We successfully overcame the obstacles and efficiently coordinated the interests of the various member states – emphasised Foreign Minister János Martonyi in an interview to the Diplomatic Magazine on 18 October 2011.

What is your assessment of the Hungarian EU Presidency?

We are proud of our Presidency semester. Although this was the first time that our country faced such a challenge, we did not appear as inexperienced. We successfully overcame the obstacles and efficiently coordinated the interests of the various member states. There are still decisions being made which can be regarded as the „late results” of our Presidency. Such was the adoption of the six-pack concerning economic governance, the Council’s approval of the new directive on consumer protection and the introduction of the biometric visa information system. How we can take advantage of the professional connections, knowledge and experience acquired during the Presidency to advance Hungarian national interests is also indicative of our success as a member state. I hope that the follow-up of the ASEM meeting when we hosted European and Asian foreign ministers in Gödöllő will prove to be a prime example for this. As a matter of fact, representing Hungarian priorities in the EU is based on two pillars: first, on Hungary’s commitment to European values, and second, on a pragmatic approach to issues in progress. There are hundreds of issues under discussion in the EU, and we have to select those that concern vital Hungarian interests. Then in order to advance our interests successfully, we have to cooperate with those member states that share the same interests.

How do you see cooperation with Poland, the country that took over the EU Presidency from Hungary?

We have a lot in common with Poland: historical traditions, important political and economic interests. Several cultural and academic ties also connect us with Poland. Already before assuming the EU Presidency, we deliberately prepared to make 2011 „The Year of Central Europe”, with the Hungarian and Polish presidencies ensuring a kind of continuity in highlighting the particular concerns of the Central European region. Poland is also a major partner for us in the Visegrád Cooperation (V4), which provides a framework for concrete joint projects in a primary region of our foreign policy, Central Europe. It was one of the most promising lessons of the past year and of our EU Presidency that cooperation among Central European states does work. We have managed, in cooperation with our neighbours and regional partners, to influence EU decisions on such important issues as the successful closing of accession talks with Croatia and the setting up of the common energy policy framework. In the midst of the current economic and financial crisis, the significance of our regional cooperation has further increased, since in times of need we can most readily rely on our neighbours. The EU is facing serious challenges, like finding the way out of the current crisis, preserving the EU core values and policies, the future of cohesion policy and common agricultural policy. These are all vital questions, and we can represent our interests more efficiently if we join forces with those who have the same interests.

How would you assess the stability of the European Union?

The old saying goes: „what does not kill you makes you stronger”. This is also true of the EU’s current situation. In spite of the difficulties, the Union and its institutions are stable, although the signs and effects of the crisis can be felt. It seems that the developments and crises of the past years bring about a historical change for the EU. For it has become evident that we need even more cohesion and more discipline in order to create a stronger Europe. The future of the euro is inseparable from that of the entire EU. This is why it is important for the member states outside the eurozone as well that a solution be found for the crisis, a solution that carries on the European project and preserves the accomplishments of the EU. The goal is that Europe become even more competitive on the global scene after the current crisis.

What is your position on the enlargement package presented by the European Commission and how would you assess the prospects of the countries, particularly of Serbia, covered in the report?

It was a priority for the Hungarian Presidency to make progress in the enlargement process, for the inclusive character of the EU is related to its problem solving capacity. We welcome that the report of the Commission issued in October noted the progress of all the countries involved in the integration process. However, in the case of Serbia there is a problem which needs to be solved if Serbia wants to come closer to the EU. This is a particularly important question for me and, of course, for our government. I have always stressed that Hungary’s foreign policy is based on values, and this is our creed that defines every step we take. The recently enacted Serbian compensation is unfortunately contradictory to our principles as well as to the common European values, since it imposes discrimination and applies the concept of collective guilt and collective responsibility. It considers those, and even their descendants, guilty who were drafted into the military by force. This is unacceptable for us. It is especially painful that this law inflicts the ethnic Hungarians living in Vojvodina in the first place, while it puts at disadvantage other ethnic minorities of Serbia as well. If Belgrade does not change the current situation until December the latest, there will be serious consequences. It should also be noted that over the past few days – as a result of our efforts – there have been some developments that make us more optimistic. It seems that Serbia can dispel our concerns with adopting the so-called rehabilitation law soon. Now we are expecting the legal steps from the Serbian side and hoping that the agreement between the Serbian government and the Alliance of Hungarian sin Vojvodina (VMSZ) will bring a satisfactory solution to this European problem. We appreciate the initiative of VMSZ and the constructive approach of the negotiating partners aimed at mending the situation.
A legal conclusion can indeed bring Serbia closer to the EU, which has been our common goal and proven dedication for a long time.

Speaking of Hungarians beyond the border, how is the law on simplified citizenship procedure being implemented?

Our consular service and the government have all passed this test with flying colors. Even though we were truly enthusiastic while preparing for this project, we were also somewhat anxious as well since it means an excessive load to the system. Among the reasons for success is that cooperation with the other ministries was excellent.

However, abroad, for example in Slovakia, the new Hungarian citizenship law has received some criticism.

Unfortunately, we have not managed to come to an agreement on this with the Slovakian government. Even though we do not yet know the outcome of the government crisis in Bratislava, the internal crisis in Slovakia will by no means speed up the process of coming to a solution. However, I must tell you that even though the citizenship law and the Hungarian- Slovakian relations remind nearly everyone of this conflict, our relations are definitely dominated by positive elements. I have recently met Mikulas Dzurinda in Sturovo and we celebrated the tenth anniversary of the re-opening of the Mária Valéria Bridge. There we told local citizens and the press about our successful joint projects in economics, energetics and infrastructure.
The cooperation with Slovakia is important not only from a bilateral perspective but also from that of the Visegrád Group and the European Union.

(Ministry of Foreign Affairs)