In the spirit of tolerance, we must accept that there are differences in Europe; if we succeed in coming to that realisation, the European Union, too, will be more effective.

At a roundtable discussion entitled ‘Europe facing new challenges,’ Gergely Gulyás, the Minister heading the Prime Minister’s Office said the EU is engaged in unnecessary internal debates, and “the West” is not manifesting any kind of tolerance towards those who hold different views.

In some areas, including the issue of migration, we disagree because Eastern and Western Europe underwent different phases of development. Additionally, there are also a number of debates on culture and values which could be helpful, but in the spirit of tolerance, we must accept that there are differences, he said.

In answer to the question of Minister of State for Family and Youth Affairs-Vice President of Fidesz Katalin Novák pointing out that Hungary is often accused of not showing enough solidarity in the context of migration, he said such accusations are levelled by people who confuse solidarity with “foolishness”.

He said solidarity has many forms, and he believes that not a single Western European country’s migration policy is any more morally correct than Hungary’s which holds that the borders must be protected and help must be provided in crisis zones.

The Hungarian government spends billions of forints on this every year, he said, adding that we need flexible solidarity as solidarity also has reasonable forms.

Regarding the EU’s role in the world economy, the Minister said it seems that Asia will play a dominant role in the 21st century, but it is important that the EU should stand its ground in global competition.

Additionally, the EU must decide whether, after Brexit, it would like to enlarge itself; it is necessary to admit countries which are suitable for EU membership, while with countries which are not, the EU should cooperate via bilateral relations, he added.

Mr Gulyás said in the area of climate protection Hungary is doing well in meeting the targets set for 2030; as regards the reduction of emissions, we have the ninth best result in the EU in relation to the reference date, while as regards the emission of harmful substances, we are ranked sixth.

He stressed that the Paris climate agreement should be observed, not terminated. The EU is responsible for nine per cent of harmful substance emissions in the world, while Hungary’s emissions account for less than 1 per cent of Europe’s emissions.

Former Justice Minister-MEP László Trócsányi said the forging of European unity is an ongoing process also today, and “if we lend an event a soul,” then – he said in reference to the events of 19 August 1989 in Sopronpuszta – the conflicts which are aimed at stigmatising one another can be eliminated.

He said at present there are debates within the EU between the “young and old” democracies about the rule of law as well. What is seen as appropriate and correct in the old democracies is being called into question in the young ones, he said, adding that this stigmatisation is seen by people in Central and Eastern Europe as an insult. It is not certain whether this indeed serves the vision of a united Europe; this serves more to create chasms, he said.

In his view, there are conflicts between Eastern and Western Europe because Western Europe is not aware of the history and specific features of Central and Eastern Europe.

The task in hand is to find the points which connect us together so that we can talk to one another in a different tone in the next five years, the Fidesz politician said.

Member of the German Bundestag-Parliamentary State Secretary for Economic Affairs and Energy Christian Hirte highlighted that there are differences not only between Western and Eastern Europe, but also between West and East Germany. The politician said the reason for the differences must be sought in their respective historical pasts.

These differences manifest themselves, among others, in the issues of migration, climate and energy policy, and with these they tie themselves to Eastern Europe, he said.

The politician agreed with Mr Gulyás’s view concerning the EU’s future role in the world economy. He added, however, that we must maintain our sovereignty also as regards issues of technology, and this is something that we can only achieve together.

Member of the National Council of Austria-former Minister Nikolaus Berlakovich said regarding migration that the EU is not prepared for and has failed to respond to the question of how to protect the external borders. He added that in the context of migration the EU has learnt that solidarity is one of its weaknesses.

If we want a united Europe, we must unite our efforts and must find common solutions, he said.

He pointed out that, in addition to strengthening its economy, the EU must also maintain its political significance to prevent other members from following Britain’s example.

Climate protection is an issue of survival, and the EU is doing a great deal in this department, but must do even more, Mr Berlakovich said.

(Prime Minister's Office/MTI)