Financial Mechanisms in Hungary: Opening speech

Your Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,

We have had a full and exciting program since we arrived in Budapest yesterday. We have had the opportunity to discuss issues of common interest with President Solyom. We have officially opened Pannon House – and participated at a seminar focusing on the important issue of CSR and sustainability.

Hungary and Norway have excellent relations. Cultural cooperation is increasing. So is the number of Norwegian tourists travelling to this beautiful country – and the number of students. In the near future, Norway will have hundreds of doctors who have graduated from Hungarian universities.

Through increased bilateral relations, we hope to foster a dynamic development in the cooperation between Hungary and Norway, to meet common challenges and promote common fields of interests. In doing so, we will also bring Northern and Central Europe closer together.

Today, the European Economic Area unites 30 countries and nearly 500 million citizens. This community, where Norway and Hungary are close partners, implies much more than economy and trade. It is also about common values and shared responsibility for Europe’s future. This is reflected in Norway’s financial contributions through the EEA and Norway Grants.

Many of you who are present here today have been actively involved in the management of the grants and in turning initiatives into valuable projects. All the hard work you have laid down is sincerely appreciated.

Many projects are now being implemented in fields where Hungary and Norway share a common interest – such as environmental issues, conservation of cultural heritage, health and child care, scholarships and research, and the strengthening of civil society. I am pleased that Norway is contributing in this important work for a better future for Europe and for individuals.

Later today, the Crown Princess and I will visit two projects that have received support: the nationwide “A-HA!” educational programme for teenagers, focusing on prevention against unwanted pregnancy and sexual transmitted diseases – and an NGO project which aims to support underprivileged youth choosing a career. These projects address important social issues and foster openness on sensitive topics that can be difficult to talk about.

Norway is focusing special attention on civil society through the NGO Fund. This is important, as NGOs are engines of change and development in society. Through NGOs, ordinary people gain a voice, and thereby get opportunities to improve their living conditions and influence the political agenda. A strong civil society is important for democratic development in any country or region. It is encouraging that the interest in the NGO Fund in Hungary has been so great, and that a large number of organisations are involved in a wide variety of projects.

One important pillar in the Norwegian contribution is the efforts aimed at fostering solidarity and cooperation. People-to-people contact is the best way of promoting cooperation between countries, and thereby of strengthening bilateral relations. During the last five years, new contacts and networks have been established between Norway and Hungary in several fields.
In both countries, many people, institutions and local communities are involved in the projects. They gain new knowledge and experience. They get to know each other personally. They learn about each other’s culture and history. I strongly believe that such cooperation and partnership leads to increased knowledge and understanding.

Finally, I would like to thank the project promoters and the National Focal Point. You have all invested considerable work in developing projects and opportunities for the benefit of the people of Hungary. I hope this seminar will give new ideas, form new partnerships – and strengthen those already existing.

Thank you