftogaz decision. The panelists also discussed the Commission’s new amendment to the 3rd energy package, namely its timing, efficiency and applicability. The Gazprom-Naftogaz relationship, Gazprom’s prospects, aims and objectives, as well as the possible future of Ukraine as gas transit route was also discussed during the seminar.

“Hungary has great expectations with regard to future negotiations on the post-2020 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The Government is willing to contribute to the creation of a new CAP which is favourable to all European agricultural producers, and to all citizens across the EU through the high quality and healthy foods they produce”, the Ministry of Agriculture’s Minister of State for Public Administration Andrea Gulyás said following a session of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council on 11 December in Brussels.

In its Communication published on 29 November, the European Commission set down its preliminary plans for the post-2020 CAP. The most significant difference in comparison to the current system could be a new system for the distribution of funds (the so called New Delivery Model) in which the EU would only determine the general directions of the policy, while Member States would have greater flexibility and responsibility with regard to methods for implementing the goals set at EU level. According to the Communication, Member States would establish a CAP strategic plan, which would then be approved by the Commission. This would ensure that the CAP contributes to the realisation of EU objectives and to the environmental and climate-related objectives set by Member States.

“It is particularly important from the Hungarian perspective that the Commission intends to maintain the two-pillar structure of the CAP and the direct payments which play an essential role in ensuring farmers’ income. At the Council meeting Hungary has strongly opposed to introducing new objectives which are independent from agriculture, such as migration. According to our opinion CAP is not the right place to handle this issue. Hungary considers that farmers should receive CAP subsidies. In addition there are some open issues to be clarified on a later stage. We have outlined them to the Commission”, the Minister of State said.

Ms. Gulyás stressed that the New Delivery Model would give Member States greater room for manoeuvre, but there is a danger that this could result in the re-nationalisation of the CAP.

EU Agricultural Ministers will continue the debate in January 2018 under the upcoming Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the EU. The European Commission is expected to publish its legislative proposals in June next year.

On 7 December 2017 the EPSCO Council discussed agenda items relating to employment and social affairs. The head of the Hungarian delegation was Mr Zoltán Balog, Minister of Human Capacities and Ms Katalin Novák, Minister of State for Family and Youth Affairs also attended the meeting. The meeting was chaired by Ms Kaia Iva, Minister of Social Protection of Estonia and Mr Jevgeni Ossinovski, Minister of Health and Labour of Estonia. The European Commission was represented by Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis, Commissioners Ms Marianne Thyssen and Ms Vera Jourová.

The ministers held an exchange of views on the 2018 European Semester autumn package. Vice-President Dombrovskis and Commissioner Thysssen presented their Annual Growth Survey (AGS), Alert Mechanism Report (AMR), draft Joint Employment Report (JER), draft Employment Guidelines (EGL) and draft Recommendation on the economic policy of the euro area. The employment and social aspects of the latter were adopted as well.

The Hungarian delegation underlined that the ’virtuous triangle’ of the Annual Growth Survey, namely boosting investment, pursuing structural reforms and ensuring responsible fiscal policies, and the priorities of the draft Joint Employment Report are valid and are in line with the priorities and measures of the Hungarian Government. As regards the modification of the Employment Guidelines in light of the recent adoption of the European Pillar of Social Rights, Hungary is of the opinion that the new guidelines reflecting the principles of the social pillar cannot overcome the original focus of the Semester, namely boosting economic growth and employment, and they have to be in line in the future as well. The Hungarian Government has introduced several measures in the past years to enhance the employment of vulnerable groups. As a result, currently there are more than 4,5 million people in employment and our unemployment rate has fallen to 4,1%, being the 4th best rate overall in the EU. As regards the process of the European Semester, we hope that the positive trend on systematic dialogue and cooperation between the Commission and the Member States will continue in the future as well, with adequate timing, for true ownership of the Member States about the recommendations.

The Council with the abstention of the United Kingdom adopted a general approach on the directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States as regards the accessibility requirements for products and services. Finland, the United Kingdom and Italy submitted a statement, in which Finland and the United Kingdom highlighted that although they are committed to improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities and the text has improved a lot, it is still not ready for adoption. Besides Italy expressed regret for the exclusion of the emergency services from the scope.The Council adopted partial general approach on social security coordination regulation as regard family benefits and long term care. Some member states suggested that family benefits should be subject to indexation in keeping with the residence of the children. However, the overwhelming majority of the Member states as well as the Commission rejected the idea for it is discriminatory and goes against the equal contribution equal benefit principle. The Hungarian delegation declared that the indexation of family benefits is indefensible concept and we called on the forthcoming Presidencies to loyally represent the anti-indexation position of the Council during the coming trilogues. Moreover, we expressed our concerns regarding the next chapter to be discussed relating to unemployment benefits, as in our view, the Commission’s proposal seriously affects the interest of mobile workers. Therefore the Bulgarian Presidency should negotiate the dossier with due care.

The ministers reached a political agreement on the Directive on Maritime Labour Convention.

