Minister of State for Security Policy and International Cooperation István Mikola attended the opening session of the 8th European Economic Congress on 18 May 2016 in Katowice, Poland, during which he gave a speech at the panel discussion entitled “Geopolitics, Security, Economy. A Global Crisis?”.

The event’s plenary panel was headed by former Polish Prime Minister and European Parliament President Jerzy Buzek. Also on the panel in addition to Mr. Mikola were former Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili and Polish Deputy Prime Minister Mateusz Morawieczki. The European Commission’s Vice-President for Energy Union, Maroš Šefčovič, greeted the event’s participants via video message.

Mr. Mikola’s speech during the panel discussion centred on alternative directions for the development of the European economy and Europe’s role within the global trade arena. He pointed out the importance of searching for new economic directions and stronger trade relations. “Hungary’s economy is export driven and can be regarded as particularly open in international comparison, as a result of which global demand and capital movement have a strong influence on its room for manoeuvre and growth opportunities.

Accordingly, changes in the global economy and in global trade have a major effect on the country’s economic prospects”, the Minister of State said.

In his speech, Mr. Mikola mentioned that the Hungarian economy had been successfully placed on a growth trajectory by 2013 thanks to the reforms introduced by the Government. Placing the economy onto new foundations has enabled the commencement of stable and sustainable development. Today, Hungary is on the path of strong economic growth thanks to measures aimed at improving fiscal discipline, reducing unemployment and stimulating the economy. Hungary’s long-term goals include developing teaching and vocational training and facilitating economic and social development relying on knowledge-based capital, he said.

(Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade)