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Ministers at the Environment Council agreed on the Council position on CO2 emissions reduction from passenger cars and vans and on the position for the COP24 climate conference in Katowice
The Hungarian head of delegation, Péter Kaderják, Minister of State for energy and climate argued for the need for consensual, balanced and feasible climate commitments at the Environment Council held in Luxemburg on 9 October.
The European Commission has proposed stricter CO2 emission standards for new passenger cars and light duty vehicles from 2025 and 2030. The fierce debate accentuated on the speed and level of ambition. The Hungarian delegation emphasized that only feasible target can be acceptable, which takes into account the environment impacts and aspects of competitiveness and jobs. According to the Hungarian position, shift to the use of zero and low emission vehicles is undoubtedly necessary but realistic and feasible targets need to be set. The car industry, playing a significant role in economy and job creation, needs sufficient lead-time and incentives to adapt to the new standards. Consumer behaviours, purchasing power of citizens and significant differences of that among Members States should be taken into consideration.
Following several rounds of discussions, political agreement was reached on 35% emissions reduction for passenger cars by 2030, with a revision of conditions of achievability of the target in 2023. Part of the political agreement was that the niche derogation is to be maintained until 2030. Based on this political agreement, representing the Council position, the Presidency will start negotiations with the European Parliament.
Ministers held a debate and adopted conclusions on the EU position as part of the preparations for the UN Convention on Climate Change conference (COP24) to be held in Katowice between 2 and 14 December. The main mission of the COP24 climate conference will be the adoption of the work program containing detailed rules for the successful implementation of the Paris Agreement. During the debate, many Member States suggested that the European Union should committee itself to increase its 2030 emissions reduction goal approved by the Heads of States in 2014.
Péter Kaderják, Minister of State for energy and climate emphasized: there is no political and legal basis for updating the EU’s 2030 climate ambition therefore the EU should not refer to it. The European Council should take decision about setting the long-term EU directions, following detailed technical and political discussions. Hungary pointed out that the focus should be on implementation of the recently adopted climate and energy package aiming to achieve the 2030 targets.
The environment ministers adopted Council Conclusion on the Convention on Biological Diversity, which represents the common position of EU member states on the forthcoming international meetings.
Between the AOB points, Presidency gave information on the on-going legislative issues, such as the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment. Balázs Weingartner, Minister of State for sustainability accepted the necessity of the reduction of single-use plastic to protect the marine environment; however, Hungary is a landlocked country. He also warned not to adopt unrealistic targets on the field of separate collection of waste jeopardizing the functioning of the on-going waste management investments co-financed by EU funds.
The Bulgarian, Polish and Slovak delegation gave information on the need of adoption of measures at EU level to tackle air pollution related to the import of used diesel cars from Western European countries.
Ministers also held a policy debate on the heavy-duty vehicles emissions reduction. The Member States welcomed in general the European Commission’s proposal on CO2 emissions reduction targets for new trucks, which will be very important for decreasing the emissions from road transport.
Hungary is being attacked due to the issue of migration, but the government is not prepared to compromise on that issue
According to Gergely Gulyás, due to the issue of migration there is a campaign against Hungary which has been open to compromise with the European Commission in every previous dispute. Migration is the only issue on which it is not prepared to compromise, and this has led to a “political smear campaign” against the country.
The Minister heading the Prime Minister’s Office said this in connection with the Brussels meeting of the General Affairs Council.
The Hungarian position rests on the foundation that only electors and the government have the right to determine whom we wish to live together with and whom not, he said. He also stressed that Hungary has allies in this struggle.

The government takes the view that it is also contrary to the opinion of the EU’s legal service that MEP Judith Sargentini who prepared the report which condemned Hungary met with the members of the General Affairs Council at a separate meeting. The Minister therefore described this as yet another procedural breach.
The politician also said that next year’s EP elections will have a common European campaign topic, and that is none other than migration. Those forces, however, which support migration now see an opportunity to take action against the countries which do everything they can to prevent migration, including Hungary.

As part of the EP election campaign, they will intend to extend the procedure against Hungary as much as they can, he observed.
The head of the Prime Minister’s Office expressed hope that in the May elections a majority rejecting migration may come into being against the EP’s current migrant-friendly majority.

He added at the same time that anybody who appears to see any similarity between the assembly situation in autumn 2006 and the current situation in Hungary is either unintelligent or a liar.
(MTI/Prime Minister's Office, photo: Gergely Botár/kormany.hu)
This is a sad Sunday
After a special EU summit convened to sign the documents related to the termination of Britain’s EU membership, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated that the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union is truly a “black Sunday” for the European Union.
In an interview given to public television news channel M1, Mr. Orbán stressed that the Hungarians had tried everything they could to convince the UK to remain a member of the European Union – even intervening in the British referendum campaign. But these attempts had failed.
“Now we have no choice but to accept the decision they have made”, he said. The agreement signed on Sunday legally concludes Britain’s withdrawal, and marks the end of negotiations with the UK’s EU partners. “It is no exaggeration to say that this is indeed a sad Sunday. No matter how well one arranges it, a divorce is still a divorce”, he said.
If the British had remained, he stressed, over the next few years there would also be more money available for Hungary from the European Union’s budget.
The Prime Minister said that negotiations had been intensive, with the parties needing to come to an agreement on very important issues such as trade rights, investments and the future of financial services.
He said that “This is not a matter of victory or defeat, but who is better off and who is worse off, and whether there are solutions which benefit us both.” He added that “In situations like this there is little room for such solutions”, and everyone had to make major concessions.
