Migration As Old As Mankind

NEWS REPORT

PM Viktor Orbán (L) receiving EU flag from predecessor

By Hakeem Babalola

"Migration is as old as mankind itself". These were the words of the outgoing EU president at the Hungarian parliament on Thursday as Hungary received the EU flag to be kept for the next six months in accordance with the rotational presidency rule.

 

Although he did not expatiate, the outgoing president who is also the Belgium Prime Minister said that migration is inevitable.

 

“The implementation of new Stockholm programme should be a focus because migration is as old as mankind itself,” said Yves Leterme, adding that common regulation and solidarity must remain the guidelines of the EU policy in as well the Hungarian presidency can make concrete progress.

 

Addressing the gathering, Leterme praised Hungarians’ resilience against tyranny and foreign occupation which eventually led to freedom, peace and democracy. This means there is confidence in placing the responsibility of EU on Hungarian shoulders.

 

European Union is not just a market but a common commitment to peace, to democracy and to freedom, Leterme said. He added that, although the union has achieved a lot by putting EU in a dynamic motion, yet much remain to be done.

 

In his own address, the incoming president Viktor Orbán said that Hungarians see 2011 as a year to revive the economy and that the Hungarian EU presidency can lend helping hand in reviving Europe.

 

Orbán emphasized on the need for Europe to continue to present the values, merits and strengths that had made the continent the cynosure of all eyes over the centuries.

The celebration was attended by President Pal Schmitt, Parliamentary Speaker Laszlo Kover, EU representatives, members of the government and diplomats.