Külügyi Szemle - A Magyar Külügyi Intézet folyóirata - 2014 (13. évfolyam)
2014 / 2. szám - BRIT-MAGYAR KAPCSOLATOK - Knott, Jonathan: Some Thoughts on British-Hungarian Relations, 2014
Some Thoughts on British-Hungarian Relations The Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership Both the UK and Hungary support conclusion of a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership agreement. It will bring big economic benefits. Up to €119 billion a year to Europe's economies. But it will also help strengthen the geo-strategic partnership between the EU and the US, which is more vital than ever. So we need to maintain our ambition. Hungary, as a fast growing, open economy, will see tangible benefits resulting from TTIP. Direct exports to the US may be small in relative terms, but TTIP could open up a range of opportunities for Hungarian businesses to enter the US market. Indirectly, Hungarian firms linked into regional supply chains, especially in the automotive sector, could see significant benefits from an increase in market access to the US following a substantial reduction in barriers to trade such as harmonising standards. This would have tangible spillover effects into jobs and growth here in Hungary - not just in those sectors, but also in firms providing products and services to them. Better EU Regulation The UK Government, in partnership with businesses, has led efforts to improve EU regulations and legislation. We've done that because we want businesses in the EU to spend more time winning business and creating jobs than navigating inefficient or unnecessary bureaucracy. Hungarian business people often tell me how inefficient EU regulation affects their ability to grow and employ more Hungarians. This is particularly the case for the small and medium-sized enterprises which make up the vast majority of all businesses and employ two out of every three workers in Europe. On average, while a big company will spend €1 per employee to comply with a regulatory duty, a medium-sized enterprise might have to spend around €4 and a small business up to €10. To deliver we need to take action at both the national and European level. But we need businesses to give politicians and civil servants the ammunition to make the case for better regulation. We need to know what helps and what hinders business's ability to do business. The Role of National Governments and Parliaments The UK and Hungary also believe that the new Commission President must bring the EU closer to the people. The role of national Governments must be recognised. The views of national Parliaments must be respected. And the principle of 'European where necessary, national where possible' must shape everything. 2014. nyár 11