“The Hungarians who are in Britain today are secure, and their situation has not worsened”, he said.
The Prime Minister stressed that Brexit has been one of the most important issues in the European Parliament’s five-year cycle, which is ending next spring. In this sense, he said, it has presented questions about the responsibility of European leaders: “Who is responsible for Brexit? Are the current leaders of the European Union entirely free from blame? The answer to that question is ‘no’.”
In his view, the leaders of the EU bear responsibility for Brexit.
He noted that the British were distanced ever further from the European Union by the latter electing a president of the Commission who was not wanted by the British, but with whom they had to work. “You cannot do this to Europe’s second largest economy”, he said: “They openly rejected someone for a certain position, and then we forced that person into the position anyway. This is what happened.”
Mr. Orbán said that the second mistake had been migration: “What happened was that we let migrants in, but we were unable to keep the British in. It should have been the other way round: we should have kept the British in, and not have let migrants in. If Western European countries had not let in migrants, the British would have been able to stay in the EU. This, however, is now in the past tense, and speculative. Instead of this we should direct our gaze towards the future.”
(MTI; kormany.hu)
Hungary will not change its position on immigration
Hungary will not change its position that mass migration is a negative phenomenon which must be stopped at the external borders of the European Union despite any political pressure or the institution of any infringement procedure, Szabolcs Takács pointed out in Brussels.
The Minister of State for the development and coordination of EU policies at the Prime Minister’s Office said the meeting of the ministers of EU Member States responsible for general affairs focused, inter alia, on the debate regarding the state of the rule of law in Poland and Hungary, as part of which they also spoke about the procedure instituted against Hungary under Article Seven of the EU Treaties.
After the meeting, speaking to Hungarian journalists the Minister of State stressed that there is a political debate in the European Union whose main topics are migration and immigration, and Hungary is in the cross hairs of that debate.
The Brussels pro-immigration elite is attacking Hungary because the Hungarian people have decided that they do not want their country to be turned into an immigrant country. It is also clear that they are politically attacking those Member States which have decided to leave the UN’s migration compact and no longer take part in the relevant negotiations, he underlined.
He said that during the debate on the general annual dialogue exploring the state of the rule of law and trust in public institutions, he stressed that trust rests on the foundations, both at national and EU levels, that citizens must always be involved in the adoption of decisions. While in Hungary trust in the European Union is above the EU average, their trust in EU institutions is significantly impaired by the fact that untrue claims are being made in the European Parliament regarding Hungary, he highlighted.
He added that it also enhances trust in public institutions that Hungary’s economic output is improving significantly, and it managed to reduce the sovereign debt and the deficit of the budget already in 2010.
Mr Takács said regarding the seven-year EU budget for the period after 2020 that while in the next budget the European Commission aims to increase institutional bureaucracy, Hungary has decided to downsize its governmental bureaucracy, and is adopting measures for the modernisation of public administration on an ongoing basis.
It gives rise to concern from a Hungarian and Central European point of view that the European Commission’s proposal “undoubtedly serves the body’s political ambitions, placing those ambitions before the interests of the European people”, he underlined.
“While we are only at the initial stages of negotiations, we must ensure that every Member State’s position is adequately reflected”, he said.
Hungary takes the view that the framework of the negotiations is not balanced: it takes the concepts of net contributor countries into consideration more emphatically, and should therefore be altered significantly, the Minister of State said.
“We believe it is also unacceptable and unjustifiable that the European Commission would regroup funds, which are supposed to promote cohesion, from Europe’s poorer regions to the richer ones. This concept is clearly contrary to the EU Treaties, and undermines the interests of the single market and the entire European Union. Hungary is unable to support a multiannual financial framework which rests on such foundations, Mr Takács added.
According to the information of the European Parliament, at a separate meeting – which was held before the council meeting and was convened by the Austrian Presidency, but which cannot be regarded as part of the council – Green MEP Judith Sargentini and Claude Moraes, Chair of the Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee (LIBE) called upon the representatives of Member States responsible for EU affairs to determine whether Hungary is at threat as regards the violation of EU values.
Judith Sargentini who attended the meeting pointed out that the adoption of the report is a clear sign that a distinct line must be drawn when the common values of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights are violated in a Member State.
“It is now to the Member States to act in a swift, open and effective manner”, she said.
The MEP said it gives rise to concern that there have been further developments in Hungary since the adoption of the report. For instance, a recently passed new law further violates the independence of the Hungarian judiciary, she observed. Ms. Sargentini added that she asked the Member States to convene a formal council meeting to discuss the issue of the rule of law in Hungary.
In his speech, Claude Moraes underlined that the Monday preparatory meeting held with the attendance of the representatives of Member States cannot under any circumstances be regarded as an official council meeting, and expressed hope that a formal meeting will also be held concerning the issue of Hungary.
In September the European Parliament adopted the Sargentini report on the state of the rule of law in Hungary, on the basis of which they instituted the procedure under Article Seven of the EU Treaties.
The document criticised the state of the rule of law in Hungary, including, among others, the functioning of the constitutional and election systems, the independence of the judiciary, corruption, freedom of opinion and academic freedom.
