Juctice minister: Peacemaking top priority for Hungary

Bence Tuzson told Hungarian journalists on the sidelines of a meeting of European Union justice ministers that Hungary stood by everyone hit by the latest flare-up of terrorism.

“Hungary considers it extremely important to fight terrorism in all areas, including terrorism that has flared up in Europe,” he said.

Answering a question on Hungary’s judicial reform, the minister said “Hungary has successfully concluded relevant talks and closed the issue.” The Hungarian government had taken all necessary measures and answered all questions by the European Commission, he said, adding that the obstacles preventing community funding from being paid out to Hungary had been removed.

Similarly, he said the Hungarian government had “done what it had been requested” concerning the rule of law in the country. “The ball is with the EC … it is now that body in Brussels that needs to fulfill its obligations,” he said. He added, however, that “we Hungarians will only meet requests that would not compromise national interests”.

Concerning priorities for the Hungarian EU presidency in the second half of next year, Tuzson said Hungary would work to “reinforce legal aspects of the EU’s competitiveness”.