2019-02-09

The purpose of Friday’s meeting was to shape Europe’s image in the press. Csaba Sógor and Gyula Winkler were asked about the latest important happenings in Europe and the changes the European Union has brought to the everyday lives of Hungarins in Transylvania. The RMDSZ MEPs participated in an interactive conversation in Kovászna/Covasna at the invitation of the Youth Council of Háromszék/ Trei Scaune.


According to Csaba Sógor, the European Union has changed in many ways over the last ten years. He spoke about the current challenges of the EU: one of the most tangible ones is that  protesting and dissatisfaction has increased in the Western societies. The demographic forecasts are still alarming and at the same time the public safety has considerably worsened. “Christian solidarity means helping those in need, so they can thrive in their own country. However, there is a consensus among EU countries, that alongside offering help, border protection is needed as well”- explained the MEP from Transylvania.

“The European Union is facing increasing tensions, the gap between East and West, North and South is increasing. The pressure that the economic crisis brought ten years ago is also rising. The EU is transforming, but unfortunately, Member States aren’t moving towards solidarity, but on the contrary, self-interest is dominating. At the moment, the economically strong Europe is politically challenged. This needs to be changed and it is important for us to have a say, since the future of Hungarians living in Transylvania is clearly in the European Union. There is no other way”- explained Gyula Winkler.

Csaba Sógor added: it is also in the interest of the Hungarians in Transylvania, that the EU would find solutions to these challenges, since the future of the Hungarian community can only be imagined in a strong Europe. Over the past ten years, the Union has brought along many opportunities for the Hungarian community. EU grants, tender sources, learning and traveling opportunities for young people have become available after the EU accession. We consider it important to stand up for these opportunities, besides minority protection.