Külpolitika - A Magyar Külügyi Intézet folyóirata - 1995 (1. évfolyam)
1995 / 1. szám - ESEMÉNYNAPTÁR - Külpolitikai eseménynaptár január 1.-március 31.
Miklós Vásárhelyi Foreign policy in the Age of Transition Through the collapse of the Soviet empire the first opportunity since 1938 was given to Hungary for an independent foreign policy. The period, where Hungary' had virtually no foreign policy of its own, takes two generations. It is obvious that when the country reaquisits its independence, a new epoch begins in terms of international relations. A brand new approach evolves. Those real and relevant interests and natural aims, which had been suppressed for a half century will recover and come into full display. Thus, with the demolition of the Soviet dependence, in accordance with historical traditions and national aims, appears European orientation as a political priority and also appears the desire for assuring security of the nation. This security is connected to the final, or long term consolidation of relations with the neighbouring states, in the spirit of international documents and norms of ethnic and national minorities rights. The agreement in these priorities and aims provided and until the latest events maintained an agreement in foreign policy as well, and this harmony w'as only questioned by left- and right wing extremists. It is remarkable that in the former parliamentary cycle, even in times of the most intensified political debates and in situations of internal political crisis, this agreement was maintained bv all the parties which were represented in the Parliament. However, this effort for maintaining foreign political harmony w'as facilitated by the fact that nor the Antall- or the Boross-administration had to face delicate and controversial issues or would have had to enter into a controversy over such decisions. Thus, the coalition government, which came into office after the 1994 elections, herited a very difficult situation. The external situation was unfavourable and society unprepared and uninformed. Therefore, it was probable that the commence, formation and result of the desperately needed negotiations will come into the highlight of political debates and the harmony in foreign political concepts and positions could break. The article outlines the most important aims of Hungarian foreign policy. Such as: the consolidation of relations with the neighbouring countries, the representation of ethnic Hungarian interests in terms of interstate relations and the acceleration of the Euro-Atlantic integration. The essay expands on western political doubts and hesitations retarding Central-European NATO and EU integration. István Gyarmati Hungary: A Roadmap to NATO Hungary s road to NATO is not an easy one but it is not too long either. Depending on the internal discussion within NATO focused on the one hand on the clearer definition of its future roles and tasks and the issue of enlargement on the other, Hungary s NATO membership should become possible before the turn of the century. 146 Külpolitika