The Council took note of progress on the draft directive on work-life balance for parents and carers and repealing Council Directive 2010/18/EU. The Hungarian delegation emphasised that supporting families is a key priority for the Government. We stated the one of the main principles of our family policy is that parents should be offered the opportunity to decide how long they wish to stay at home and raise their children. They also have the choice to decide if they wish to share the care responsibilities. We underlined that it is of particular importance for us to focus on solutions that make it possible to preserve the rich diversity of Hungarian family support system.

The Council also adopted conclusions on enhanced measures to reduce horizontal gender segregation in education and employment.

Furthermore, the Council took stock of progress on the draft directive of equal treatment between persons, irrespective of religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation. The Council adopted the Council Conclusions on the future of work, and on enhanced community-based support and care for independent living.

The Swedish delegation and the European Commission informed the Council on the Social Summit for Fair Jobs and Growth, held in Gothenburg on 17 November 2017 attended by Heads of State and Government as well representatives of the social partners, EU institutions and agencies.

The Commission informed the Council about the EU action plan 2017-2019 on tackling the gender pay gap adopted on 20 November 2017 and reported about the focused actions to eliminate gender-based violence in year 2017.

The incoming Bulgarian Presidency also presented their work programme for the first half of next year.

A ministerial lunch also took place on the topic of ’Fostering digital transformation while safeguarding social protection’.

The Council adopted under the legislative “A” items the revision of the Directive 2004/37/EC on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens and mutagens at work (1st batch), with the abstention of Croatia, Poland and the United Kingdom.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó, in a telephone statement to Hungarian news agency MTI on Thursday, welcomed President of the European Council Donald Tusk’s statement regarding mandatory relocation quotas.

The minister welcomed the fact that, finally, a serious European leader, the president of the European Council, which is the European Union’s number one position, has at last spoken a truth that is already widely known. The mandatory relocation quota is ineffective and divisive, and forcing illegal migration is dangerous, said Péter Szijjártó, who is currently in San Francisco holding talks with Hungarian representatives.

Illegal migration must be stopped, not organised. Some Brussels bureaucrats continue to organise and promote illegal migration. This is endangering Europe and the European people. The mandatory relocation quota runs completely counter to common sense, European rules and the security of the continent, the minister added.

In his letter of invitation to the meeting of EU heads of state and government, Donald Tusk called the mandatory relocation quotas “ineffective” and “highly divisive”. In its reaction, the European Commission strongly criticised Tusk, and Germany has also indicated that it does not share the standpoint of the European Council president and stands by the mandatory quota system.

Donald Tusk is now being attacked in a vile and sanctimonious manner by those who have been representing for years now the obviously misguided migration policy of the European Commission. This migration policy has brought about a major threat to the lives of European people, due to the fact that waves of illegal migration provided opportunityfor terrorist organisations to send their terrorists to Europe. The result is clear: Over the past two years, there have been 27 serious, terrorist attacks on the continent resulting in 330 deaths, and a further 1300 injured, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó added.

Minister of State Róbert Homolya represented Hungary in the TTE Transport Council on 5 December in Brussels.

Prior to the Council, a ministerial meeting was held on a Hungarian initiative with the participation of 13 Member States (PL, SK, CZ, HR, SI, LT, LV, MT, ES, PT, RO, IE, HU) in order to strengthen the common positions and " to speak in one voice "about the lex special proposal. Róbert Homolya, Secretary of State, presented the common principles that were unanimously endorsed by the representatives of the delegations of the Member States, and subsequently He invited his partners to Budapest in early March 2018 to strengthen our professional relations and coordinate our positions.

Ministers took note of the Presidency’s progress report on the 1st Mobility Package. The Transport Council discussed the revision of rules on market access, including the regulations governing access to profession and to the market, the revision of Directive of Posting of road transport workers (the so-called lex specialis)  and enforcement of social conditions, as well as, the Regulations on driving time and rest time periods and on the tachographs too. Based on the debate, it can be concluded that the progress report reflected well the position of the Member States. The Head of the Hungarian delegation emphasized that he wanted to address mainly the connection between the road transport and social issues, since – as we see – it raises the major problems and concerns about the proposed regulations, especially in relation to the lex specialis proposal.

The Transport Council adopted Council conclusions on the progress in TEN-T and CEF transport. Hungary considers CEF a really successful tool for reaching EU transport policy goals. Hungary fully utilized the national cohesion envelope. Hungary welcomes the quick and efficient project-evaluation and decision making in the course of the CEF project-selection process which are definitely strong points of CEF which should be kept also for the future. Hungary believes that the grant element should remain the main form of financial support of CEF in the next Multiannual Financial Framework.

On the margin of the Council meeting, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia and Hungary signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the establishment of a new Amber rail freight corridor. Hungary will manage the Executive Board of the newly created corridor.

The corridor is based on the traditional ancient Amber route, linking the ports of the Baltic and the Adriatic Seas, connecting several important industrial and logistic centres in our countries. The establishment of the new corridor is of strategic importance for all our Member States’, facilitating a more efficient interconnection of the major intermodal terminals with the port of Koper, and with the major Polish intermodal terminals to the north-east, as well as the boosting of traffic between them. Moreover adding the Budapest – Kelebia railway line towards Serbia into the corridor gives us an excellent possibility to reach the Greek ports as well. The Amber corridor should play a significant role in distributing the goods coming from Far-East not only by rail, but also by ships to the Port of Koper.