(MTI/Prime Minister's Office)
The European Union legislation should foster the competitiveness of EU and Hungarian generic pharmaceutical industry
László György Minister of State for Economic Strategy and Regulation emphasised during the Competitiveness Council on 29 November 2018, that the Regulation on supplementary protection certificates for medicinal products had served the interests of the pharmaceutical industry well at its time of adoption, 26 years ago. However, due to the significant rise in the volume of generic manufacturing, the market reality changed and the supplementary protection now limits the market opportunities of the Hungarian and European generic pharmaceutical industry. In order to enhance the competitiveness of European generic manufacturers and promote employment, it is indispensable to introduce a manufacturing waiver, which eliminates the negative discrimination of Hungarian and European generic pharmaceutical producers against their non-EU competitors. This is the guarantee for Hungarian patients to gain access to more affordable, high-quality generic medicines.
The permanent competitiveness “check-up” agenda item focused on the future of the Single Market. László György acknowledged that the Single Market is without question one of Europe’s greatest achievements, the most important cornerstone of the Union. It should however be examined how the Single Market contributes to the strengthening of the EU’s global competitiveness. Compared to its competitors the EU has the strictest legal framework considering environmental policy, consumer protection and food safety, which leads to imbalances in the global market. EU leaders must not only protect the European economy, producers and consumers but must strengthen the EU's own internal economic and social cohesion. For this purpose, a holistic approach – involving all common union policy, like transport, social policy etc. – is needed, which point clearly into the direction of growth, instead of the restriction of opportunities.
During the industrial policy debate Minister of State György underlined Hungary’s support for the elaboration of a new EU industrial policy strategy. He added: Hungary consistently calls for the prioritisation of the European economy, and more specifically, of the industrial competitiveness in the process of elaboration of the new MFF. At the same time, the Hungarian government has been emphasising the geographical balance in the allocation of funds.
The support of technological breakthrough projects and pilot initiatives (such as artificial intelligence and high performance computing), the development of human resources are priorities for Hungary. In the same line, Europe has to take advantage of the opportunities offered by digitalisation, as it encourages innovation and contributes to the development of new products and services. In the period 2014-2020 the Government supports the digitalization of Hungarian enterprises with more than EUR 310 million.
The Council adopted its position on a vehicle safety proposal that would provide a wide range of advanced safety features as standard equipment for new vehicle categories in order to reduce the number of serious and fatal road accidents. The focus of the proposal is in particular the protection of vulnerable road users such as elderly, children and cyclists. Lászlo György emphasized that the proposal from the Hungarian point of view is a welcome addition to opening the way for the development of automated and connected vehicles. These vehicles can make a significant contribution to reducing the number of road accidents. The first phase of the Zalaegerszeg vehicle test track under construction can already be used by vehicle developers this year, with which Hungary is ahead of its rivals in the region.
Ministers of environment discussed the EU long-term decarbonisation strategy and the emissions reduction for heavy-duty vehicles
Ministers at the Environment Council agreed on the “partial general approach” on LIFE Program and reached a political agreement on the proposed regulation on CO2 emissions reduction standards for heavy-duty vehicles. The ministers had a first exchange of views on the new EU long-term decarbonisation strategy presented by the European Commission the end of November.
The European Commission presented its Communication about the EU long-term decarbonisation strategy (A Clean Planet for all) and the ministers had a first exchange of view at the ENVI Council on the 20th of December 2018. The strategy analyses eight scenarios for emissions reduction. Among these, the Commission and several Member States prefer the most ambitious scenarios under which the EU could reach net zero GHG emissions by 2050. The majority of Member States welcomed the Commission’s communication. Many ministers emphasized the importance of analysing the social and economic impacts on Member State level. Many minister considers as a priority to reach net zero emissions by 2050. Several minister firmly believe that broad consultation of the strategy is necessary before any political and economic decision is taken. The economic competitiveness, taking into account the national specificities, technology neutrality, cost-effectiveness, socially just transition were often repeated principles in the debate.
Ministers discussed the emissions reduction for heavy-duty vehicles. Ministers’ view differed mainly on the level of ambition. Many Member States wanted to strengthen the 15% and indicative 30% emission reduction target in 2025 and 2030 proposed by the European Commission. In contrary, a group of Member States including Hungary argued that the Commission proposal was already ambitious enough. The Austrian Presidency finally kept the 15% emission reduction target in 2025, while proposed a mandatory 30% target for 2030. A further element in the agreement that the Commission should assess the possible role of alternative and synthetic fuels in emissions reductions during the 2022 revision. Finally, ministers reached a political agreement on CO2 emissions reduction standards for heavy-duty vehicles, which will be the base for negotiations with the European Parliament starting early January under the Romanian Presidency.
The environment ministers adopted a “partial general approach” on LIFE Program. The delegations expressed their gratitude for the Presidency finding a proper balance between the principle of excellency, and of geographical equality. The new regulation will maintain the main provisions of co-financing rate, the LIFE Committee and of technical assistance. The increased budget involves the aspect of clean energy and climate change as well.
Dr. István Nagy, Minister of Agriculture pointed out the necessity to take into account the development in other fields of budgetary planning, such as Cohesion Funds and CAP during the negotiations.
Between the AOB points, Presidency gave information on the on-going legislative issues, such as taxonomy and the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment.
The Lithuanian delegation gave information on the need of adoption of common position at EU level on the permitting process of a nuclear power plant in Belarus close to the border.
The Presidency provided information on recent international meeting on Biological Diversity in Sharm El-Sheikh Egypt, and the delegation of UK on Illegal Wildlife Trade Conference in London. The Presidency also delivered information on the outcome of the Informal Meeting of Environment and Transport Ministers in Graz on the future of environment policy.
