7th December 2010
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
I am just travelling slowly back to Budapest through driving snow, having spent the afternoon in the West Hungarian city of Győr. I had discussions with the Mayor (recently made Head of the Hungarian Olympic Committee); the Chairman of the County Council; the “Kisalfold” newspaper, a British investment (who also interviewed me for their next […]
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29th November 2010
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
Last week the National School of Government came to Budapest for an extremely useful training session for a group of Embassy staff on what to expect under the Hungarian EU Presidency. They covered for example the EU decision making process; the challenges we will face; how the rotating Presidency fits into the new EU architecture; […]
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27th November 2010
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
The Lord Mayor of London and Speaker of the House of Commons have now left Budapest! The Lord Mayor’s programme today included a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Navracsics, who is also Minister for Justice (to talk about proposed EU economic regulation). And a speech to British Chamber of Commerce members (including Hungarian companies) to […]
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26th November 2010
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
The 683rd Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Michael Bear, is currently in Budapest with a party from the City. Rushing back from meetings in Brussels, I narrowly made it back to Ferihegy Airport just in time to greet him on arrival. The Lord Mayor tries to visit all countries taking on the EU Presidency just […]
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24th November 2010
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
This week we have been focusing on Climate Change again. The subject has gone quieter since the Copenhagen Summit, around this time last year. But the problem is as big – and getting bigger. And the issue is about to be addressed again at the Cancun meeting and will feature prominently on the agendas of […]
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24th November 2010
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
Although preparations for the Hungarian EU Presidency are now gathering pace, ordinary life does not stop. And we know how accidents, natural disasters or international events can throw out the best laid plans. When I saw the moving reports of the Hungarian red sludge accident on 4 October, I was shocked by the acute hardship […]
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17th November 2010
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
Taking on the rotating EU Presidency for the first time is a huge challenge (even with the reduced Presidency role following the Lisbon Treaty). And it’s a massive learning opportunity too. Thankfully there are many friends standing by to help out at this difficult time and the UK is one of the foremost. On previous […]
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15th November 2010
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
For the last couple of weeks I and colleagues from the British Embassy have been wearing artificial poppies in our lapels or pinned to our clothes. And lots of Hungarian friends and acquaintances have been asking me why we do this. So I have been pleased to have the chance to explain to them that […]
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14th November 2010
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
It was a real delight to be able to host a reception at the British Residence tonight so that our contacts interested in environmental issues could come and meet Doctor (and Dame) Jane Goodall. I’m sure I don’t need to explain in detail to most readers of this blog who Jane is – but in […]
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12th November 2010
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
When the current Hungarian government came to power, they made clear that creating more jobs and growth would be their key priority. That fits neatly with the EU’s own priorities – when Hungary takes over the Presidency in January, it can be in the driving seat on this vital issue. National and EU goals will […]
Read more on New route to jobs, growth and competitiveness? | Reply