The new Memorandum of Understanding of the Executive Board of Orient/East-Mediterranean Rail Freight Corridor was also signed and Germany officially joined to the corridor. This extension gives us a great possibility for increasing the rail freight traffic on our corridor by connecting the Baltic Sea, the North ports of Germany and Greek ports, which will definitely facilitate the flows of goods on rail within Europe, from and towards the Far-East as well.

In Brussels on Thursday, following a meeting of Visegrád Group (V4) heads of government, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced that “Today the Visegrád Four have decided to provide significant financial support and offer assistance to help Italy protect its maritime borders, and thus defend both Europe and Hungary”.

A video of the statement was published on the Prime Minister’s Facebook page.

“We all know that Hungary is protecting the land borders of Europe, and the maritime borders must be protected by Italy”, Mr. Orbán declared.

The Prime Minister underlined that “Our personal and national security and the security of our families […], the future and safety of our children, their security and a life free from terror depend on whether the Hungarians and Italians succeed in defending the external borders of Europe on land and sea”.

Following the meeting, the Prime Minister stressed that the contribution will assist the efforts of the European Union on Libyan territory: the leaders of the V4 countries have decided to provide significant support for the full financing of the second stage of the programme aimed at reinforcing Libyan border security, and are therefore ensuring its viability. In addition to this, they have also offered their cooperation towards the programme’s implementation.

“The decision to provide financing was made in the interests of reinforcing EU migration policy”, the Prime Minister said, adding that “We have done this because we believe in the unity of the European Union”.

In Brussels, prior to Thursday’s summit of EU heads of state and government, a meeting of the V4 – currently under Hungary’s presidency – was held with the participation of President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker and Italian prime minister Paolo Gentiloni.  During this meeting the Visegrád Group’s leaders decided on the provision of financial support for Libyan border protection.

According to a joint statement issued after the meeting, in addition to their existing contributions to other EU and bilateral aid programmes the leaders of the Visegrád Group countries have officially decided to contribute 35 million euros for the full financing of the second phase of the initiative aimed at ensuring defence of Libya’s borders. The initiative is being led by the Italian government and being realised in cooperation with the European Commission.

A statement by the Visegrád Group can be found here.

(MTI)

Hungary is prepared to increase its contribution to the budget of the European Union to 1.2 per cent of the gross national income (GNI) in the next seven-year fiscal cycle as with the planned departure of the United Kingdom and the emergence of new challenges there will be more responsibilities falling on fewer contributors, János Lázár, the Minister heading the Prime Minister’s Office stated at a conference held in Brussels on Monday.

In his speech the Minister heading the Prime Minister’s Office pointed out above all that the EU will have to rise to the challenges it is facing against the background of the fact that one of the Community’s important countries is leaving, and in consequence more responsibilities will fall on fewer contributors. In light of this circumstance the contributions of Member States will have to increase. 

“We are convinced that it is not possible to create more Europe out of less money. If there are more responsibilities, they will cost more without doubt”, he said, adding that Hungary is prepared to increase its contribution to 1.2 per cent of the gross national income (GNI) as are several other Member States in the Central and Eastern European region. 

Mr Lázár also said that he is expecting an “actively aggressive, brave and enterprising” budget proposal from the European Commission for the next cycle as the current budget was “defensive” and served to respond to a crisis. He pointed out that in addition to the goals identified in the founding treaties of the EU, a strong Europe must be created, and to this end it is necessary to enhance security and competitiveness. He also stressed that the budget must be made simpler and more transparent, abolishing, for instance, the rebates previously negotiated by the United Kingdom. 

In the context of Cohesion Fund grants, the Minister said that everyone benefited from them, and they proved to be good investments for the net contributor countries. He also added that the Hungarian Government would like to see Hungary become a net contributor country within the shortest possible time. 

The budget of the European Union between 2014 and 2020 was set at EUR 963 billion which amounts to approximately 1 per cent of the combined GNI of the Member States. According to data published on the EU’s website Hungary’s payments to the EU budget in 2015 amounted to 0.98 per cent of Hungary’s GNI. 

As expected the European Commission will submit its proposal regarding the next seven-year fiscal cycle in May; however, the final decision will have to be adopted by EU Member States and the European Parliament.

(MTI)

At a panel discussion following a summit of Visegrád Group (V4) heads of government, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said that Europe needs to replan, because the goals that were previously set have not been realised. He went on to explain that the problem of immigration will not remain confined to Europe, it is becoming clear that the debate is moving from the European arena to the global arena, and this is something for which Europe also needs to provide an answer.

At the summit of heads of government of the V4 (the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia) in Budapest on Friday, Mr. Orbán pointed out that as early as 2004, then UN Secretary General Kofi Annan called migration a solution, not a problem, and described what Europe should do, saying that channels must be opened for immigration.

Mr. Orbán stated that in 2015 Central Europe was faced with the dilemma of whether it wanted to set out on a new path, like the countries of Western Europe that accepted the advice of Kofi Annan. He observed that a few days ago the current UN Secretary General also declared that migration is a good thing, and the United Nations is assuming a role in the development of an agreement to distribute migrants worldwide.