Stormy debate on migration at the EU summit
In a video message posted on his Facebook account, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has said that in a stormy session during the Brussels summit Hungary had managed to repel an attack aimed at ensuring that migrants would be given more money and more rights.
He said that the Brussels summit had started in an atmosphere of peace, but what had seemed set to be a good-humoured meeting turned out to be a stormy one.
According to Mr. Orbán, several countries attacked Hungary on the subject of migration, launching a final assault in an attempt to force the council of heads of government to accept measures which would enable them to bring migrants into the European Union.
The Prime Minister said that he described this as a final attempt because there will soon be elections to the European Parliament, and then “that song will be over”.
He said that now there was a last full-scale attack, seeking to give migrants more money and more rights, and to drive into submission those countries which reject migration.
Mr. Orbán said that this attack had been repelled amidst stormy exchanges, and the meeting would continue.
(Cabinet Office of the Prime Minister/MTI)
Strong joint V4 position to eliminate the dual quality of foodstuffs
Agricultural ministers of V4 countries have expressed their disappointment in the lack of legislation to eliminate the presence of dual quality in foodstuffs at the Agrifish Council held in Brussels, 17 December. Minister István Nagy highlighted that treating Eastern European citizens as second-tier nationals by multinational food businesses is unacceptable.
The European Commission presented its package for modifying consumer protection laws in April 2018 that includes provisions to handle the phenomenon of dual quality. Just recently, the proposal for eliminating the dual quality have been removed during the negotiations in the consumer protection working party. Due to the agricultural aspects of the topic, the agricultural ministers of the Visegrad countries have asked the Romanian delegation, taking over the Presidency in the first half of 2019, to address this important issue and constantly inform the Agriculture and Fisheries Council on the progress of negotiations.
István Nagy reminded that the existence of the phenomenon has been proved by the testing results of the competent authorities in Central Europe in the last 2 years. Prime ministers of the V4 countries have condemned this phenomenon in their joint declaration in October 2017. President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker have also highlighted in his State of the Union in 2018 speech that there can be no second-class citizens across Europe. The preliminary assessments of the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre also support the presence of the phenomenon.
The recent credit rating upgrade of Hungary reflects well designed economic policy
Under the traditional competitiveness checkup agenda item, the Council focused on the impact of European sectoral value chains on competitiveness and growth. Member States stressed the need for a holistic approach involving all common union policy and the importance of abolishing the existing fragmentation and barriers in the Single Market. László GYÖRGY Minister of State for Economic Strategy and Regulation acknowledged that the internal market facilitates the integration of EU companies into European and global value chains. The role of regional value chains has been recently increased in Hungary. For Hungary the industrial innovation value chains have an outstanding role, driven especially by the strong automotive industry, where the degree of integration of market services into European industrial value chains is relatively high.
Concerning the Commission’s long-term climate strategy Ministers stressed that the EU’s industry continues to contribute actively to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, however, the balanced combination and combination of sectoral policies is necessary in order to avoid excessive burden to the most exposed industries, regions. László György welcomed the initiation of the discussions of the 2050 EU strategy as well, and went further to emphasize the need for a thorough, detailed and extensive consultation, including the Heads of States or Governments, allowing them to take the final decision on any new commitments. Instead of determining quantified targets, we should decide on a policy mix, along which the 2050 results can be reached, he added.
Ministers discussed the main challenges member states face when designing national artificial intelligence strategies and expressed their strong support for the European coordinated plan. László György informed the Council that an AI coalition has been recently set up in Hungary. The preparatory works of the Hungarian AI strategy have been started recently in close cooperation with the AI Coalition by identifying the most relevant pilot projects.
While welcoming the discussions on the competitiveness aspects of the European Semester process, Mr György pointed some of the controversies relating to it, especially its linkages to cohesion policy, as suggested by the Commission; we do not accept that the way we utilise funds for cohesion purposes would be decided in Brussels. Furthermore he pointed out that had we complied with all recommendations stemming from the Semester process the Hungarian economy would likely have performed less successfully during the last several years. The economic performance of recent years shows that the government had chosen the right strategy, as the economy continues to grow well above the EU average. The achievements have also been acknowledged by the recent upgrade of sovereign credit rating by S&P.
A number of Members States, including Hungary, requested the Commission to give information about the follow-up to the annulment of its regulation relating to the NOX emission limits by the General Court of the EU. Several delegations expressed their concerns about the legal uncertainty it cased, and voiced their fears about the eventual negative impact it would have on the industry. The State Secretary agreed that the EU must continue the support of the reduction of nitrogen-oxides and other pollutants and the development and dissemination of new technologies, however an appropriate and sufficient preparatory period should be assured for the car industry to comply with the new regulation.
On the margins of the Council Hungary joined to the European Blockchain Partnership. At the occasion of signing the joint Declaration, László György emphasized that blockchain technology does not only open up new business opportunities, but can make public services more efficient and secure for European citizens.
The causes of today’s migration tensions will intensify
At the first summit of the European Union and the League of Arab States, held in Egypt on Monday, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said that the causes of today’s migration tensions will intensify. The question is whether we “want to passively accept these processes, or […] act to control them”.
At the summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Mr. Orbán said that experience shows that we must treat one another with mutual respect, and “we must respect the cultural, religious and political traditions of our peoples”. He said that the second lesson we have learnt is that we must not underestimate the power of demography.

