We are open to dialogue with the European Union, but we reject double standards and stigmatization, Justice Minister Judit Varga said on Tuesday in Luxembourg when she arrived at the meeting of the EU member states' ministers dealing with general EU affairs.

As part of the so-called annual dialogue on the rule of law, the ministers will hold a country-specific discussion during their meeting on Tuesday, reviewing the practical implementation of the principles of the rule of law in several member states. The Hungarian minister told journalists: this happens when there is a war in Ukraine, in a very difficult period, when the EU has to show solidarity and unity, so it should focus on topics that unite the member states instead of driving a wedge between them.

Judit Varga emphasized: in the elections on April 3rd in Hungary, the people gave an unprecedented historic mandate to the national conservative government for the fourth time in 12 years. " This is a strong and broad mandate, with the support of 54 percent of the electorate, which obliges us to be true to the needs of our constituents. Our voters see the concern that comes from the European Commission and certain partners of the EU, but our voters are Hungarian citizens. Hungarian democracy does not share these concerns, " he added.

However, he drew attention to the fact that Hungary is open to dialogue in the spirit of mutual respect and an impartial approach, excluding any double standards and stigmatization. " We tolerate criticism and are happy to respond to those concerns, " he added.

As he said, during the dialogue, he always listens carefully to the other member states and their constitutional situation, and in his opinion, the goal should be the exchange of proven experiences and practices, and learning from each other's constitutional identity.

Regarding the fact that Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, announced in front of the plenary session of the European Parliament last Tuesday the initiation of the rule of law procedure against Hungary, Judit Varga said : a meeting to adopt the decision will probably take place at the end of April. We must first receive the letter and analyze it thoroughly. "

He added that the entire content of the rule of law conditions is based on the December 2020 political agreement of the heads of state and government of the EU member states, as well as the committee. They then clearly agreed on the condition that this mechanism would apply to the new Multiannual Financial Framework and the Recovery Fund.

" If Hungary did not receive money from these new sources, how could we spend it irregularly?" This is a legal and substantive concern from our side, " he pointed out.

He also touched on the fact that legends are circulating throughout the European continent about how important EU funding is for countries, but it is definitely a win-win situation.

In his view, when countries join the EU, markets open up and cohesion strengthens development among member states: the least developed ones boost their economic growth and everyone gets a fair share. The justice minister quoted a former German EU commissioner who said that every cent invested in Central and Eastern Europe adds an additional 76 cents to Germany's GDP.

Judit Varga added that the very good performance of the Hungarian economy was also part of the big election victory.

" We are second in the ranking when it comes to GDP growth. The first Poland, with which we are bound by a century-old partnership based on historical and constitutional identities. We have always been friends, and this will continue to be the case in the future, " emphasized the Hungarian minister.

MTI

Photo: Judit Varga's Facebook page