Event report

The Representation of the European Commission in Sweden, the Government Offices of Sweden and the Embassy of Hungary in Stockholm jointly organized a hybrid format panel discussion on the perspectives on the future of the European Union with Hungarian Minister of Justice and European Affairs, Mrs. Judit Varga and Swedish Minister for EU Affairs, Mr. Hans Dahlgren, following a bilateral meeting between the Ministers in Stockholm. The discussion aimed at presenting Hungarian and Swedish views on issues important for the future of the European integration and democracy, as well as raised topics that are worth discussing during the future of Europe debates, focusing on cooperation, as well as challenges. Minister Varga introduced the Hungarian government’s 7 points vision on a smart community of strong nation states in order to contribute to the Europe-wide debate. The 7 points are the following: „1. In Brussels they are building a superstate, for which no one has given a mandate. We say no to a European empire. 2. Integration is a means, not an end in itself. The goal of “ever closer union among the peoples of Europe” must be deleted from the text of the European Union's Treaties. 3. Decisions must be taken by elected leaders, and not by international NGOs! We say no to outsourcing the rule of law. 4. The strength of European integration is provided by shared economic success. If we cannot be more successful together than we are separately, then the European Union is finished. 5. The coming decade will be a period of dangerous challenges: of looming mass migration and global pandemics. We must protect the people of Europe. 6. We must restore democracy in Europe. The European Parliament is a dead end: it represents only its own ideological and institutional interests. The role of national parliaments must be increased. 7. Serbia must be integrated as a Member State of the European Union”. Minister Varga argued that in our EU motto diversity is as crucial as unity (“united in diversity”). Minister Dahlgren underlined the importance of fundamental values, fighting the climate crisis and social aspects. His view is that the EU shall continue to be a peace project. Panelists answered questions posed by the moderator and by the audience concerning fundamental values and institutional issues also in the context of current EU developments. The need for honest dialogue was widely shared and the lively discussion involving the broad audience could live up to that goal, giving further food for thought for the debate on the future of Europe. Approximately 70 participants were present onsite, while several hundred viewers watched the event online.