Finding a solution for the problems of the Eurozone is also in Hungary’s interest, but it would require the amendment of the EU Treaty. Hungary could support it only under certain conditions, Foreign Minister János Martonyi declared before Parliament’s Committee on European Affairs October 2, 2012.

The Hungarian Foreign Minister stated that the conditions for Hungary supporting a treaty amendment include maintaining the principle of conferral, which means that each competence that has not been transferred to the EU by the Treaty shall remain with the Member States. He stressed the importance of the equality of Member States and that double standards should be avoided.

Minister Martonyi pointed out the single market – which is one of the most important achievements of European integration – should be preserved, and great emphasis should be laid on legitimizing the EU decision making process. He added that respecting national identity and the principle of subsidiarity are also among the conditions Hungary would set.

Foreign Minister János Martonyi said that although the economic strategy had recently changed in Europe, – with growth promotion in addition to budget discipline and restrictions – the results of this shift are still not visible in most countries. He admitted that the crisis was not over, the differences in competitiveness had not diminished between the members of the Eurozone, and the future of the single currency as well as of the EU was uncertain.

The Minister stated that Hungary’s interests were clear: Europe is to become strong, unified, and based on values. Solidarity is particularly important among these values.

The Minister warned that a major Eurozone crisis would be such a shock for the entire EU that it would endanger the whole framework of European integration. He emphasized that whatever new measures would be taken or whatever new mechanisms might be introduced for the sake of solving the problems of the Eurozone, these measures or mechanisms should not increase the distance between the Eurozone and the Member States who were outside the Eurozone because the possibility for joining the Eurozone must be preserved.

Regarding the current proposal for the Multiannual Financial Framework for 2014-2020, Minister János Martonyi declared that its recommendation to decrease the Cohesion Fund was unacceptable for Hungary and that Hungary would stick to its position until the last moment.

In response to a question posed by Lajos Mile (LMP), Vice Chairman of the Committee Minister Martonyi stated the proposal concerning the payments of the Cohesion Fund would be most disadvantageous for Hungary and the Baltic states.

János Martonyi pointed out, in response to MP Zoltán Balczó (Jobbik) who claimed that there was significant difference between the statements of Minister Martonyi and Prime Minister Viktor Orbán concerning the future of Europe, that Hungary was not unique in that „members of the cabinet have diverging or partly diverging views on some questions while they fully agree on the fundamental objectives.”

Answering a question from MP István Bebes (Fidesz) about Croatia’s accession to the EU Minister Martonyi expressed his hope that Croatia would join the EU without problems on July 1, 2013, and he added that the enlargement process remained important for Hungary.

(Ministry of Foreign Affairs)