The demographic trends which form the foundations of migration will continue, he said, adding that by 2030 the population of the Arab world will be 30 per cent higher than it was in 2015, and will exceed the population of the European Union – which is actually declining. “Therefore we must conclude that the causes of the current migration tensions will strengthen”, he noted, and “The question that we are all facing is this: do we want to passively accept these processes, or do we want to act to control them?”
In his address, the Prime Minister pointed out that in his experience people smugglers, terrorist organisations, illegitimate power groups, NGOs, financial speculators and the media are exerting a strong influence over migration policy – and thus also over European-Arab relations.

The Prime Minister went on to say: “Moving forward, we would like legitimate political leaders to jointly take control of events. And therefore the declaration we have made today – our joint declaration – is extraordinarily valuable.” He declared that the starting point for Hungary’s policy is that help must be taken to where there are problems, rather than distributing those problems.
Hungary has a population of ten million, the Prime Minister said, and “We know how much influence we have in the world, and we know our place. Therefore we must pursue a foreign policy strategy that is suited to our strength. We support the European Union taking on an enhanced role in the management of regional crises and in the development of crisis regions.” He added that rather than offering help on ideological grounds, “we would instead like us to everywhere support forces and leaders who are able to create stability”.
The Prime Minister also highlighted that Hungary is “punching above its weight” in taking part in international missions in Lebanon, Iraq, Libya and the Sahel region. The four Visegrád countries are jointly providing Libya with financial assistance for the protection of its borders, he noted, while Hungary is part of a project jointly run by the V4 and Germany, through which support will be offered to Morocco.

In addition, Mr. Orbán observed, Hungary provides an annual total of 1,400 state scholarships for young people from the member states of the Arab League, and this year there are 2,300 state scholarship holders from these countries studying in Hungary. He expressed the hope that they will return home and help their countries.
In his address the Prime Minister thanked Arab leaders who provide protection for Christian communities persecuted in their countries and regions, and asked them to continue this policy.
The first summit between the European Union and the League of Arab States is being attended by twenty-four EU heads of state and government, together with President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker and President of the European Council Donald Tusk. The talks on Sunday and Monday are focusing on the issues of security, migration and economic development.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s address at the 1st Arab League – European Union summit
(Cabinet Office of the Prime Minister/MTI, photo: Balázs Szecsődi)
Higher level of human health protection through the revised drinking water legislation and the EU long-term emissions reduction strategy were in the forefront of the discussions at the Environment Council in Brussels
First meeting of Environment Ministers under the Romanian Presidency of the Council of the EU took place on 5th March in Brussels.
Ministers had a policy debate on the Commission Communication on the EU long-term emissions reduction strategy. The policy debate has been part of a series of discussions that facilitates the development of the 2050 strategy aiming to create a low carbon emission economy in the EU. In the debate, ministers had an exchange of views on challenges, opportunities stemming from the transition and the necessary financial and political tools. Member States agreed that elaboration of a long-term strategy is needed in order to reduce the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions. Ministers welcomed the holistic approach and the broad debate in the Council. According to several Member States, a climate neutral economy should be reached by 2050. These Member States prefer the scenarios with the most ambitious emissions reduction. Several Member States referred to the UN climate summit to be held in September 2019, where the EU has to show its leading role. Few Member States requested the Commission to prepare an additional scenario in which the share of renewable energy will reach 100% in the EU by 2050. Some ministers drew the attention to the fact that the costs will be much higher without taking appropriate measures. The Visegrád countries and Bulgaria stressed that detailed, in-depth discussion is necessary, because the future strategy will have significant impact on the economy and society. In this context, many ministers emphasized how important is to analyse the societal and economic consequences especially on Member States level. Several Member States highlighted the importance of global action. Hungary welcomes the initiation of discussions on the 2050 EU strategy. Mr Tibor Stelbaczky deputy permanent representative emphasized that a thorough, detailed and extensive consultation is needed, with the inclusion of the Heads of States and Governments. He also stressed that any decision on the strategy should be taken in 2020 at the European Council level following the in-depth discussions. An agreement should be reached on a policy mix, a suite of strategic measures, respecting the trajectories and targets of the 2030 Climate an Energy Framework, along which the desired result can be reached by 2050. The ambassador emphasized that the long-term strategy should be defined in a way, which is politically, economically and socially acceptable. He added that investments aiming to reduce energy consumption, to improve energy efficiency, to deploy the renewable energy resources, to promote zero carbon transport and new alternative technologies will be of particular importance in the transition. These are currently priorities for Hungary.
Ministers reached an agreement on the Council's position[1] on the proposed update to the drinking water directive. The Council is now ready to engage in negotiations with the European Parliament. Mr. András Rácz, State Secretary for Environment welcomed the general approach that will lead us to the adoption of a future-proof directive enhancing growing trust in tap water from the citizens, while implementable for Member States. The Council's position provides for stricter rules for tap water and introduces measures for fostering access to clean drinking water with a special attention to vulnerable and marginalised groups. The general approach introduces a new legislative framework, which sets minimum hygienic requirements for materials in contact with water such as pipes. The aim is to improve the quality of such materials to ensure that human health is protected and no contamination takes place.
Ministers also exchanged their views on Greening the European Semester. András Rácz, Minister of State for Environment agreed with the need of integrating environmental interest to other EU policies. At the same time, he argued that the European Semester should remain the main instrument of the economic governance.
Further to this, the Council had a policy debate on endocrine disruptors. Ministers exchanged views on what could be the best approach to develop a coherent EU framework on endocrine disruptors. Ministers highlighted the growing public concern about substances with endocrine disrupting properties, which have an impact on the environment and are linked to human health problems.