 

 

 

“We are helping those whom we have to help, but we are not admitting migrants and we do not want to be an immigrant country”, the Prime Minister emphasised.

He explained that it is important for each of the Visegrád partners to state the views of their country, because to Hungary it is very clear that “we are not alone”, and Hungary’s way of thinking is not unique, but normal: a way of thinking guided by common sense.

According to Mr. Orbán, in the United Nations “dangerous things” are being prepared, with the planned global agreement including, for example, attempts to mandate the following: reductions in penalties for illegally crossing borders; NGOs being given a prominent role in handling migration; and the acceptance of migrants by all countries. He declared that “We do not support” any of this.

 

 

 

The Prime Minister said that this is about the protection of Christian culture. It is not a question of religion, he said, because this also affects non-believers, and includes: the Christian way of life; freedom of religion; the family model and the relationship between men and women; the fact that “we live here in an integrated manner and do not want to import anti-Semitism”; and the fact that “we insist on our tolerant, Christian way of life and refuse to give up the feeling of being at home”.

Europe needs to replan

The Prime Minister asked who decided and who was asked about allowing foreign peoples into the continent, and who undertakes responsibility for this.

He explained that all this is happening against the wishes of the European people and without them being asked, while in Hungary the people were asked and action was taken according to their wishes.

Speaking about illegal migration, Mr. Orbán said that “If we are unable to stop it and allow the fence to be dismantled […] if we submit to the migrant quota […] then the optimism and the opportunity that is well within reach today will disappear”.

“Europe needs to replan, because the goals that were previously set have not been realised”, the Prime Minister said, adding that “We are pro-Europe politicians”.

 

 

 

The V4 does not diminish Europe’s strength, but adds to it

Mr. Orbán outlined the nature of the changes needed: the goal is for Europe to be stronger; the new plan must include a passage relating to a work-based society; Europe must regain its technological lead; it needs its own European defence force; and Europeans must talk about an alliance of free nations and not a United States of Europe. According to the Prime Minister, this is all possible – the only question is whether or not there will be leadership which is good enough to achieve these goals.

“The states of the V4 do not diminish Europe’s strength, but add to it”, the Prime Minister declared.

“The V4 is the fastest developing region in Europe”, Mr. Orbán stressed, also declaring that the V4 countries are not the recipients or supplicants for aid, but form an assertive community that gives at least as much to the EU as the other way around – with older EU Member States in fact “profiting from cooperation with us”.

He added that The V4 have a common vocabulary including words such as sovereignty, independence, freedom, God, patriotism, family, work, honour, security and common sense.

 

 

 

Now is the opportunity to lay Central Europe’s economic foundations

Mr. Orbán said that now is the time to establish Central Europe in an economic sense also, because this is when the required energy and resources are available to it. But, he explained, if people resign themselves to the fact that links in Europe will always be in an East-West direction, they are also accepting that there will never be a Central Europe – only Eastern Europe and Western Europe. Central Europe will only be created in an economic sense also if links are also realised in a North-South direction, he said, otherwise “we only remain friends”.

Mr. Orbán also highlighted the opportunity to enlarge the EU in the direction of the Western Balkans, explaining that if that region is successfully integrated, it will strengthen Central Europe.

With regard to EU integration, the Prime Minister said that the United States, Russia and Turkey all have strategies in relation to the Balkans, but only the EU has no strategy.

If it did have a strategy, he pointed out, it could immediately accept Montenegro as the newest Member State of the European Union, and possibly the key country of Serbia too; if Serbia becomes a member of the European Union, then that will effectively also mean the stabilisation of the Balkans.

 

 

In reply to a question on Hungarian-Slovakian relations, Mr. Orbán said that what he had achieved with Robert Fico in recent years is also historically significant; the opportunity had always been available, but whether such opportunities are taken advantage of depends on the people involved.

The Prime Minister also praised Hungarian-Slovakian economic relations, explaining that the Slovakian-Hungarian natural gas pipeline represents a “life insurance for us”. In addition to this the parties also recently agreed on the construction of a new Danube bridge at Komárom/Komárno.

Military cooperation with the Czech Republic is moving forward well, he told the press, and in relation to Hungarian-Polish relations, plans for the construction of a Warsaw-Budapest high-speed rail line – which would reduce the current travel time of twelve hours to just four hours – are in the feasibility study phase.

You can read the Statement of the V4 on the future of Europe here.

(MTI)

“Hungary is calling for the adoption a farmer-friendly and much simpler Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) at EU-level negotiations. This is in harmony with the Joint Declaration of the Ministers of Agriculture of the Visegrád Group (V4) and Croatia adopted in Budapest on 25 January”, Minister of Agriculture Sándor Fazekas emphasised following Monday’s session of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Brussels.

EU agricultural ministers have ahead an intensive period in view of the fact that the current Bulgarian Presidency’s goal is to adopt a joint document on the Council’s position (the so-called conclusions) at the Council Meeting on 19 March pointing out the direction the post-2020 CAP should take. The basis of the ministerial debate was the Communication published by the European Commission on 29 November 2017, which includes proposals for the future framework of the CAP.

