Hungary: membership application and partnership, 1st April 1994

The committee adopted the report by Luís QUEIRÓ (UEN, P) which said that firm dates should be set for the conclusion of negotiations with Hungary and its accession to the EU, as this would help forestall any disappointment or even discontent on the part of the Hungarian public. The committee criticised in particular the "unjustifiably different treatment in terms of the number of MEPs who will represent Hungary in the European Parliament" and suggested therefore that the number be increased to 22. The report highlighted discrimination against the Roma minority, while noting that the government had begun to implement its medium-term action programme to address the issue. It also took note of the adoption of a law on Hungarians living in neighbouring countries and recognised the concerns of those governments. The Commission was urged to undertake an evaluation of this law with regard to its compatibility with the "acquis" and the spirit of good neighbourhood and cooperation. There was a call for action to be taken against trafficking of women and children and for the elimination of discrimination in law against homosexuals. Finally the committee welcomed continued progress on the economic front, while stressing the importance of tackling inflation and regional disparities. �