Under any other business points, the Commission informed the ministers on the recent legislative proposal amending the provisions in the regulation on monitoring, reporting and verification of carbon dioxide emissions from maritime transport in line with rules adopted by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). The Commission drew attention on risk of illegal import of hydrofluorocarbons and its negative consequences. It also stressed the necessity for better enforcement of the EU regulation on the phase-down of f-gases. The Belgian delegation gave information on tackling greenhouse gas emissions in the aviation sector through carbon pricing and taxation. Belgium invited the Presidency to organise an initial debate on this topic during the next Environment Council meeting. The French, Spanish and Luxembourg delegations informed the ministers on their proposal aiming at strengthening the coherence between EU free trade agreements and the Paris Agreement on climate change.
Between the AOB points the Spanish delegation gave information to the Council on the environmental protection policies to combat depopulation in rural areas and to improve quality of life. András Rácz, Minister of State for Environment informed the Ministers on the latest initiative of the Hungarian Government on “the protection of families” aims to support families residing rural areas.
The Italian delegation gave information on the preparation of the XXI Conference of the Parties to the Barcelona Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Area of the Mediterranean.
The Presidency and the Commission presented the outcome of the intermediary Meeting of the Parties to the Espoo Convention held in Geneva, 5-7 February 2019.
The Ministers held debate on the Global Pact for the Environment on the Ministerial lunch.
[1] general approach
Jubilee: 15 years in the European Union



Trade ministers will meet in Brussels to discuss the latest issues of trade relations
The Council will discuss the state of play of the World Trade Organization (WTO) reform process and the ongoing negotiations. The EU is committed to the multilateral trading system and aims to play a leading role in the modernisation of the WTO. Nevertheless, the situation is still uncertain and the crisis is likely to deepen. For Hungary it is crucial to maintain the rules-based, open, predictable and transparent multilateral trading system and we support the EU’s efforts to modernise the WTO.
Ministers will exchange views on recent developments in the EU's trade relations with the United States and take stock of the implementation of the Juncker-Trump Joint Statement of 25 July 2018. Hungary considers it essential to pursue a positive agenda with the US and to avoid the escalation of trade tensions. Based on the negotiating directives adopted by the Council, we support negotiations on conformity assessment and are in favor of starting negotiations on the elimination of tariffs for industrial goods as soon as possible.
The Council will be informed about the state of play of preparations for the signature of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade agreement and the Investment Protection Agreement. Hungary looks forward to the early signature and application of these agreements which could contribute to the further growth of Hungarian exports to Vietnam and strengthen our trade and investment relations.
Over lunch, Ministers will follow up on the trade-related aspects of the European Council conclusions of 22 March 2019, including the International Procurement Instrument proposal. They will also discuss ongoing trade negotiations, in particular with Mercosur, Australia, New Zealand, Chile and Indonesia.
The top priority is to elect anti-immigration leaders
He said the summit had been convened in order to jointly think about the future of Europe. But if we are ignorant of people’s opinions, he said, such a discussion cannot be concluded: at best it can only be started.
Mr. Orbán said: “We will learn people’s opinions after the elections. What we can say here today with confidence – and what I will stand up for on behalf of Hungary – is that immigration must be stopped.”
As part of the discussion about the future of the European Union, at Thursday’s meeting the heads of state and government of EU Member States will give high priority to discussion of the EU’s strategic timetable for the 2019–24 period.
(Cabinet Office of the Prime Minister/MTI)
Hungary promoted Veszprém, the European Capital of Culture in 2023 at the last meeting of culture ministers in Brussels
On 22 May 2019 the Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council discussed the future of culture. At the meeting Hungary promoted Veszprém, the European Capital of Culture in 2023.
On 22 May 2019, the EYCS Council adopted conclusions on young people and the future of work, in order to address problems such as insecurity and precarious working conditions. Ministers also adopted a resolution establishing guidelines on the governance of the EU Youth Dialogue, which will contribute to the overall objectives of the EU Youth Strategy. The Council also held a policy debate entitled 'Young people as agents of democracy in the EU'. The debate took place ahead of the upcoming European elections, which made the topic very actual.
Ministers adopted a recommendation on a comprehensive approach to the teaching and learning of languages that aims to explore ways of helping all young people to acquire competences in two foreign languages. Furthermore, the Council adopted a recommendation on high quality early childhood education and care systems with the purpose to support Member States in their efforts to improve the accessibility and quality of their early childhood education and care systems, whilst recognising that Member States are primarily responsible in this area. The Council adopted conclusions on the implementation of the Council recommendation on upskilling pathways: new opportunities for adults.
The ministers held a policy debate entitled 'Building the future of Europe: the contribution of education and training to strengthening social cohesion'. The aim of the debate was to reflect on concrete future steps in the development of the European Education Area by 2025, with particular emphasis on strengthening social cohesion.
On 23 May 2019, the EYCS Council adopted conclusions on fostering young creative generations. These conclusions highlights the importance of young generation's access to culture, in order to develop creative, intercultural and communication skills. The ministers also adopted conclusions on the promotion of European audio-visual works by improving the cross-border circulation of audio-visual creations and co-productions. Furthermore, a policy debate was held on disinformation, entitled 'From tackling disinformation to rebuilding EU citizens' trust in the media'.
