FMA Visit to Hungary | 23-25 October 2024
FMA VISIT TO BUDAPEST
under the 2024 Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the EU
23-25 OCTOBER 2024
FMA delegation of 26 Former MEPs visits Hungary, Promoting Cohesion Amidst Global Challenges
The Former Members Association at the European Parliament (FMA) is pleased to announce the visit of an FMA delegation to Budapest from 23 to 25 October 2024.
The delegation, composed of 26 former Members of the European Parliament from 12 EU countries and the United Kingdom, will be led by FMA President and Former President of the European Parliament (1994-1997) Dr. Klaus Hänsch and will participate in a series of official meetings with representatives of the Hungarian Parliament, the Government and civil society organisations. The FMA Vice-President Monica Baldi, the Honorary Secretary Teresa Riera and Board Member Paul Rübig will be part of the delegation.
The main objective of this visit is to listen to the priorities of the upcoming Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, and to explore ways to address the most pressing issues on the EU agenda. The FMA delegation will be pluralistic in terms of political parties, allowing for an exchange of different views.
Klaus Hänsch says: “Our delegation is in Budapest to listen, to understand Hungary’s vision for the future of the European Union and to encourage an ongoing dialogue on the historic challenges facing the Union. It is vital that all EU member states remain united and work together in response to an increasingly unstable and turbulent geopolitical environment“.
The programme includes meetings with Hungarian parliamentarians and government representatives, as well as key representatives of civil society. Discussions are expected to focus on a range of issues, from ensuring security and tackling economic instability to upholding the core values of democracy and cohesion within the EU.
The visit comes at a historically significant time for both Hungary and the European Union. On 23 October, Hungary celebrates the anniversary of the 1956 revolution, a day that honours the fight for freedom and the creation of the Republic of Hungary. At the same time, 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of Hungary’s accession to the European Union, an event that has promoted prosperity, democracy and stability for the country and the wider region.
Reflecting on this double milestone, Hänsch stresses: “At this crucial moment in history, we celebrate the many achievements Hungary has made over the past two decades as a proud member of the European Union. We recognise the current challenges facing Europe, from geopolitical instability to internal divisions. Now, more than ever, we must face these challenges in a spirit of cohesion and mutual trust among EU member states“.
The programme includes meetings with Dr. Katalin Szili, former Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly (2002-2006) and representatives of the Committee on Foreign Affairs – Dr. Hajnalka Juhász, Vice-Chair, Dr. Koloman Brenner, Vice-Chair – and the Committee on European Affairs – Mr. Péter Balassa, Vice-Chair, Dr. Richárd Hörcsik – Founding Chair of the Committee.
On the government side, the FMA delegation will meet with H.E. János BÓKA – Minister for European Union Affairs.
The programme also includes discussions with think tanks and civil society organisations in Hungary on EU Competitiveness and about maintaining EU unity while safeguarding common values and cohesion.
The FMA delegation will visit the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (IET) where they will meet with the Director Martin Kern, university researchers, and representatives from the National Research, Development and Innovation Agency (NRDI) to discuss the horizontal impact of artificial intelligence on society – from education to working conditions, from disinformation to human rights. It will also be an opportunity to talk to young people, who are dramatically affected by these technological changes.
ABOUT THE FMA
The Former Members Association of the European Parliament (FMA) aims to utilise the experience and expertise of former MEPs. The FMA is involved in a wide range of activities including seminars, study visits, university lectures, democracy building, and the spreading of information about the European Parliament and the EU. FMA members are committed to fostering cooperation with universities by participating pro bono in the educational programme “EP to Campus”.
PRESS CONTACT
Valerie Raskin
Email: formermembers@europarl.europa.eu – Tel. +32 (0)2 284 07 03
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