Commissioner candidate: national, European interests need not be separated

Olivér Várhelyi, Hungary’s nominee for European commissioner, told a hearing in the European Parliament on Thursday that national and European interests need not be considered separately because the common aim is to create a strong and successful community.

The commissioner candidate for enlargement and neighbourhood policy told the foreign affairs committee that serving in his post he would seek to act as a link between the main European institutions and neighbouring countries.

The situation of the European Union’s neighbours has strategic importance for the community and it is therefore important to maintain stability, security and prosperity in these areas, as well as to reduce gaps in their levels of development.

Different targets and approaches are needed for the various partner countries and it is not possible to apply a standard scheme, he added.

Accessions talks must be started with Albania and North Macedonia as soon as possible, as the credibility of the European Union is at stake, Varhelyi said, adding that the possibility of opening an integration process must be given to eligible states.

The EU must be prepared to accept new member states if they meet the requirements, he said, adding that the accession talks must be made more effective.