Memories from the first years of Hungary’s membership in the European Union

Abstract

In the period between Hungary’s accession to the European Union in May 2004 and the first Hungarian presidency of the EU in 2011, Hungary became a member state with all the experiences necessary to enjoy the benefits of EU membership. During these seven years, Hungary became part of the renewal of the EU Treaties, adopted a strategy about its EU policy, went through the baptism of fire of the debate on multiannual financial frameworks, became part of the Schengen area, successfully fulfilled its tasks during the presidency, and played a pivotal role in concluding Croatia’s EU accession negotiations. The commitment, the belief in the common interests of the Union and Hungary, which was the driving force of the Hungarian accession negotiations, persisted. The author recalls the events which were of decisive importance in the first seven years of Hungary’s EU membership. The recollection is based on the memories of his personal contribution.