Hungary prioritises representing its national interests in dealings with the European Union, Tibor Navracsics, the nominee for the post of foreign minister, told a parliamentary committee on Wednesday.

It should focus on finding allies and take up the gauntlet if need be, he told a hearing by parliament's European affairs committee.
Navracsics, who is the outgoing minister of public administration and justice, said that only member states that define their objectives clearly can succeed in the EU.

Hungary should identify policies where it can reach consensus and make progress, irrespective of which government is in power, he said, adding that EU enlargement and neighbourhood policies could be such areas.
Hungary should be aware of which country it can cooperate with in what issues, Navracsics said, underlining the need to strengthen cooperation with other V4 partners as well as Croatia and Slovenia.

In a move to represent its national interests, Hungary should bravely face conflicts. It should take care, however, to make sure these conflicts do not become acrimonious, he said.

It is by and large agreed that Europe has arrived at a crossroads. For this reason, it should reconsider its future and review and update its mission formulated after the Second World War, he said.

The future of the European Union has always been a ground for debate, with options ranging from a United States of Europe to a Europe of nations, one based on cooperation between the constituent countries, he said.
The committee supported Navracsics's nomination with six votes in favour, one against and two abstentions.

(MTI)