“Hungary deems it important to establish a constructive debate on the long term management of migration”, the Hungarian Minister of Justice said on Friday in Lendva, Slovenia, after a meeting with his Slovenian counterpart.
László Trócsányi stated at the press conference held after his meeting with the Slovenian Minister of Justice, Goran Klemencic that concerning migration, both countries have responsibility in complying with the Schengen rules.
“We seek resolutions, but we need time, trust and obtaining a more in-depth knowledge about each other’s experience”, the Hungarian Minister added.
He went on declaring that the referendum to be held in Hungary in October “is not about our membership in the European Union, but about an issue related to migration”.
In connection with the discussion held at the centre of the Hungarian ethnic minority living in Prekmurje, László Trócsányi referred to his Slovenian counterpart as his friend, with whom he had a very rich discussion.
For Hungary, regional collaboration and the good relationship with neighbouring countries, as well as “making the voice of Central Europe heard” are of key importance.
He called attention to the fact that Hungary and Slovenia have been members of the European Union since 2004 and that they reviewed in this context how “the EU was able to provide help and how we could contribute to European unity”. He said it was only natural that "there are discussions on certain issues”, highlighting among them the migration crisis and the relevant measures taken by the European Union, and he also informed his Slovenian counterpart about the lawsuit launched by Hungary regarding the mandatory relocation quotas.
László Trócsányi asked his partner about the position of Slovenia regarding the European Patent Convention and the European Public Prosecutor's Office, as these could be “subjects of many disputes”.
Discussions during the meeting also included the issue of minorities. In this context, László Trócsányi praised the Constitution and important legal acts of Slovenia, and he expressed his satisfaction regarding the fact that a new, general legal act is being drafted in connection with ethnic minorities. He also added that Hungary made every effort to make the Slovenian ethnic minority feel at home and be able to have as extensive relationships with its native land as possible.
Goran Klemencic stated at the press conference: “Although our political and legal standpoints do not match in relation to all issues, we try to bring them as close as possible” and “provide answers for the debatable matters supported by arguments in a friendly atmosphere.”
“We have a mutual trust in each other which is of key importance in these times”, he indicated.
He confirmed in relation with the Hungarian ethnic minority living in Slovenia that Slovenia was determined to mainstream the rights of the Hungarian ethnic minority in all areas.
Goran Klemencic added that the MP of the Hungarian minority, László Göncz co-operated in the above process in a constructive manner, adding that the debate process of the new Act setting out the rights of two ethnic minorities – the Hungarian and the Italian – has come to its final phase.
It was also announced at the meeting of the Ministers of Justice of the two countries that the bilateral conversations would continue in Budapest next year. In addition, the city of Hévíz will host the bi-annual meeting of the Ministers of Justice of Austria, Slovenia and Hungary next year within the framework of Pannon Jogász Napok (Pannon Lawyers Days), with the agenda featuring banks and legislation.