EP-debate on the Slovakian State Law

On the first workday of the new term of the EP Schmitt Pál (Fidesz), the vice-president of the assembly stated that Slovakia committed a great atrocity towards the Hungarian language, one of official languages of the European Union (EU) and this is total contradiction with the European values. No institution of the EU should overlook the fact that one of the member states turned away from the european values and launched an attack on minority rights – said Schmitt Pál.

Tabajdi Csaba, the head of the Hungarian Socialist Delegation believes that Bratislava committed a grave violation of the European laws and „does a great disservice to the credibility of the European Union by only addressing law violations outside the EU”. The MEP pointed out that tensions have been created between the majority and minority with the coming into force of the law which discriminates against Hungarians living in Slovakia.

It will be the duty of the next European Commission to set up the methods of investigating such situations – added Tabajdi.

In his written comment, Gyürk András (Fidesz) emphasized that the EU cannot position itself on neutral ground when it comes to the values of the Union. He asked the assembly to take into consideration the example of the youth organization of the European People’s Party that has condemned the law.

Gál Kinga (Fidesz) also submitted a written comment saying that the obstruction of the Hungarian President Sólyom László’s visit to Slovakia on the 21st of august is the first instance in the history of the EU when the free movement right of a member state’s official was not respected. This is contradictory with the European spirit and is not compatible with any community or state laws – said the MEP.

Sógor Csaba, the Hungarian MEP from Transylvania also voiced his concerns towards the Language Law. He pointed out that it is important to have community level binding regulations regarding the collective rights of national minorities.

The Slovakian MEPs taking part in the debate said amongst others that the law was written with consideration to the minority rights.

Sergej Kozlík (HZDS) accused the Hungarian critics of the Language Law of even turning to lies in order to manipulate the European public opinion. He suggested that the European institutions should be concerned with the rise of extremist ideologies in Hungary.

Representing the leading governing party, Boris Zala (Smer) also warned about the extremist spirit and called upon Hungary to seize leading this kind of politics.

Eduard Kukan (SDKÚ-DS) called for mutual responsibility „with the need for dialogue when looking for the solution because this is the European method”.

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