On March 29, 2011, Mr. Zoltán Simon, Policy Adviser at the European Parliament, visited our faculty and gave a lecture on the functioning of the European Union to the students of the Department of International Studies.
At the beginning of his lecture, he outlined the role and importance of the European Union and drew attention to the constant debate between the member states over compromise. Additionally, he laid emphasis on the fact that nation states and their interest cannot be equally represented in the EU. Mr. Simon quoted the words of Jean-Claude Juncker, Prime Minister of Luxembourg, who summarized this problem with the following example. Comparing Luxembourg to Germany, Mr. Juncker accepted that the member states have different roles and significance in decision-making in the EU. However, he emphasized that in world politics comparing for example the importance of Germany to China ends with the same result and difference. Therefore, our aim should be to create a community which is strong enough to act efficiently on the world stage and to become a significant political entity.
On the one hand, there is a voluntary cooperation of the member states, who would not give up this 'alliance' because of several possibilities and a more significant role they gain through this membership. Although, Mr. Simon compared the inner order of the EU to an arena, he admitted that it provides unique opportunities. However, we also have to take into account that it depends on each member state whether it will take the chance and utilize these opportunities or not. Concerning the different positions, roles and influence of member states in the EU Mr. Simon mentioned several factors which are decisive. Among others these are the geopolitical situation, the size of population and territory, the economic growth, the quality and strength of social and political contacts. We could also highlight other factors, for example whether they have joined the EU recently or are founding members, whether they pay the most or are the biggest beneficiaries of the EU's budget, or even have a membership in the Security Council. Obviously, differences arising from these factors do not make the EU a homogenous community, but there are other significant issues in the background as well, which make the EU diverse. Culture and religion are the most significant components, which have already overruled the definition of the EU as an entity with common roots. In spite of these differences – according to Mr. Simon – every state has to work to balance and contribute to this system, because one state alone is unable to pursue the desired goals.
At the end of his presentation, Mr. Simon drew attention to Hungary's characteristics and role in the EU as well. He stressed that Hungary, as a middle–sized country, could build strategic coalitions and relations. However, despite the numerous possibilities Hungary has not yet seized these opportunities and taken advantage of them. The reason for this – Mr. Simon claimed – lies in the lack of experience in lobbyist activity.
After his presentation Mr. Simon answered a few questions about the working conditions and internships at the institutions of the EU. Finally, he encouraged us to take an active part in the work of this community as experts of international relations and contribute to the success of this process.