Péter Fekete, Minister of State for Culture informed the Council about the nomination of Veszprém for European Capital of Culture in 2023. Veszprém will be the second Hungarian city holding the title for a year after Pécs in 2010. Veszprém plans to cooperate not only with past and future European Capitals of Culture but also with the Balaton region during the implementation of their programme.
In the field of sport, the Council adopted a resolution on the representation of EU Member States in the Foundation Board of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the coordination of Member States’ positions prior to WADA meetings. The Council also agreed on conclusions on enhancing access to sport for persons with disabilities. Finally, the Council held a public policy debate on 'Increasing the participation of children and young people in sport in 21st century Europe'.
Koholt vádak alapján próbálja Magyarországot elítéltetni az Európai Parlament bevándorláspárti többsége
Koholt vádak alapján próbálja Magyarországot elítéltetni az Európai Parlament (EP) bevándorláspárti többsége, ezt bizonyítja az is, hogy nem halad előre a hetes cikk szerinti eljárás a tagállamok kormányait tömörítő tanácsban - jelentette ki kedden a Miniszterelnökség európai uniós kapcsolatokért felelős államtitkára.
Varga Judit a tagállamok európai ügyekkel foglalkozó minisztereinek luxembourgi tanácsülésén vett részt, melyen ismét napirendben volt a Magyarországgal szemben megindított jogállamisági eljárás ügye, immár ötödik alkalommal.
Mint elmondta, hivatalos meghallgatásra ezúttal sem került sor, csak egyfajta helyzetértékelésre, ezt követően pedig néhány tagállam arra próbálta ösztökélni az EU soros román elnökségét, hogy léptesse újabb szakaszba az eljárást, de nem volt szó a résztvevők többségéről.
Az államtitkár megismételte véleményét, miszerint az eljárás csupán politikai nyomásgyakorlás annak érdekében, hogy a magyar kormány hagyjon fel migrációellenes politikájával.
Kiemelte, a tanácsi elnökség nehezen tudja kezelni az EP "szerződésellenes nyomulását", azt, hogy a választásokhoz közeledve a magyar különjelentést összeállító zöldpárti Judith Sargentini és társai "egyre frusztráltabban" próbálkoznak részt venni az eljárásnak ezen szakaszában.
Azt pedig színjátéknak nevezte, hogy "Sargentiniék nyíltan megsértődnek, és nem hajlandóak" elfogadni az elnökség meghívását egy informális egyeztetésre, mivel a céljuk továbbra is az, hogy részt vehessenek a tanácsülésen.
Varga Judit kijelentette, a kormány partner lesz egy tisztességes eljárásban, ugyanis "ha a tényekről vagy a jogi részletekről kell beszélni, akkor a bevándorláspárti többség muníció nélkül marad".
Ugyan több tagállam is támogatja, hogy a hetes cikk szerinti eljárást kezdeményező EP bemutathassa az álláspontját, a tanács jogi szolgálata októberben kimondta, hogy véleménye szerint a parlamentnek ebben a szakaszban már nincsen szerepe.
(MTI)
Collaboration to maintain output-based agricultural funding
At the session of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council on 18 March in Brussels, Hungary requested that output-based funding be maintained at their current level or even increased in the period following 2020 in a joint statement with Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Latvia, Slovakia and Slovenia.
“The European Commission’s proposal, according to which the direct funding budget due to Hungary would reduce output-based funding from its current level of 13+2 percent to 10+2 percent, is an obvious step backwards. Maintaining the level of this funding is of fundamental importance to the suitable financing and competitive maintenance of labour-intensive sectors such an animal husbandry and horticulture”, head of the Hungarian delegation Minister of State or Rural Development Miklós Kis said following the session.
“The system of production-based funding generally provides an opportunity to provide supplemental funding to a sector that is experiencing difficulties, and accordingly the question of exactly what sectors may receive this funding in future is an important one. In this respect, Hungary is giving preference to extending the scope of the system, in view of the fact that situations may arise that require the inclusion of further sectors. It is enough to think of the negative effects on certain sectors caused by the Russian embargo, which has been in force since 2015, or the possible effects of ongoing international trade negotiations”, the Minister of State pointed out. In addition to the seven countries who signed the statement, several other countries also assured the parties of their support at the Council meeting.
“Hungary has an interest in the adoption of a new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) through which Hungarian farmers can apply for and receive the funding to which they are due in the easiest possible manner. However, assuring this requires the significant amendment of the European Commission’s current proposal”, Mr. Kis stressed.
At the second session of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council during the current Romanian presidency of the Council of the European Union, several other elements of the ongoing reform of the Common Agricultural Policy were also discussed, and the parties agreed that further negotiations are required, primarily with relation to the implementation regulations of the new funding system.
(Ministry of Agriculture Press Office)
The financing of the Euro-zone budget must not contradict the long-term interests of the European Union
The Eurozone budget must not overlap the existing (financial) instruments and (fiscal) objectives of the European Union, as doing so would exacerbate differences between the regions and jeopardize efforts aiming to bolster the common market, Minister of Finance Mihály Varga said at the latest Eurogroup meeting in inclusive format in Brussels.
Given the significance of the issue, the Minister added, the cornerstones of the Eurozone budget, to be drafted as part of the EU budget, must be laid down by EU heads of state via a unanimous decision.
EU heads of state decided in December 2018 that the drafting of a Eurozone budget must soon begin, Mihály Varga pointed out. Germany and France had originally proposed this but the original plans have been modified through the decision of EU heads of state. Thus, an instrument is to be created as part of the EU’s seven-year budgetary framework. This aims to bolster the Eurozone’s competitiveness and accelerate convergence, the Minister stressed.
