Minister of Human Resources Zoltán Balog held a speech about the relationship between employment policy and the National Social Inclusion Strategy. Among the work programs dedicated to increasing employment, he highlighted the Start work program stating that 200 thousands people are already working within its framework in Hungary. He declared that it is very important that the state should provide work opportunities when the economy does not have the capacity to do so.
The Minister also negotiated about the support provided by the Norwegian Fund. Zoltán Balog pointed out that the main topic of discussion was the sum of 13 billion HUF intended for use in inclusion programs, in order to decide if they should implement targeted Roma programs or handle poverty as a common issue. Zoltán Balog stated that he took position on the latter because he considers mixed programs necessary, provided that during implementation special attention is paid to the proportional inclusion of Roma people. He added that „we do not want solely ethnic programs because those increase prejudices and negative emotions”.
The Norwegian Fund is the assistance fund that is granted by Iceland, Liechtenstein and primarily Norway to those Eastern and Central European countries that recently joined the European Union.
According to the Minister of Human Resources, the first phase of the program from 2009 to 2014 has been closed following the decision on support allocations, and now only the fund transfers have to be implemented. In the next period between 2012 and 2016, Hungary will receive an amount of 40 billion HUF and the current discussions with those involved centred on its distribution principles, tenders and goals.
Regarding the application of funding, one third of the 40 billion sum will be allocated for inclusion and two thirds for other needs such as health care, support of civil associations, research and development, work related to renewable energy, the preservation of cultural and natural heritage, and green industry innovation.
(Prime Minister’s Office)
