Hungary : shaping a policy to accept various patterns of family lifestyles

Abstract

This is the first and a very unique occasion for me, a representative of the Republic of Hungary, to be able to participate in a European conference like this. We in Hungary attach special and symbolic importance to the fact that this invitation came to us when we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the foundation of the Council of Europe and the 20th anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on Social Progress and Development. Before getting down to the subject matter itself, please permit me to say a few words on this festive occasion on how we see European cooperation. Afterwards, a brief description of the specific situation of present-day Hungary might be of some interest to you as well as some information on our social policy, the implementation of which is taking place in these days amidst stormy changes. Finally I would like to make reference to a few interrelated issues concerning social and family policy.