Deputy Prime Minister Zsolt Semjén and Deputy State Secretary for Hungarian Communities Abroad Zsuzsanna Répás announced the launch of the Minority Legal Protection Institute and Foundation, which aims to contribute to the reinforcement of legal protection for Hungarians living abroad, primarily in neighbouring countries.

The idea of such an organisation was raised in November 2011 at the Hungarian Standing Conference, and the necessary legal background was created in December. The Foundation has a starting budget of 50 million forints, but is also eligible to receive funds from other sources, such as the Gábor Bethlen Fund. The organisation is supported by several high profile Hungarian legal experts who will assist the Institute’s work.

Deputy State Secretary Répás emphasised the importance of creating comprehensive legal protection for the whole Hungarian community, reassuring its members that the Hungarian government is ready to help them.  She added that their goal is also to train young legal experts who can show that Hungarian legal protection has a place in the European field.

Dr. Laura Gyenei, Director of the Institute, explained that the organisation will provide training and a theoretical background, organise conferences, summer schools and field trips, support publications and journals, and grant scholarships.

(Prime Minister’s Office)