Head of the Hungarian delegation Minister Sándor Fazekas said the level of funding available within the EU’s next Multiannual Financial Framework to finance the CAP was a key issue. He confirmed that Hungary has special interest in the continuation of traditional policies, including maintaining the current level of CAP funding. Hungary is ready to increase its contribution to the EU budget. “We reject the introduction of national co-financing in the 1st pillar of the CAP”, the Hungarian Minister of Agriculture stressed. In his opinion, this would mean that more affluent Western European countries would be able to provide more financial resources to their farmers, while also reducing the level of their contribution to the common budget. “This would, on the one hand, lead to the renationalisation of the CAP, and secondly it would mean an unjustified competitive advantage for Western European farmers”, the Minister argued.

The proposal on the post-2020 Multiannual Financial Framework is expected to be published at the end of May. Final decision will be taken by the European Council.

At the Council session, Commissioner Phil Hogan provided further details with regard to the Commission’s plans. “According to the information provided, there is a real chance that existing support schemes could become significantly simpler”, Mr. Fazekas said.

The most important new element of the Commission’s plan is that Member States would draw up a Strategic Plan covering both pillars of the CAP, which would then be approved by the Commission. in this regard, the Hungarian Minister of Agriculture emphasised that, based on the information available to date, practical implementation seems rather uncertain, and primarily with relation to the CAP’s 1st pillar funding (direct payments). Hungary has asked the Commission to indicate how the implementation of the new system would work in practice.  New solutions are also expected concerning greening since the Commission is ready to introduce new solutions.

“I made it clear at today’s Council meeting that Hungary can only accept farmer-friendly new CAP basic regulations which result in a significant simplification of the CAP”, the Hungarian Minister of Agriculture said.

“There is no insurmountable difference between Hungary’s goals and the European Union’s budget plans; Europe still needs a cohesion policy that balances out the developmental differences between member states”, Minister heading the Prime Minister’s Office János Lázár said following the V4+4 summit in Budapest, at which representatives of eight countries held talks with EU Commissioner Günther Oettinger.

Following a meeting between representatives of the countries of the Visegrád Group, four other EU member states and the European Commission’s Commissioner for Budget and Human Resources Günther Oettinger, Mr. Lázár declared: “Hungary would like a post-2020 EU budget that enables a level of development thanks to which Hungary itself may become a net contributor in the following budgetary period”.

“In view of Great Britain’s exit from the European Union, there will be one less contributing country, but despite the reduced income we have more tasks to perform”, he added.

Mr. Lázár indicated that the participants of the meeting also believe that a strong, competitive and safe Europe is needed, but that more money is also required in view of common goals and new challenges. “For this reason, the representatives of the eight countries agreed that an increase in EU contributions may be required, and did not reject the possibility of increasing their contributions to 1.1 percent of their gross national income (GNI)”, he added.

The Minister said reducing bureaucracy was in everyone’s mutual interests, and accordingly called for simpler, cheaper and faster administration and budgetary realisation. He said previous cohesion policy had been successful, but warned that the process of cohesion is not yet over, and encouraged the European Commission to develop an ambitious budget.

 

 

In reply to a question, the Minister heading the Prime Minister’s Office declared that both contributors and beneficiaries have all profited from cohesion policy, and Central Europe has fulfilled its commitments. He stressed that Hungary and the region is not looking for aid or other people’s money, but is offering cooperation and an investment opportunity. “If the West invests in this region it will be reinforcing the competitiveness of the whole continent”, he added.

Mr. Lázár said that developing areas of countries with remaining growth capacities is of key importance, as is Hungary’s share of agricultural policy subsidies.

Commissioner Oettinger confirmed that the participants of Friday’s meeting already agree on the vast majority of issues relating to the EU budget. He stressed that common EU goals must not be set aside because of Brexit, and in view of new tasks relating to research, innovation, migration, border protection and security, he said the participants’ consent toward the payment of higher contributions was an important result.

The European Commissioner highlighted the fact that increasing Europe’s competiveness and economic strength, solidarity and sustainability are all closely connected to cohesion policy, and similarly to Minister Lázár called for the simplification of regulatory frameworks. “The EU must show that it is also capable of acting, of solidarity and of good governance even during difficult times”, he added.

 

 

Following the press conference, Günther Oettinger was received in Hungary’s Parliament Building by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán for a working lunch.

 

The Joint statement on the future of the cohesion policy adopted by the Visegrág Group and Croatia can be found here.

 

(MTI, photo: Gergely Botár, Károly Árvai/ kormany.hu)

Environment ministers discussed at the Council in Brussels the Circular Economy and the Plastics Strategy and further potentials for Greening of the European Semester. On the 5th March in Brussels, environment ministers discussed at the Council the Circular Economy and the Plastics Strategy and further potentials for Greening of the European Semester. 

The Presidency has prepared a background paper and questions to steer the ministerial exchange of views on the Circular Economy Action Plan consisting „a Communication on a European Strategy for Plastics” and „a Communication on the Implementation of the Circular Economy package: options to address the Interface between Chemicals, Product and Waste legislation”. The objective of the Communications is to curb plastic pollution and its adverse effects on human health and on environment. However, most of the Member States agreed with the aims and tools displayed, a group of Member States noted that more detailed plans and higher ambitions were expected. Summarizing the outcome of the debate the Commission also emphasized the necessity of the restriction of single-use plastic package.

