Articles
Belgian ambassador: The Hungarian bank tax is not what we plan to do on EU-level
Belgium, which took over the European Union´s six-month presidency on 1 July, wants an EU deal on a bank tax by the end of the year. The country´s ambassador to Hungary however stated that their plans did not match exactly with the plans of the Hungarian government.
Poland "builds" Hungarian-style politics
After a dramatic night for Polish democracy, Bronisław Komorowski of the ruling liberal-conservative Civic Platform (PO) emerged as the winner in the presidential election run-off, held on Sunday (4 July). Hereby PO rules not only the government, but also presidential office, similar to the Fidesz Civic Union´s exceptional support in Hungary. Both countries prepare for their first EU presidency.
Budapest installs ethnic Hungarian as EP vice-president
Former Romanian dissident László Tőkés, an ethnic Hungarian, was yesterday (15 June) elected European Parliament vice-president at the insistence of Budapest, EurActiv has learned. EurActiv Romania contributed to this article.
The foreign minister designate made light on the hearing
The hearing of the new Hungarian foreign minister has passed in a cheerful, easy mode. The questions did not grill Martonyi too much, so he also had time to tell some stories about the past 20 years.
Fidesz wants a "decent" presidency
Although economic crisis itself is a great last for an EU presidency, the Greek crisis surmounts all of the expectations of Hungarian civil servants. Fidesz hopes however, that it can have a "decent" presidency. The ideas of the new government show in a similar direction than the previous.
The Visegrad countries have common goals for foreign policy, but they all want to achieve them through different ways, experts agreed at a conference in Budapest. Czech, Polish, Hungarian and Slovak experts believe, the four countries still show “post-accession syndromes” that is extremely visible in their no-vision foreign policy. However at EU level, several prosperous areas give opportunity for cooperation and more influence.
Viktor Orbán has presented his new government.
Conservative international community hails Fidesz´s 53%
Several conservative European leaders, including European politicians hail the overwhelming success that Fidesz has reached at Sunday´s national elections. Large EPP-affiliated countries, like France and Germany still have not welcomed the results.
Demogracy á la Hongroise - Party system changing in Hungary
Twenty years after the change, Hungarians have experienced a historic election yesterday (11. April). The conservative Fidesz-KDNP has not only kicked off the socialist government with a huge vantage, but also two new parties are elected while two older have disappeared.
Hungary could host a European Council
"It would be a good idea if at least one major event, such as the European Council, was held in the member state holding the rotating presidency." - European Council president Herman Van Rompuy said yesterday. If member states agree, Hungary could be hosting a meeting of the heads of states in 2011.
Preparations of the World´s biggest diplomatic service have started
EU foreign ministers have met last week (5-6. March) to discuss preparatory tasks of the new European External Action Service (EEAS).
Visegrad Houses will open world wide
The first common V4 representation will open in Capetown next year, announced Foreign Minister Péter Balázs yesterday (2nd March). He underlined the enhanced cooperation of the V4 countries and pointed out future possible steps regarding common foreign policy areas.
Hungarian Commissioner shows way out from poverty
„Poverty is not just about material income. It is also about lack of opportunities,” said László Andor, commissioner responsible for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion. In his speech he gave the main ideas concerning the 2010 European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion.
Wallerstein: The EU is a half way house
„Europe is a half way house,” says the iconic figure of international relations theory, Immanuel Maurice Wallerstein. The eighty years old professor believes that the EU is an “important structure”, but there are at least two mayor tasks to finish until it can become a strategic player in the global game.
Beres: I will ask questions about 30 million people unemployed
Pervench Beres is the head of the EP committee responsible for employment and social affairs. As she is the one who will head the hearing of Hungarian commissioner candidate, László Andor, EurActiv wanted to know what questions are there to expect.
Hungarian commissioner is monitoring the needs
Because of the financial crisis, the Hungarian commissioner believes to become a heavyweight in the Barroso II. Commission. László Andor, who will likely receive the portfolio for employment and social affairs, believes the crisis has not ended yet and tackling the record-unemployment in Europe will be a crucial part of his future job. He is therefore collecting information, standpoints and proposals.
Christmas Wishlist from Hungary to the European Commission
EurActiv Hungary has asked the Hungarian political and civil organisations to write a wishlist to the European Commission. In our article you can read what topics the Hungarian pubic wants to see on the top of the EU's agenda.
Eastern Europe has no place on the top of the EU
Europe's heads of state and governent have decided to chose barely known candidates from old Europe to lead the EU. Critics say, they
International lawyer: Klaus is a hazardeur of international law!
The arguments of the Czech president against the Lisbon Treaty are at least triple unfounded, says international lawyer Tamás Lattmann. The expert believes that Klaus´s game is not just a legal but also a political gamble.
EU trades treaty guarantees with Czech president
European Union leaders, who have promised to give Václav Klaus guarantees on the Lisbon Treaty and its charter of fundamental rights, are now asking the Czech president to return the favour and pledge to sign the treaty, diplomats told EurActiv. Hungary's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Péter Balázs however stated, Hungary will not allow the EU to guarantee anything related to the Benes Decrees.
Slovakia could follow Czech Lisbon demands
Slovakia yesterday (18 October) indicated that it might follow the Czech Republic should the latter demand certain opt-outs from the Lisbon Treaty. However, sources told EurActiv Slovakia that this may in fact strengthen the EU's resolve to resist Czech demands.
László Andor, member of the EBRD Council of Directors is the favorit for Hungary's EU Commisiioner, the Hungarian press reported. While the nomination of the economist is not verified yet, the socialist party will probably pressure the PM to choose a politically more affiliated person. Socialist MEP Edit Herczog is seen to have good chances.
We do not have a place in the EU
Early joining could be the reason for the ever lower participation rates in EP-elections in Eastern-European countries. The analyst of the Hungarian Foreign Policy Institute says, behind the languidity lies the frustration of the non-achievable requirements of Brussels.
Slovak ambassador tipped for commissioner job
Slovakia came one step closer to naming its new candidate commissioner when the Social Democratic party (Smer-SD), the senior party in Slovakia's ruling coalition, was chosen to pick their favourite. Like in Romania, a politically neutral candidate is in the lead. EurActiv Slovakia reports.
