Szabolcs Takács, Minister of State for EU Affairs at the Prime Minister’s Office had talks with Vincenzo Amendola, Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs, who is responsible for our region at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, on 10 October 2017. At the meeting the parties reviewed the EU issues which are particularly important for the two countries, such as migration, Brexit, the Western Balkans enlargement, the future of the EU and the Posted Workers Directive.
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Both parties stressed that the migration crisis is a long-term challenge, and we must therefore find answers to it which manage the crisis at its roots, rather than at its end-point. Mr Takács drew attention to the fact that migration policy must not be tied to the cohesion funds as the latter have contractual foundations, and in consequence cannot become a means of exerting political pressure. In the context of the protection of the external borders, the parties agreed that there is a need for close cooperation also in the future, with regard to the economic and demographic processes of Asian and African countries, in consequence of which we must reckon with the pressure of migration originating from those regions in the long run. Mr Takács highlighted that it is possible to observe yet another inflow of migrants from the direction of the Black Sea, and as a result, we must pay even more attention to our direct neighbourhood as well. During the meeting the parties underlined the significance of the European integration of the Western Balkans which is a strategic and security interest for Europe.
Vincenzo Amendola said that, in his view, it is necessary to intensify common European defence efforts and cooperation with NATO. Mr Takács informed his counterpart that Hungary is committed to reaching the defence budget limit of 2 per cent to GDP.
Regarding the future of the EU, the parties agreed that closer integration is only justified in certain areas (e.g. defence policy), while the development of a two-speed Europe that would divide EU Member States must be avoided. In the context of Brexit, they also touched upon the issue of the headquarters of the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
Concerning the review of the Posted Workers Directive, Mr Takács stressed: we must avoid the development of a deep political chasm between the Member States on yet another issue as it may have major implications for economic cooperation. Hungary and the Visegrád countries firmly hold on to the position that the amendment of the Directive will lead to the restriction of the fundamental freedoms of the internal market, in particular, the free provision of services, as well as to a decline in the global competitiveness of the European Union. He highlighted that it is therefore necessary to create special rules with respect to the worst affected transport sector as the activity of transportation cannot be regarded as posting based on its cross-border nature. The Minister of State said: Hungary as the President of the V4 is ready to come to a compromise that is acceptable for all Member States if the proposed solution effectively addresses the specific status of the transport sector. The parties agreed that the possible agreement must reflect the viewpoint of every Member State.
(Prime Minister's Office)
