Having arrived in Hungary two years ago, Dutch Ambassador Robert Milders says - in an interview with Diplomacy and Teade - that he has witnessed exciting times, especially “the 180-degree turn in Hungarian politics”.
Even under the circumstances of this radically changing Hungarian domestic political scenario, Robert Milders' fundamental aim as ambassador has not changed: “putting The Netherlands on the map in Hungary.” Although, it is a globalized world, “you still need eyes and ears abroad.”
He believes that despite the fact that nowadays, all sorts of information is available in the newspapers and on the Internet, embassies are there to perform the task of “political exchange” between governments. Occasions like the Hungarian EU Presidency give the opportunity for more intense dialog even in amicable relations such as that of Holland and Hungary.
Embassy - still a key player
Ambassador Milders states that in bilateral economic relations, the Embassy of the Netherlands in Hungary “continues to be a key player not so much in doing business – that is the job of the companies, of course – but in seeing that the business environment is reliable and sustainable. The new Hungarian government has taken strict measures to curtail the deficit. It is their responsibility how things work out. My responsibility as Ambassador is to see how the interests of Dutch – and in general, international – companies can be safeguarded under these circumstances. I think that it is also in the interest of Hungary to see how to make them remain in the country.”
He often hears the criticism from Dutch companies that “we have to take our share of the burden by paying in taxes but we don’t hear anything from the government, there is no dialog. That is one of the signals that we have given to the Hungarian government and they listen because they realize the importance of foreign investments in getting out of the pit. Such a role is one of the added values of embassies.”
The importance of ransparency
A related issue where the Dutch Embassy takes the initiative is transparency. In late 2009, Robert Milders was one of the ambassadors in Budapest to issue a joint statement to call for more transparency in the Hungarian economy. Recently, The Netherlands has passed a law allowing whistle-blowers to come forward without the fear of losing their job. Hungarian government officials showed interest in the matter.
Hungary's bif challenge
“The EU Presidency is a big challenge for Hungary as this is the first time this country fills the role of the rotating presidency. It is a handicap that a new government came in half a year before the official start of the Presidency and even less before the related preliminary talks. I have heard a lot of compliments regarding the way Hungary is doing its job, especially in organization and logistics. It is also a good opportunity for officials of the different EU countries to visit Budapest and see the city and its surroundings. It is good for Hungary’s image,” the Ambassador adds.
He says that “politically, it is a difficult situation as the world financial crisis still lingers and unforeseen events have arisen in the Arab world. All in all, Hungary is a good caretaker, no big steps taken – as wisely emphasized by the Hungarian Foreign Minister – and shows herself as a reliable partner.” While the media law and the constitution passed by the new government were questioned internationally, Robert Milders is of the view that these are fundamentally domestic issues not related to the EU Presidency.
Libya
The Netherlands is one of the countries involved in Libyan conflict. “We take part helping to implement the UN resolution. We are not involved in the theater but rather as a support like patrolling and providing assistance in stopping migration. The Dutch would like to see democracy prevail in Libya.” The Ambassador believes Hungary could play an important role in the Arab world by sharing – e.g. with Egypt – its 20-year experience in changing the social and political system.
Cultural ties
As for cultural relations, Ambassador Milders believes “it is an especially good field to put a country on the map but the current situation is characterized by growing possibilities and a shrinking budget. “Last year, Holland supported the southern Hungarian city of Pecs as the Cultural Capital of Europe. Now, the Embassy is involved in sponsoring smaller events like film and theater projects and an exhibition by Dutch cartoonist Joost Swarte in Budapest. “Every year, we support the Sziget Festival in the Hungarian capital since about 10,000 Dutch youths are visiting every year. The Dutch contribution to the Liszt Year celebrations in Hungary will be the exhibition of documents about Liszt’s several visits to the royal household in the Netherlands,” the Dutch Ambassador concludes.
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