Külpolitika - A Magyar Külügyi Intézet folyóirata - 1997 (3. évfolyam)
1997 / 1. szám - ESEMÉNYNAPTÁR - Resumé
Resumé Ferenc Somogyi European and Euro-Atlantic Integration: Continuity and Consenus in Hungarian Foreign Policy The author, who played a part in the evolution of Hungarian foreign policy in the late eighties, gives an insider view of the dilemmas and possible solutions confronted amidst the profound political and social changes that took place at the turn of the decade. The first part of the article presents an analysis of the situation, the challenges faced by and the options available for foreign policy to bolster the historic changes unfolding in the country. This analysis underscores the fact that the consensual political decision to strive for European and Euro-atlantic integration as a means and framework for ensuring sustainable economic and social development for Hungary, was based on a conscientious evaluation of the domestic conditions and the international envirorunent. While integration does not by itself provide direct or absolute answers to the many problems and difficulties faced by Hungary, it certainly enables the country to become part of important decision-making processes that have far-reaching consequences on its development even today. Hungarian integration policy is driven by positive considerations, namely, the values shared by the Euro-Atlantic community, the similitude of interests, and the concurrent desire to contribute to the realization of the objectives set forth by the relevant institutions of integration. The second part describes the way in which this element of foreign policy has been implemented in practice, retracing events from establishing contacts to the on-going processes of enlargement. Hungarian intentions to join the institutions of integration were eventually reciprocated by the decisions of member states to enlarge the North Atlantic Alliance and the European Union. Enlargement is not only a political and economic necessity but an historic opportunity, as well. This coincidence of interests provides favourable conditions to meet new challenges. Public support, the active and constructive contribution of individuals and groups of the society is a prerequisite of a successful European and 1997. tavasz 151
