On 20 March, National Council president Marina Carobbio (SP/TI), met the president of the Hungarian National Assembly, László Kövér, who had received National Council president Christa Markwalder (FDP.The Liberals) in Budapest in 2016, to mark the 60th anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution (link). During the 1956 uprising, some 12,000 Hungarians who fled from the Soviet troops found refuge in Switzerland.

During their official meeting, Ms Carobbio and Mr Kövér noted the excellent historical relations between Switzerland and Hungary. Economic relations are also important. In 2017, the total volume of trade was CHF 2.11 billion, making Hungary Switzerland’s third largest trade partner in Central Europe after Poland and the Czech Republic. Moreover, Switzerland financed 39 projects in Hungary with a total value of CHF 131 million between 2007 and 2012 under the EU enlargement contribution. Ms Carobbio also mentioned the National Council’s decision to accept a new contribution by Switzerland to certain EU countries, including Hungary, though the contribution remains dependent on better relations with the EU. She also presented the ongoing consultation process on the framework agreement between Switzerland and the EU, stating in particular that the Swiss people will make final decision on this agreement.

Regarding migration, Ms Carobbio emphasised the importance of collaboration between Switzerland and EU states to find solutions and ensure respect for human rights. She reiterated that certain acts passed by the Hungarian parliament, notably those on NGOs, pose a risk in her view to minorities, and to the rule of law. Ms Carobbio stated that Switzerland was acting in defence of values which contribute enormously to the legal and political stability of its institutions and its national cohesion.

During his meeting with Mr Kövér, Jean-René Fournier (CVP/VS), president of the Council of States, expressed his desire for Hungary to play its part in the EU and for the EU to better take the diversity of its Member States into account.

Mr Kövér was also able to speak to the State Secretary Roberto Balzaretti, the Director of the Directorate for European Affairs at the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), where talks focused on bilateral relations between Switzerland and Hungary and each country’s relations with the EU.

On the initiative of National Council member Andreas Glarner (SVP/AG), a Switzerland-Hungary inter-parliamentary group was set up to coincide with Mr Kövér’s visit to Bern.

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