2013, the Year of Central Europe in Hungary

2013 will be a Central European year in Hungary’s foreign policy as the country will serve as president of both the Visegrád Four Cooperation, in the second half of the year. and the Central European Initiative (CEI). throughout 2013.

2013 will be a Central European year in Hungary’s foreign policy as the country will serve as president of both the Visegrád Four Cooperation and the Central European Initiative (CEI).

A statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the main focus of the presidential year will be to eliminate the possible obstacles to Central European cooperation, representing the region’s common goal within the European Union and to further the cooperation of Central Europe with countries outside Europe. The Ministry stresses the importance of enhancing the international organizations’ transparency, as well as aiding economic development and facilitating mobility.

This dual presidency can help Hungary stress its priorities within the region and increase V4 participation in the Western Balkans and Eastern Europe, facilitating integration, the document adds.

The Ministry also announced that approximately 25 events will take place under the aegis of the CEI, some also relating to the V4 cooperation. The events will also be linked to others, such as the Slovakian Kosice being one of the 2013 European Capitals of Culture, or to the Hungarian-Italian Cultural Season.