I can’t quite believe that 2013 has passed already. 12 months has gone by like they were 12 weeks. It’s a good sign that it’s been a fun and busy year. And over the holidays I thought, briefly, about all that had happened. Not a scientific or well researched review of the year – just the things that stuck in my mind.
First there was an awful lot of work to be done around EU issues. Not just concerning the Eurozone crisis, but about the future of the Union itself. The UK has been leading the campaign for a review of the Union, its aims and its competences. And we here have tried to explain clearly that the UK government is convinced that the UK’s future remains within the EU – but an EU which is fit for the 21st century and which brings benefits to its citizens. It’s been a challenging but really key dossier for us.
Then there’s been the work we’ve done bilaterally with the Hungarian government on things like their joining the Open Government Partnership (promoting transparency in government) and on the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (of which Hungary will hold the Chair in 2015, after the UK). It’s been good to build our relationships on those important themes.
Our commercial relationship has developed nicely this year too, with trade significantly up on 2012. We’ve done a lot of promotion work both here in Hungary and in the UK – travelling round both countries explaining the opportunities for both our sets of business. As part of our work to build on that, we’ve negotiated the opening of a British Business Centre in Budapest which will help British SMEs find partners here. Our networks continue to expand and to deliver ever more business opportunities.
But what sticks most in my mind are individual moments. Chatting with the F1 teams at the Hungaroring about advanced engineering and the auto sector as the cars roared round the circuit. Holding a reception on a boat on the Danube in Esztergom as part of our GREAT campaign to promote the UK. Having the shadow dance group Attraction perform in my garden. Presenting an MBE to a Hungarian friend of the Embassy. Being part of a flashmob at the Sziget festival and (Dad) dancing for transparency. Sitting in a meeting between PMs Cameron and Orban. Welcoming two parties from the royal family to Budapest. And climbing out of the water, exhausted, after swimming across lake Balaton.
We’re planning for 2014 in the Embassy now – and have been for several weeks. I shan’t do predictions, but I’m looking forward to just as busy, fun and challenging year as 2013 was. Many of our themes from 2013 will continue into 2014 and we’ll add some more. And, of course, the elections here will add excitement to the first half of the year. On a personal note, I’m looking out for a sporting challenge for 2014. Something to help keep me fit and healthy away from the serious Embassy business. All suggestions v gratefully received!
Have a great 2014!
Jonathan