The next ministerial conference of the Salzburg Forum organized by the Czech Presidency took place in Chateau Štiřín near Prague on 24-25 May, 2012. Mr. Sándor Pintér, Minister of Interior was the head of the Hungarian delegation.

During the meeting the ministers of the Salzburg Forum reaffirmed their support for the accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen Area. In this context, the Salzburg Forum states reminded the Council to return to the decision on the accession in September.

The ministers reviewed the progress of the regional agreement on more efficient road-safety cooperation. In accordance with the EU regulations, this would allow a more effective international exchange of information and cross-border enforcement of road safety related traffic fines. Hungary has a leading role in this process and the agreement is expected to be signed in October at the ministerial conference organized by the Hungarian Presidency of the Salzburg Forum.

The witness protection agreement was signed by the ministers. Witness protection measures can be effectively implemented within the framework of multilateral international treaties therefore an agreement on this issue signed by the Salzburg Forum Member States is of significant importance.

Furthermore, the ministers exchanged views on the current issues concerning the Schengen cooperation, the future role of Europol, the implementation of the Danube Strategy’s security priorities and the security measures of the 2012 UEFA European Football Championship organised by Poland and Ukraine.

Following the first Trio Presidency of the Salzburg Forum, Hungary, Poland and Romania will take over the presidency duties from 1 July 2012. The joint program focuses on debating current EU issues, drafting common positions, strengthening regional cooperation and intensifying cooperation with third countries. The Trio Presidency also wishes to pay special attention on enhancing the coordination among the Salzburg Forum countries. The next ministerial conference, organised by the Hungarian Presidency is expected to take place in October in Mátraháza.

(kormany.hu)