The Hungarian Government has insisted at the talks that this new instrument be indeed created as part of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), and the related decision should only be made through a unanimous vote of the EU27, after the interests of non-Eurozone member states have also been fully taken into consideration.
In his presentation of Hungary’s standpoint, the Minister said that the financial resources of the Eurozone budget can only be considered as additional funds -- other than the financial resources of existing EU policies and programmes – which can be boosted either by increasing the financial framework of the multiannual budget or the revenues from EU member states. We oppose the proposal that some MFF funds be used to this end, the Minister noted.
(Ministry of Finance)
The CEE region continues to be the EU’s growth engine
The growth rate of the Central and Eastern European region has been above the EU average, and thus the region may play a key role in boosting economic growth within the European Union.
The InvestEU programme, aimed at mobilizing state- and private-funded projects, was a major topic on the agenda of the latest Ecofin session in Brussels, Minister of State Gábor Gion said after the meeting.
Speaking of a report on the current economic status of the EU, the Minister of State said that the growth potential of the EU27 is expected to weaken compared to that of recent years, and the rate of growth is predicted to be 2 percent in 2019 and 2020 each, while it is forecast to be lower, some 1.7-1.9 percent, in the Eurozone.
Hungary is working to assume an active role in the talks regarding the Eurozone budgetary instrument, Gábor Gion noted in reference to the fact that the Eurogroup is to start working on the draft of the Eurozone budget in accordance with the decision adopted at the Eurozone summit in December. “At the talks we Hungarians are going to insists that the budgetary instrument, which is to be implemented within the EU budget, be approved on the basis of unanimous approval by the EU27 and after the interests of non-Eurozone members have also been taken into consideration. The budget must not curtail traditional EU policies that are crucial for Hungary, and cut back on – for example – the cohesion or agricultural funds”, the Minister of State pointed out.
Commenting on the investment-promoting InvestEU programme, Gábor Gion said Hungary supported initiatives which provide more manoeuvring room for the development banks of member states, and bolster their service provider functions that can enable them to have a meaningful role in project implementation.
(Ministry of Finance)
There is a stealthy attempt going on to bring back the failed immigration policy
“There is a stealthy attempt going on to enable Brussels to bring back the EU immigration policy that has already failed once”, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó said in the recess of a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels.
In a statement to Hungarian reporters, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade stressed that European officials are attempting to “put member state to sleep” when they put forward assessment on the fact that the migration crisis is a thing of the past, whereas according to fresh reports the number of people who want to get into Europe illegally is continuing to increase.
“The fact that last year the number of illegal immigrants apprehended in Turkey increased by some 50 percent and exceeded 265 thousand, that increased migrant traffic is being reported along the Greek-Turkish land border, that the number of registered illegal immigrants has doubled in Spain, and that data from Cyprus also indicates the doubling of the figures, contradicts the statements made by certain Brussels leaders”, the Minister said.
Mr. Szijjártó drew attention to the fact that the migration chapter of the draft statement of the EU-Arab League ministerial meeting planed for February cites the UN Global Compact for Migration, which one third of EU member states, eight countries in addition to Hungary, did not vote for, as a basis of reference.
“Hungary will not authorise this statement, which wants to set down the fact that the opportunities provided by migration channels must be exploited to the full and that migration processes can make a significant contribution to the growth and sustainable development of source, transit and target countries”, he underlined.
“It is high time we forgot this failed migration policy that has only brought danger to Europe, but whenever there is a chance, they always attempt to bring it back”, he stated.
With relation to one of the central topics of the meeting of foreign ministers, European action against fake news, Mr. Szijjártó said that the European Union wants to introduce a new mechanism aimed mainly at sifting out fake news that is purportedly of Russian origin, and wants to protect the EU from anyone interfering in such a manner.
Mr. Szijjártó declared that spreading fake news or news that is more negative than reality can cause major damage to countries. As he explained, Hungary has experience with relation to people attempting to interfere in internal affairs from outside using fake news, and also with relation to media outlets and institutions operating within the EU attempting to cause difficulties and paint a false picture of Hungary using such methods. The case of Ahmed H., with relation to which both member states and NGOs have made statements, is one such instance, and according to one report published by the European Parliament the perpetrator committed the act (attacking Hungarian police officers) with the intention of cooling tensions.
“This is how pieces of fake news become politics-making factors”, he underlined.
According to Mr. Szijjártó, he informed the EU foreign ministers that the deportation of Ahmed H. has begun, and “we are waiting for member states who assured Ahmed H. of their support during the court proceedings to come forward”; anyone can take him in now, but nobody has come forward as yet. The Minister pointed out that according to the Sargentini report, Ahmed H. only wanted to help his family, and this is why he attacked the Hungarian police officers, “so we can clearly see the consequences of spreading fake news”.
With relation to the EU–Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting underway in Brussels, the Minister said that having recognised the fact that Southeast Asia is a rapidly developing region from an economic perspective, the European Union would like to accelerate the ongoing negotiations on a free trade agreement.
“Hungary’s trade relations with the region have increased significantly in the recent period, and last year trade flow increased by 23 percent year-on-year”, he stated. “If the EU succeeds in closing the negotiations and implementing its free trade agreement with Vietnam or Singapore, it would also mean significant trade and economic advantages for Hungary”, Mr. Szijjártó underlined.
(Cabinet Office of the Prime Minister/MTI)