Environment ministers discussed challenges to integrating environmental considerations into the European Semester process. It was underlined that better integration that also contributes to environmental compliance and governance. Ministers highlighted that a further integration of environmental sustainability with economic growth could be done by addressing green investment and infrastructure needs, and thus creating green jobs. In that context, ministers emphasized that strengthened policy coherence and the post-2020 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) will have a key role.

Informal Ministerial lunch discussion was held to enable eco-innovation transition towards a Circular Economy. Member States agreed that eco-innovation plays a crucial role in the implementation of the objectives of the Circular Economy and in developing a cost-efficient, environmentally friendly technologies.

The Presidency and the Commission informed ministers on the 21st European Forum on Eco-innovation for Air Quality. The participants pointed out that the technical solutions for reducing air pollutions are already available, so it is high time to concentrate on the deliverance.

French delegation supported by the Luxembourg delegation informed ministers on the latest development concerning the planned Global Pact for the Environment. The major objective of the pact is to codify the fundamental principles of environmental law in an international treaty. A group of member states cosponsors the initiative.

French, Danish, German, Netherlands and United Kingdom delegations informed the Council on the Amsterdam Declarations on combating imported deforestation. The objective of the signatory countries to promote the elimination of deforestation from agricultural supply chain by supporting private sector efforts towards the goal of achieving „deforestation-free production” of beef, palm oil, soya, cocoa, rubber etc.

The Danish, Greek and Lithuanian delegations provided information on the implementation of the Regualtion on invasive alien species, calling for a more cost-effective, prevention based approach.

The Commission informed delegations about the adoption of a general report on the outcome of the review of the Regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH).

French and the United Kingdom delegation informed ministers on the implemented measures to combat elephant poaching in the frame of the Commercial Trade in Raw Ivory.

In relation to the transport sector decarbonisation, the Commission informed ministers, in light of the ongoing negotiations, about the proposal for a Regulation setting emission performance standards for new passenger cars and for new light commercial vehicles, adopted on the 8th of November 2017 as part of the Second Mobility package. The level of emission reductions is a central element of the proposal. A group of Member States support higher ambition. Whereas other Member States argue for realistic targets, that take into account the competitiveness of the automotive industry, the economic growth and aspects of job creation.

In the context of the international climate negotiations, the Polish minister informed about the upcoming UNFCCC COP24 climate conference that Poland would host in Katowice between 3-14 December 2018. The minister emphasized that the most important goal of COP24 remains the adoption of a full implementation package to the Paris Agreement, as well as other decisions that will strengthen the implementation of the UN Climate Convention and the Kyoto Protocol. Member States support Poland’s effort in the preparation for the COP24 conference and are ready to participate actively in the Talanoa Dialogue for the sake of success.

The Commission informed ministers about the emissions reduction in the shipping sector in the context of the developments regarding the initial GHG reduction strategy being developed under the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Environment Protection Committee. The Commission emphasized that international shipping needs to urgently and fairly contribute to the objectives of the Paris Agreement. If no further action is taken swiftly, and while other sectors are reducing their emissions, the share of shipping emissions could rise to as much as 10 % of total global GHG emissions by 2050. According to the Commission, the EU should call for an absolute emission reduction objective of 70-100% by 2050 compared to 2008 level.

The Permanent Representation of Hungary to the EU, together with the Antall József Knowledge Centre, organised a conference on the future of cars and car industry within the framework of the V4 cooperation. Brussels, 13 March 2018.

On the occasion of this international conference, high level representatives from V4 governments and the European Commission, car industry representatives, experts and researchers had an in-depth discussion on the future automobile sector and mobility, with a view that cars have to be more efficient, safe, customised and environment friendly. The European Commission not only supports but also requires the industry (and Member States) to progress with the necessary technical developments in order to meet the expectations of the modern era.

The event consisted of three panel discussions with particularly rich content. During the first panel politicians and industry representatives focussed on the ongoing transformation of automobile industry and further expectation stemming from the legislative framework, with a special emphasis on the Second Mobility Package of the Commission. It was followed by an exchange of views on the transition to digital mobility system, with the participation of the academic, automotive and telecom industry experts. The closing panel discussed the prerequisites of the deployment of smart mobility infrastructure projects. Besides giving an overview on the state of play and possible ways ahead in Europe, it was inevitable to put the European car industry in an international perspective as well, taking stock of the challenges and opportunities stemming from the global markets.

In his opening address Deputy Permanent Representative Tibor Stelbaczky emphasised the unprecedented changes the car industry faces today. The whole concept of “driving a car” will change as soon as we will no longer be holding the steering wheel but only be taking a seat in the vehicle instead. Innovation changes the way we will move around to an extent that no one and no industrial sector can remain unaffected by it. That is why Hungary and the Visegrad region, where automotive industry plays a particularly significant role in the economy, considered it important to talk about this topic and for this purpose organised the conference in Brussels.

