26 Hungarian policemen will participate next year in the EU Military Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina (EUFOR - Althea) 

The Government has decided on the extent of Hungarian participation in the operation. As of January, six Hungarian policemen will take part in the crisis management operation of the European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Twenty additional policemen will join them in July. Thus altogether 26 officers will work in the integrated police force of the EUFOR Althea, possessing executive powers. The aim of their work will be to establish security and stability in the Balkan state. Hungary will be required to cover the costs of the mission, amounting to 80 million Forints. The sum has been set aside in the budget of the Ministry of Interior. 

 

Homeland Programme 

The Cabinet will submit to the Parliament its ideas relating to the ?Homeland Programme" and will initiate the introduction of a travel document facilitating the entry to Hungary of Hungarians living outside the country?s borders. The introduction of the symbolic travel document will be subject to prior bilateral negotiations with the affected states and with the European Union. The initiative, referred to as the Homeland Programme, was already mentioned at last week?s press conference of the government spokesperson. (Details of it can be found in the summary of the press conference of 10 November 2004). The Homeland Fund, whose purpose is to preserve both the lingual and cultural heritage of Hungarians, will receive one billion Forints from the state budget, paid for out of the general reserve of next year?s budget. The Government intends this amount to be spent on informing Hungarians living outside the country?s borders of the opportunities offered to them by the mother country. A part of the programme is a partner credit programme with exchange rate guarantees and a term of ten years, amounting to ten billion Forints. The economic opportunities of Hungarians in neighbouring countries will be enhanced using the combined financial resources of the ?Új Kézfogás Alapítvány" (New Handshake Foundation), the ITDH, the EXIM Bank, and the Hungarian Export Credit Insurance Company. The Cabinet has also decided that some of the EU-related resources available to Hungary will be allocated in consultation with Hungarians living outside the country?s borders. Concerning the use of EU assistance, Hungary will co-operate with Romania, a prospective member of the European Union. Serbia-Montenegro and Ukraine may receive assistance in this field via the Pre-Accession Funds. 

 

The European Union has evaluated the National Employment Action Plan 

The Government approved the National Employment Action Plan on 22 September 2004 and then submitted it to the European Union. The Commission and the member states have jointly assessed it. Although in some areas Hungary falls short of the EU average, nevertheless the labour market data for 2003 show a promising trend: the employment rate of the 55-64 age group increased by 3.3 percentage points (to 28.9 % in 2003), and an increase was also registered in the employment rate of women (49.8 % in 2002 and 50.9 % in 2003). The increase in employment was more significant in the private sector, while the public administration underwent downsizing. The ratio of part-time employment increased as well (3.6 % in 2002 and 4.4 % in 2003). The assessment has shown that the Hungarian pattern is a good example for all: the Action Plan was the subject of a broad discussion within society (everyone could comment on it via the Internet, in addition to the social and professional partners). The more relevant measures of the Cabinet to expand employment are: a reduction in social security contributions, facilitating the employment of disadvantaged employees, and support for people returning to the labour market. 

 

An annuity for the elderly and measures to prevent the physical abuse of children 

The Government has accepted and will submit to the Parliament several amendments relating to social issues. Two of these were mentioned at the press conference: 

1. The annuity for single people aged over 75 will be increased within the framework of the "Solid Programme". The annuity can be received solely by the poorest of the elderly and on a monthly basis. It will amount to 130% of the lowest amount of the current pension minimum. 

2. The Government is to tighten up legislation protecting children. The aim of the amendment to the Child Protection Act is not to unleash a series of lawsuits against parents but to mould public opinion in line with the Swedish model. The objective is to change people?s attitudes towards the physical abuse of children. 

 

Reducing drug consumption 

The Cabinet has accepted a resolution aimed at reducing the consumption of narcotics. A programme will be started to inform parents and involve them in solving the problems. A new task identified by the Government is the provision of support to young people who have already undergone rehabilitation, thereby assisting their return to society and the world of work. The decision relates to the unfinished tasks of the national drug strategy and it also clarifies long-term goals. Such goals include the training of experts, prevention at school, research, action against drug dealers, and border protection.