Greece, the Troika, and ‘Running Out of Other People’s Money’ 2015. 04. 24. The government of Greece managed to meet the deadline to make a 448 million euro payment on its IMF loan. Questions remain, however, about its ability to make future payments in the coming weeks and to secure more bailout funding. [Blog post by Dr. Ildikó Pelczné Gáll]
Hungary’s Tough Road to Economic Recovery 2015. 04. 17. Hungary is undergoing an economic recovery. [Blog post by Dr. Ildikó Pelczné Gáll]
Create Accessible Workplaces! The Hungarian Practice May Again Be a Model for Europe 2015. 04. 16. Fidesz MEP Ádám Kósa, speaking before a plenary session of the European Parliament, presented to the European Commission the Hungarian approach to encouraging the hiring of people with disabilities. Using a quota system, targeted assistance and tax exemptions, the Hungarian practice has produced a doubling in the number of people with disabilities employed, reaching 80 thousand. It could serve as an exemplary model for Europe.
Remembering Prime Minister József Antall 2015. 04. 15. At the beginning of April each year, Hungary remembers József Antall, who served as our nation’s prime minister from May 1990 until his death in December 1993. Born April 8, 1932, he was our first democratically elected prime minister after the defeat of communism, and we commemorated him this year with the unveiling of a bronze bust set in the wing of the European Parliament that bears his name. [Blog post by András Gyürk]
Everyone Must Do Their Homework! 2015. 03. 26. On the occasion of the upcoming Romani Holocaust Memorial Day, the European Parliament late Wednesday night held a debate on the situation of the Roma in Europe. Christian Democrat MEP György Hölvényi pointed out in his address that social inclusion of the Roma are not just one of the most important strategic challenges, but also one of Europe’s most promising chances.
EU support for Middle East needed to prevent ‘new wave of immigration’ 2015. 03. 26. The EU needs to reach a consensus on the 'human catastrophe' being perpetuated by ISIS, writes György Hölvényi in the Parliament Magazine.
We Remain True to the Spirit of 1848 2015. 03. 16. The Hungarian EPP Group and the Belgium-based cultural association Magyar Hullám (Hungarian Wave) co-organised a commemorative event in Brussels to mark the anniversary of the 1848 Revolution and war of independence.
An Energy Union We Can Support 2015. 03. 12. When the subject turns to the idea of an Energy Union, a number of factors influence Hungary’s perspective. First of all, security of supply is a crucial issue for us. Approximately 80 percent of Hungarian households rely on natural gas for heating. That high rate of penetration is almost unmatched in all of Europe. At the same time, Hungary depends on Russia for 80 percent of the supply of that gas. The result is that Hungary has become one of the most exposed Member States of the European Union. [Blog post András Gyürk]
We Cannot Remain Silent While Watching the Most Terrible Human Rights Violations 2015. 03. 11. At the March plenary meeting, human rights were in the spotlight in the European Parliament. The EP passed a resolution co-signed by myself, urging steps against online sexual abuse of children. In the afternoon, we debated the annual human rights report of the EP, addressing a number of challenging human rights issues, urgent matters that call for EU-level response.
