Tamás Horváth – Ádám Ríz: New Opportunities for Supporting Hungarians in Slovakia in the European Union
In a few years, from the 8 countries of the Carpathian basin lived by Hungarians, 6 will be members of the European Union, from the almost 13 million Hungarians living here, approximately 12,6 million will be citizens of the EU, the Hungarians in the Souther Region and the Carpathians at the border of the Union will probably connect more and more tightly to the integrated Europe.
The gradual demolition of borders, the free movement of labour force, goods and services can open new perspectives for the union of nations without borders. In this new situation the principle of staying in the presently emptied birth-country becomes anacronistic: instead of administrative obstacles, limitations enable the free movement labour force, students. Consequently every step should be taken in order to transfer capital, goods and services to the regions of the neighbouring countries dwelled by Hungarians, thus creating there a chance for a birth-country where it is easier to live in.
To all this, manifold of the recent Hungarian financial support directed to the outside of the border would not be sufficient, for a higher quality of life, better social, economic, cultural and environmental conditions – by the economic development of neighbouring countries – in the following 10-20 years can be an exceptional chance the gaining of sources of the union directed to the region. Hungary’s role in it is using the principle „fish instead of a net“, and/or providing experience on joining and preparation – putting the Hungarians of the neighbouring countries into an advantegous position.
The support policy of Hungary with a more effective system of tools – taken from the practice of the EU – should mainly help that those who live in their native land (birth-country) and their descendants find advantegous life conditions as Hungarians. (This stimulation cannot be anticipated from the Union, or from the neighbouring countries, and if, than only in a very small extent.)
After Hungary’s and Slovakia’s joining the Union, the opportunities, perspectives of the Hungarians living outside the border are changing, according to our opinion, they are widening. The authors propose suggestions for the renewal of the support policy of Hungary, mentioning the challanages and tasks of development sources for the Hungarians living in Slovakia.
We think that the support of Hungarians living outside the borders should strongly move into two strategic directions.
From one side in order to improve the effectiveness of recent Hungarian support the system has to be renewed and made more effective by implementing practice of the EU. This is at the same time tool for teaching tendering organisations how to be successful in tendering. This all improves successfullnes of Hungarian organisations in the competition for EU support.