"MORE EUROPE DOES NOT MEAN LESS AMERICA"
Despite their traditional differences, both sides share the same values such as democracy, free economy and protection of human rights
Central Europe is not a common European area. It is the famous Mitteleuropa, which forms a top - level model of culture. It is an area with an unbelievable spiritual and artistic production and with a tragic history. Central Europe has a unique past and moves towards a promising future. The Hungarian Prime Minister commented on the above to the "Financial Post". We met him in Budapest in the context of the General Conference of the Union of European Journalists.
- To what extent the accession of your country to the EU is going to light the flame of Mitteleuropa?
- This is a very interesting question. I will answer it in a concise way. Hungarians will provide a new dynamic to Europe of today, which is rather sleepy. They will wake it up. According to me, this is very important for our future.
- Will, the well known past spirit of Mitteleuropa, be strengthened?
- No, this spirit belongs to the past. Nowadays, we look to the future. My compatriots do not wish to return to the past. Of course, in the Europe of tomorrow, closer cooperation between member states will exist, but the spirit of the past does not fit into that context. The Europe of tomorrow is structured on foundations of a different kind.
- Don't you think that the EU enlargement will bring imbalance between Southern and Northern Europe to the interest of formers?
- It is difficult to answer to this theoretical question. I cannot predict the occurrence of such an imbalance. However, I want to believe that enlargement will benefit communal Europe as a whole. It will also establish the democratic character of Europe, something which is very important to us.
- Since you referred to democracy, I would like to ask you whether communism or fascism can return to Europe again.
- Something like that is very difficult to happen. But this does not mean that vigilance is not necessary. Certainly, Europe is not in danger by the totalitarian regimes of the past. Nevertheless, it should not rely on this. Counties like Hungary will keep Europe alert. The central left and central right political parties should also be careful. It is necessary to provide solutions to contemporary problems, in order not to leave space to demagogues and populists of all kinds.
- Mr Prime Minister, is modern day Hungary more connected with Europe or it considers that it should keep good relations with the US?
- I believe that Europe and the United States share common values such as democracy, freedom, free economy, free competition and protection of human rights. However, there are differences as well, emanating from traditions and different perceptions on certain matters. Let us also not forget the games of power. Europe though, has an interest in keeping good relations with the US. According to that, I do not believe that more Europe means less America.
- What does finally mean for Hungary its forthcoming accession to the EU?
- A big, a huge, I would say, opportunity. Based on their aptitudes and their cultural heritage, the Hungarians will make a big profit on their participation in the EU. The accession to the EU satisfies my generation to a great extent. As far as the youngest is concerned, the accession to the EU offers the opportunity for a better future. Into that context, Hungary will offer more imagination to the resolution of the European problems and to Europe's construction.
By: N. Peter Kramer
