Europeanisation, National Identities and Migration ... - europeanization

240 Judit Tóth and Endre Sik
On the other hand, the Diaspora discourse with all its controversies and
consequences has remained the organic part of the Hungarian foreign and domestic
policy. The newly adopted Act on Hungarians Living in Neighbouring States, as a
major pillar of institutionalised Diaspora politics, cannot provide a satisfactory
remedy for the painful fact: Hungary as a state can gain access to the EU, but
the nation is, at the same time, unable to unite under the same roof. The mental or
spiritual unification of the nation would be developed but not through legal
instruments or political rivalry prior to the coming general elections. The ambivalent
attitudes of people toward foreign citizens as members of the Diaspora can be related
partly to new security measures and stringent police control of aliens as features of
enlargement, and partly to jealousy over economic, social or political advantages
in the transition period. The Act provides numerous benefits for the Diaspora living
in the Carpathian Basin in respect of cultural relations, education, public travel,
labour market and community life, but their implementation will depend on the
central budget and the variable level of prejudice within public opinion. The
Act has had a noticeable impact on subsequent legislation, such that about two
dozen governmental and ministerial decrees were passed during 2001–2. The offices
issuing the ‘Certificate for Ethnic Hungarians’ are under siege, especially in poor
regions, from those who wish to obtain the benefits as soon as possible. For
them the Certificate may provide evidence of national identity, although this new
document cannot replace either full emancipation, citizenship rights or equal
opportunities in the home country, nor can it replace entry visas, financial support
for entry, international insurance 12 or the lack of solidarity in Hungary.
In additional, the government has underlined how the new Act is greatly inclusive.
For example, upon request, the state secretary confirmed that Gypsies living in the
neighbouring states could enjoy the benefits of the Act on the basis of free selfdeclaration
of identity.
The draft legislation – the parliamentary debate on which is currently
underway – is of an inclusive nature: it says he is Hungarian who describes
himself as being Hungarian.
Those who wish to avail themselves of the benefits and assistance provided
by the Act should have the so-called ‘Hungarian Certificate’, which will be
issued on the basis of the recommendation of an organization operating in a
neighbouring state and recognized by the Hungarian Government. According
to the plans, for the recommendation to be issued, one will have to provide a
written declaration stating that he belongs to the Hungarian nation, an
application for the recommendation, with a knowledge of the Hungarian
language as another prerequisite. Provided certain supplementary conditions
are present, an exemption may be granted from this latter condition. If the
applicant meets these criteria, the recommendation must be granted regardless
of origin, religion or political affiliation. 13
The inclusive approach adopted toward the most frequent victims of discrimination
and racism in our region, together with non-practical benefits, are likely to reduce