2023. 01. 17.
At the opening of the European Parliament’s plenary session, MEPs commemorated the 30th anniversary of the European Union’s single market. In her speech, Fidesz MEP Edina Tóth stressed that the Single Market has made life easier for European citizens thanks to a number of important measures, such as the universal charger and the abolition of roaming charges. “It is important that the European Union focuses on such measures, which are in the interests of citizens and the development of the economy, rather than on pointless ideological debates that challenge the powers of member states.” Fidesz MEP Enikő Győri said that “by withholding EU funds from Hungary and Poland, the Commission is putting countries at a disadvantage in the single market, making it more difficult for their companies and regions to develop”. The MEP called on the Commission to release EU funds due to member states as soon as possible.
According to MEP Edina Tóth, there is no reason to celebrate the anniversary with complete happiness. “The coronavirus, the war, and the resulting economic crisis have shown that there is still a lot of work to be done. It is time to start the era of increasing Europe’s competitiveness.”
MEP Edina Tóth pointed out that global challenges and increased economic competition with the United States require targeted measures. “We need to reduce administrative burdens, support small and medium-sized enterprises, and make better use of the opportunities offered by the Single Market”, she added.
MEP Enikő Győri said: “The Single Market is one of the greatest achievements, but it is still not working perfectly: the benefits are unevenly distributed, with some Member States and their companies benefiting more than others. The principle of a level playing field is also violated when the Commission withholds EU funds from Hungary and Poland. By doing so, Brussels is putting countries at a disadvantage in the Single Market, and now even young people, by blocking Erasmus. The Commission must put an end to this unlawful situation as soon as possible.”
MEP Enikő Győri said, “By transferring the money to Hungary and Poland, catching-up member states and especially SMEs could finally compete on equal terms in the Single Market”.