Speeches

Dear Mr President, European markets have been disrupted by high-traffic Chinese online platforms. It is worrying that the products offered on their platform come from uncontrolled sources, are potentially dangerous and even illegal, and therefore do not comply with European rules. In turn, compliant businesses may be placed at a significant competitive disadvantage vis-à-vis online traders that do not comply with EU standards. Hungarian consumers deserve not only affordable, but also high-quality and safe products. Companies competing on the Hungarian market must ensure a level playing field. We trust that the newly restructured Hungarian consumer organisations are also prepared to take action with appropriate expertise, quickly and efficiently against online traders selling potentially dangerous and illegal products that flood the Hungarian market.

Dear Madam President, We all agree that we want a more competitive Europe and a stronger single market. We know that regulatory simplification, reduction of administrative burdens and innovation are crucial for our competitiveness. Two weeks ago, the Hungarian Prime Minister named competitiveness as the number one priority of the Hungarian EU Presidency in this House. But unfortunately, the Hungarian government's domestic measures strongly contradict this objective. How can Hungarian businesses innovate, grow and reap the benefits of the single market and cross-border trade when the government creates an unpredictable business environment for them? Firstly, regulatory governance leads to an opaque and often changing legislative environment. This reduces legal certainty and discourages investment. In addition, the government is making innovation more difficult on several sides. A real chance in business is given only to entrepreneurs loyal to the regime. This reduces the incentive to innovate. And it has cut off our researchers from key innovation sources in Horizon Europe. That is why the economy is suffering and Hungary has become the poorest Member State. Creating a well-functioning single market and competitiveness starts at home.