Past events

Defending common sense and strengthening cooperation in the EU's multi-level governance

Defending common sense and strengthening cooperation in the EU's multi-level governance

Study Days

10 Nov 2023 09h00Budapest, Hungary


General information

Our 2023 ECR CoR Group Study Days will be held in Budapest, the capital of Hungary. The event is hosted by Mrs Anna Magyar, ECR CoR Group Vice-President and member of the County Council of Csongrád-Csanád, Hungary. Participants will attend the conference in the Upper House of the Hungarian Parliament. The main topics of the conference are as follows: 

  1. Promoting family-friendly policies to tackle demographic decline
  2. Fostering historic, regional and cultural traditions to promote a values-based EU

The event will be held in person, with two Panel Discussions, leaving space for audience interaction at the end of each section. 

Topics

1. Promoting family-friendly policies to tackle demographic decline

In the first panel discussion speakers will exchange views on aspects of demographic change and the importance of promoting family-friendly policies on the ground. Speakers will showcase local and regional best practices from their respective Member States to help ensure demographic continuity, economic stability and job security, building a more resilient and prosperous EU in the long run. European regions have for long been facing demographic decline which is continuously reducing job opportunities, while urbanisation introduced complex challenges for big cities. To address these, and create a lasting balance, we must help strengthen regions, providing appropriate and effective support.

2. Fostering historic, regional and cultural traditions to promote a values-based EU

To nurture the essence of the European Union, we must continue to foster our diverse historic, regional and cultural traditions, while building a work-based society. A shared sense of identity is essential for a shared sense of responsibility, including greater participation in civic life, which is inevitable for the proper functioning of the EU. To this end, the second panel discussion will seek to evaluate ways through which promoting the identity of Member States and regions can contribute to building a stronger European community, highlighting the role of tradition, rural heritage and religion in creating a safer and more cohesive society. 

About Budapest 

Budapest stands as a unique gem among European cities, captivating visitors with its historic charm and rich cultural heritage. Nestled along the banks of the Danube River, the enchanting capital of Hungary embodies a harmonious blend of old-world elegance and modern vibrancy. Architecturally, Budapest offers everything from Roman ruins and medieval town houses to baroque churches, neoclassical public buildings and Art Nouveau bathhouses. Its architectural wonders, such as the majestic Hungarian Parliament Building, the grand Buda Castle, and the awe-inspiring Chain Bridge, showcase the city's historic significance and artistic prowess. 

The city also serves as a hub for commerce, finance, and trade in the region. Its strategic location at the crossroads of Central Europe makes it a vital economic centre within the EU. The city's well-developed infrastructure, including its world-class transportation networks and modern business facilities attracts international businesses, investors, and entrepreneurs, contributing to the overall economic growth and stability of the European Union. Budapest's role as a political, economic, cultural, and educational centre solidifies its importance within the European Union, significantly contributing to the Union's collective progress.

Programme

8.45-9.00 a.m.

Registration

 

9.00-9.35 a.m.

 

Introductory Remarks

  • Anna Magyar, Vice-President of the ECR CoR Group, Member and Commission President of the County Council of Csongrád-Csanád, Hungary

Opening Speeches 

  • László Kövér, Speaker of the National Assembly, Hungary
  • Marco Marsilio, President of the ECR CoR Group and President of the Abruzzo Region, Italy 
  • Kinga Gál MEP, President of the Fidesz EP delegation and Vice-President of Fidesz, Hungary

9.35-11.05 a.m.

Panel Discussion I: Promoting family-friendly policies to tackle demographic decline

Moderator: Ádám Karácsony, Vice-President of the County Council of Pest Megye, Hungary

Keynote Speakers: Judit Varga, former Minister of Justice, Chair of the European Affairs Committee of the Hungarian National Assembly; Maddalena Morgante MP, National Head of Fratelli d'Italia's family and non-negotiable values department, Italy

  • Roberto Ciambetti, President of the Veneto Regional Council, Italy
  • Ágnes Hornung, Minister of State for Families at the Ministry of Culture and Innovation, Hungary 
  • Władysław Ortyl, First Vice-President of the ECR CoR Group and President of the Podkarpackie Region, Poland
  • Gergely Szilvay, Expert and Author, Hungary

11.05-11.20 a.m

Coffee break 

11.20-12.50 p.m.

Panel Discussion II: Fostering historic, regional and cultural traditions to promote a values-based EU

Moderator: Ákos Bence Gát, Head of Foreign Affairs and Internship Program, Danube Institute, Hungary

Keynote Speakers: Barna Pál Zsigmond MP, State Secretary and Deputy Minister of the Ministry of European Union Affairs, ECR Substitute Deputy at PACE, Hungary; Carlo Fidanza MEP, Head of the Fratelli d'Italia European Parliament delegation, Italy (video message)

  • Juan García-Gallardo, Vice-President of the Government of the Autonomous Community of Castilla y León, Spain
  • Ernő Schaller-Baross MEP, Ministerial Commissioner for External Relations of the Prime Minister's Office, Hungary
  • Piroska Szalai, Labour market expert and research fellow at the Institute of Economy and Competitiveness of the National University of Public Service, Hungary
  • Oldřich Vlasák, Vice-President of the ECR CoR Group and Councillor of the City of Hradec Králové, Czech Republic

12.30-12.45 p.m

Closing remarks

  • István Szabó, President of Pest County Assembly, Hungary 
  • László Gémes, President of Csongrád-Csanád County Assembly, Hungary
  • Anna Magyar, Vice-President of the ECR CoR Group, Member and Commission President of the County Council of Csongrád-Csanád, Hungary

13.05-14.00 p.m.

Family Photo and Lunchbreak

14.00-15.00 p.m.

Tour of the Parliament

Location

House of Parliament, Kossuth Lajos tér 1-3, 1055 Budapest, Hungary 

Map