At today’s informal meeting, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and the President of the European Commission, Mr. José Manuel Barroso held an exchange of views about the issues under discussion between Hungary and the European Commission. Prime Minister Orbán informed the President of the Commission about the intentions of the Government in relation with these issues.

Concerning the Hungarian Central Bank, measures in conformity with the proposed solutions communicated to the Commission will be promptly and fully implemented by the Government as this is proven by the discussion already under way in the parliament. At the same time, the Government continues the initiated and promising consultation with the European Central Bank about the questions raised by this institution which are; however, not part of the infringement procedures launched by the Commission.

The majority of issues related to the data protection authority and to the retirement age of judges were successfully closed. Only two legal questions remain open where the Government would acknowledge if they were to be solved by the European Court of Justice. The decisions of the Court will be fully and promptly implemented by the Government.

The Prime Minister once again reassured the President of the European Commission that nothing endangers the independence of the Hungarian judiciary; on the contrary, the intention of the Government is to reinforce the independence, the efficiency and the citizen-friendliness of the courts. Moreover, measures recommended by the Venice Commission and accepted by the Government will fully and promptly be implemented. This intention was also underlined by Vice Prime Minister Tibor Navracsics, in his letter to the Secretary-General of the Council of Europe. On the remaining questions, consultations with the institutions of the Council of Europe will continue.

Péter Szijjártó

spokesperson of the Prime Minister

(kormany.hu)