A “constructive Community approach” is the “best way” to “resolving eventual internal difficulties among Member Countries” of the EU. This was the Italian position conveyed by Minister Terzi today to his Hungarian counterpart Janos Martonyi in a meeting at the foreign ministry in Rome, during which, among other things, they confronted some hurdles to the dialogue between Budapest and the Community institutions.
The question regards the European Commission’s launch of three procedures for infraction against Budapest, maintaining that some framework laws that coincided with the entry into force of the new Constitution are in contrast with EU legislation.
Minister Martonyi provided Minister Terzi with a detailed illustration of the steps Hungary had taken to overcome such hurdles.
The two ministers were also in substantial agreement on the main international themes, among which the Arab spring and the delicate Middle East situation. Minister Martonyi expressed his deep appreciation and full support for Italy’s efforts on behalf of the defence of the religious minorities, and Christians in particular, being targeted by aggression and violence in many countries of the world.
They also agreed on the excellent status of bilateral relations sanctioned by the Strategic Partnership Declaration signed on 10 June 2010. Italy is currently Hungary’s 5th trade partner, with €6 billion in total trade for 2011. Over 2300 Italian firms are currently operating in Hungary, with special prominence in the banking sector, where all the main credit institutions are represented. “Hungary is a Community partner of fundamental importance for us”, Minister Terzi stated, “with which we enjoy the combination of strong economic cooperation and a solid convergence of views on major international themes”.
The two ministers also confirmed their mutual intention to make 2013 the “Year of Italian Culture in Hungary and of Hungarian Culture in Italy” in pursuance of an Italian proposal advanced last year to the Hungarian government. “This will be a perfect opportunity”, Minister Terzi commented, “to promote the points of excellence of both our nations, and to further strengthen bilateral cooperation at all levels”.
