Europe has become stronger - Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s article for eu2011.hu

It has been an historical opportunity for Hungary to have undertaken the task of the rotating Council Presidency of the European Union, for the first time. We chose “Strong Europe” as our motto, because the nations of Europe can only address the challenges of our time together, and Europe can never be strong without being composed of strong countries.

It was clear already from the beginning of our Presidency that the EU would face its most difficult six months since the collapse of communism: we had to overcome the debt crises, save the euro and renew Europe so that it could be competitive with our new rivals, who are driven by ambition and motivated by hunger for success.

Now, after the end of the semester, we can conclude that Europe has indeed become stronger than it was at the beginning of the year. Economic governance is now within reach, which enables us to prevent the occurrence of situations similar to the financial crises of the recent period.

The development of common policies also served the strengthening of Europe. During the Hungarian Presidency, significant steps were taken in order to create energy security for the continent: by 2014, the EU will establish the integrated single energy market, to ensure the free flow of gas and electricity, and increasing the security of supply to Member States, including Hungary.

It was agreed that the Cohesion Policy should remain a strong and integrated tool of the Development Policy. It is also a major accomplishment that during the Hungarian Presidency, we were able to reach an agreement on the future directions of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

The Member States of the Union have realised that Roma integration is a common concern affecting the whole of Europe, which must be addressed together, at the European level. It is a huge success that for the first time in the history of the Union, we have managed to create and adopt a common European Roma Strategy.

After the adoption of the Danube Strategy, common regional development programmes can now be launched with the cooperation of EU Member States and states outside the EU.

The closing of the accession negotiations with Croatia was among our heartfelt priorities. As recently as a few weeks ago, not many would have wagered one red cent on our success. Eventually, through long, tough negotiations, we accomplished our aim: in the meeting of the European Council, held at the end of June, we could welcome the Prime Minister of Croatia as head of government of a future Union Member State. The accession of Croatia is of special significance for the stability of the Western Balkan region, which is why Hungary will remain an advocate of the integration of this enclave surrounded by EU and NATO Member States.

The Hungarian Presidency has also managed to address unexpected situations; like in Japan and North Africa, which the Hungarian Presidency had to tackle without jeopardising the implementation of the set agenda. We have put in motion the Civil Protection Mechanism; the Hungarian Embassy in Tripoli, as the only foreign representation, which still remains open, represents not only the EU, but also acts in the interest of the United States of America.

So, now we have a long and difficult semester behind us, but in light of the accomplishments and the feedback, it is clear: Europe has become stronger than it was six months ago. It was rewarding, a real work-out!