Members of the eurozone are of the opinion that the ball is now in the court of Cyprus; now that the country has been offered assistance, it is time for them to do something, it cannot wait for the EU to resolve its problems - Minister of State of the MFA responsible for European Union Affairs Enikő Győri said on March 20 in Helsinki.

The Minister of State paid a visit to Finland on Wednesday. She met with Minister for European Affairs and Foreign Trade Alexander Stubb, EU Affairs Advisor to the Finnish Prime Minister Pasi Rajala, and Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pertti Torstila,. She also paid a visit to the Finnish Institute of International Affairs and to the Grand Committee of the Finnish Parliament. She discussed current EU affairs and the future of the European Union, as well as the deepening of economic and monetary union.

Enikő Győri pointed out that the current debate within the EU is on reconciling the two principles of fiscal balance and stimulating growth. Finland agrees with Hungary that it is not a question of choice between these two objectives, but that the two have to be brought into balance: growth and job creation have to be stimulated along with fiscal consolidation.

Enikő Győri noted that Helsinki appreciates Budapest's commitment to reducing budget deficit and the sovereign debt. Finland considers Hungary to be its most important friend in Central Europe - she added.

With respect to the developments in Cyprus, her Finnish hosts described the position of the eurozone, according to which Cyprus cannot expect her problems to be solves by the EU alone, the country itself must also take action. The EU proposed a solution for Cyprus, and it is now up to the country to decide what it will do, she added.

Enikő Győri explained that the amendment of the Fundamental Law in Hungary was also discussed. Hungary is especially attentive when it comes to the opinions of her friends, and listens to criticism if it is based on facts - the Minister of State said, adding that for this reason she had asked her negotiating partners to study the text of the amendments in detail.

Hungary continues to be ready for cooperation with European institutions, as was the case until now - said Enikő Győri. She emphasized that the commitment of Hungary to democracy, the rule of law and fundamental human rights cannot be questioned.

(Ministry of Foreign Affairs)