European socialists "have taken it upon themselves” to try to force Hungary to the periphery of the European Union, János Lázár, the Minister heading the Prime Minister’s Office stated at the Hungarian Business Leaders Forum (HBLF) financial summit held on Thursday.

He said: one of the consequences of Brexit is that European conservatives have become paralysed, while the socialists have ready answers regarding what should happen to the EU after Britain’s departure: “they would like socialism”.

He added that the European socialists would like to see States which think in terms of the representation of national interests and sovereignty “being chastened, brought to their knees” or forced out.

The big debate of the period to come will be about whether the Member States will be able to better contribute to the future of the European Union by surrendering further powers, such as taxation and supply systems, or by exercising them more effectively, he said. The Hungarian position has been consistent ever since 2010: there is no need or scope for surrendering further powers because it helps the country’s competitiveness if these issues remain within Member State competence, Mr Lázár said.

(MTI)