Mr István Lepsényi, Minister of State for Economic Development and Regulation described these changes as “quantum shift”, which will not only transform the automotive industry itself, but will have decisive effects on our environment, health, and will induce further societal and economic developments. As V4 countries heavily depend on automotive industry trends (mobility, autonomous driving, digitalisation, electrification), the region has to focus on a few key areas. First of all, we have to concentrate our efforts to adapt to fast-changing markets, global value chains and technologies that form the automotive ecosystem. We have the unique opportunity to foster joint innovation and cross-border collaboration between V4 countries. Our sustainable competitive edge is the high-skilled workforce, therefore we must try to build on a renewed education system, which is partner in innovation and research & development, he added.

Roberto Viola, Director- General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology, began on a positive note, talking about a “bright future” ahead, as he explained that we were moving towards a better, safer and cleaner mobility. He emphasised that with technological development we will be able to drastically reduce road fatalities and traffic congestions, too. There is a paradigm shift which is ongoing, namely the traditional attitude of owning a car gradually transform to that of consuming the (mobility) service: driving (or riding) experience will become more important than the car itself.

Maja Bakran Marcich, Deputy Director-General of the Directorate-General Mobility and Transport (European Commission) underlined the importance of EU support for the deployment and promotion of environment-friendly and alternative mobility projects, however, she emphasized the necessity to shift to mass market size in order to achieve visible results. In this respect more efforts are needed for the implementation – for instance – of the Alternative Fuels Directive; the interoperability of charging stations for e-vehicles has to be made a reality soon. She declared that in the end, the future of mobility depends on consumers’ choices, but it is the responsibility of decision makers what choices are offered to them.

Ákos Mernyei, Deputy State Secretary for EU and International Affairs at the Ministry of National Development, declared that Hungary supports the technical and regulatory background of smart infrastructure projects and connected and autonomous driving. That is also why Hungary decided in 2016 to build a unique test track in Zalaegerszeg. The works started in 2017, and the test track is scheduled to be built in two main stages. The test track is unique in a way that not only does it allow for undertaking ordinary automotive dynamics tests, but also provides for the possibility for CAD and electronic vehicles to be developed and approved there.

On 15 March 2018 the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council met in Brussels. The head of the Hungarian delegation was Mr Károly Czibere, Minister of State for Social Affairs and Social Inclusion. The meeting was chaired by Mr Biser Petkov Minister of Labour and Social Policy of Bulgaria. The European Commission was represented by Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis, Commissioners Ms Marianne Thyssen and Ms Vera Jourová.

The ministers held a policy debate on the future of social Europe post 2020 regarding the prospects of future employment and social policies, their financing possibilities and the social and economic convergence.

On behalf of Hungary Minister of State Czibere recalled the Rome Declaration, in which the leaders of the Member States agreed on a social Europe based on sustainable growth that promotes economic and social progress, cohesion and convergence while upholding the integrity of the internal market. He stressed the need for a strong Europe where economic, employment, social and competitiveness aspects mutually reinforce. The Hungarian government is following this approach. In our opinion, economic prosperity is the basis for social well-being, while the sustainable social model is an investment in human capital, which is also the basis of competitiveness. With regard to the post-2020 Multiannual Financial Framework, he highlighted that we support the core objectives of cohesion policy and we believe that the allocation of resources should continue to be based on the GDP per capita. Taking into consideration of the diversity of Member States' systems and political priorities, we believe that it is vital to provide as large room for manoeuver for the Member States to use EU Funds, as it is possible, and we do not support the idea of creating a so-called ‘umbrella fund’. Minister of State also highlighted that it would be important to maintain the autonomy of some specific programs, such as the EU Health Program.

The Council also held a policy debate on the possibilities of closing the gender pay gap, contributing thus to the achievement of the goals of the European Pillar of Social Rights. As reconciliation of work and family life and the promotion of women’s labour market participation has always been important for the Government of Hungary, we reported the recent measures introduced, in order to emphasize the positive changes on the labour market, including the growth in female employment and the decrease in gender pay gap.

In the framework of the 2018 European Semester the Council adopted conclusions on the annual growth survey and the joint employment report, adopted the JER itself and also took note of the Commission’s presentation of the 2018 country reports.

Furthermore, the Council endorsed the Employment Committee's key messages regarding the implementation of the youth guarantee and also adopted a recommendation setting a European framework for quality and effective apprenticeships, which aims to promote a highly skilled and qualified workforce responsive to labour market.

The Bulgarian Presidency and the European Commission informed the Council about the preparations of the Tripartite Social Summit of 21 March 2018. Commissioner Thyssen also informed the Council about the Social Fairness Package adopted on 13 March 2018, including a Commission communication on the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights, a proposal for a regulation on the establishment of the European Labour Authority and a Council recommendation on the social protection for self-employed people.

Ms Ilze Zvidrina, chair of Employment Committee (EMCO) and Ms Ulrika Hall, chair of Social Protection Committee (SPC) briefly presented the annual work programme’s of the committees.

The Bulgarian Presidency also gave a brief outline of the state-of-play concerning the revision of the 96/71/EC posting of workers directive.

The ministerial lunch served to discuss the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights regarding the promotion of equal labour market participation for women and men.

Prospects are positive for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to remain an adequately financed strong policy after 2020. EU Ministers of Agriculture approved presidency conclusions with regard to the future orientation of the CAP in Brussels. The document successfully includes the key elements of the V4 Declaration adopted in Budapest in January. The decision reached by the Ministers of Agriculture provides a clear direction for the Commission when elaborating CAP legislative proposals to be published by the end of May – emphasized Sándor Fazekas, Minister of Agriculture after the Council meeting held in Brussels on 19 March.

Ever since the appearance of the Commission Communication on the CAP after 2020 (Communication on "The Future of Food and Farming") Hungary was of the opinion that the Council should adopt a powerful standpoint with regard to its content, otherwise the European Commission’s will may prevail.

Minister Fazekas stressed that the so-called presidency conclusions - adopted with the support of 23 Member States - reflect a strong position of the Council of Agricultural Ministers. The conclusions include references to the adequate budge after 2020 besides the ambitious goals of the CAP.

From the perspective of the future of Hungarian agriculture it has considerable importance that Member States supported the continuation of the Single Area Payment Scheme (SAPS). In the course of the preparatory phase of the 2013 CAP reform, Hungary and the countries of the Central-European region successfully resisted the efforts towards the abolishment of the SAPS system. This type of support has proved to be successful and accepted to such an extent that today most Western-European countries using other systems of basic support would rather switch to SAPS, added the Minister of Agriculture.

Fazekas Sándor underlined that an overwhelming majority of EU ministers agreed on the fact that voluntary coupled support should be maintained after 2020. This being the only element among direct supports that helps actual production indeed, and maintaining competitiveness. As far as Hungarian farmers are concerned it is highly important that the support of sensitive, labour-intensive branches, like animal husbandry for example can be achieved through such supports – said the head of the Ministry of Agriculture.

In relation to rural development - reflecting Hungary’s request - the text specifically stresses the importance of agricultural investments and non-refundable supports. Sándor Fazekas drew attention to the CAP common declaration signed by the Visegrád countries and Croatia in Budapest at the end of January. That was the first group of countries that made common proposals regarding the post-2020 CAP elements, and these now appear in the document adopted by 23 Member States, underlined Sándor Fazekas.

The European Commission will publish the legislative proposals defining the detailed post-2020 rules of CAP on the 29th of May, and in the process of elaborating such proposals it will take into consideration the content of the adopted Council conclusions.

During the first agenda item ministers discussed the digitalisation of the EU economy in the context of the European semester cycle. The Member States highlighted the necessity of structural reform and its priorities that are essential at both European and national level in order to exploit the full benefits of digital transformation.

The Member States had an in-depth discussion on the future of European industry and adopted conclusions on a future EU industrial policy strategy. The conclusions stress the urgent need for a long-term strategy for European industry in order to boost competitiveness, growth and innovation in Europe. State Secretary Mr István Lepsényi emphasized that Hungary firmly believed that manufacturing would continue to play a fundamental role in the future of global economy, and we had to preserve Europe’s production capacities whatever the future global economic order would be. One of our major goal is to help joint Industry 4.0 projects gain access to more rapid and effective commercialization of use cases of the digital technology. To achieve our goals a progressive MFF proposal is essential. We are ready to make a greater contribution to strengthening the competitiveness of the European industry.

On the way forward to improve and deepen the single market, Member States underlined that the single market was without question one of Europe’s greatest achievement. On the one hand the 25th anniversary of the single market gives us the opportunity to look back and to celebrate the success of the past, on the other hand it is the right moment to consider the challenging tasks of the next 25 years. On behalf of the Hungarian delegation, Mr Lepsényi emphasized the importance of a fair and balanced single market which takes into account the fundamental freedom to provide services, the uninterrupted functioning of the internal market, and the global competiveness of the European Union.

The permanent competitiveness “check-up” agenda item focused on the competiveness of the services sector in particular to the costs resulting from undue restrictions in the retail sector.

Following a Czech and Hungarian initiative the EU ministers in charge of fishery has discussed the continuation of supporting the freshwater aquaculture sector after 2020. Sixteen Member States asked the Commission to maintain the subsidies of the freshwater aquaculture in the post-2020 period, because it is pivotal for the sector – stated agricultural minister, Sándor Fazekas.

After the Council’s meeting, the head of the agricultural ministry emphasised that the freshwater aquaculture is not willing to compete with maritime aquaculture, but these two sector together may contribute to the reduction of the EU dependence of import of fish and aquaculture products. He also recalled that regional needs could be diverse inside the EU, what should be taken into consideration by the new legislation.

Therefore, Hungary has suggested to Karmenu Vella Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries that at the time of drafting the post 2020 period’s support policy the Commission take into account the diverse characteristic of the land-locked countries such as Hungary. Fish farms provide plenty of other ecological function beyond production like: habitat protection, water and flood management, water cleaning, recreation and landscape conservation.

In favour of preservation of these public goods, these countries shall carry on working together even after 2020. Minister Fazekas emphasised that to achieve this goal it is essential to have further innovations and investments in the fish farm sector and to subsidize the freshwater aquaculture sector that provides environmental services.