Hungary resists British plans to curb benefits for immigrant workers

Ahead of a visit of Britain's prime minister David Cameron on 7 January 2016 to Budapest, Hungary's foreign minister Peter Szijjarto stated that while his country supported the UK's proposed reforms that aim to boost economic competitiveness in the European Union, it would not want to see an erosion in the free movement of labour.

Such position was confirmed by prime minister Viktor Orbán after the meeting with Mr Cameron. Mr Orbán said that Hungary could accept the UK’s proposed changes to the EU, if the curbing of in-work welfare benefits did not discriminate against Hungarians working and paying taxes in the the country.

EurActiv, 07.01.16: Cameron Brexit proposals get mixed reception in Berlin and Budapest http://www.euractiv.com/sections/uk-europe/cameron-brexit-proposals-get-mixed-reception-berlin-and-budapest-320783

Blog: LSE EuroppBlog, 04.11.15: European views on the UK’s renegotiation: Czech Republic, Hungary, Sweden, and Lithuania http://bit.ly/1NOS3pu

EUObserver, 07.01.16: Hungary open to UK deal if it avoids discrimination https://euobserver.com/political/131743

The Wall Street Journal, 07.01.16: Hungary Holds Back Full Support for David Cameron’s EU Reform Proposal http://www.wsj.com/articles/hungary-holds-back-full-support-for-david-camerons-eu-reform-proposal-1452189737

Euronews, 07.01.16: Hungarian PM to David Cameron over EU reform: “We are not parasites” http://www.euronews.com/2016/01/07/hungarian-pm-to-david-cameron-over-eu-reform-we-are-not-parasites/

The Guardian, 07.01.16: Hungarian PM says UK must alter tax credits plan for EU citizens http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jan/07/hungarian-pm-says-uk-must-alter-tax-credits-plan-for-eu-citizens

BBC News, 07.01.16: Hungarian PM tells David Cameron 'we are not parasites' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-eu-referendum-35245888

Sputnik International, 07.01.16: Orban to Cameron: Hungarian Workers in UK Are Not 'Parasites' http://sptnkne.ws/axFv

Hungary Today, 06.01.16: PM Orbán Holds Talks In Poland Ahead of David Cameron’s Visit To Budapest http://hungarytoday.hu/news/pm-orban-holds-talks-poland-ahead-camerons-visit-budapest-25603

Hungary Today, 08.01.16: “Strong Europe”: Orbán, Cameron Eye EU Reforms To Strengthen Role Of National Parliaments http://hungarytoday.hu/news/strong-europe-orban-cameron-eye-eu-reforms-strengthen-role-national-parliaments-95445

Politico, 07.01.16: Orbán to Cameron: ‘We’re not parasites’ http://www.politico.eu/article/orban-cameron-not-parasites-hungary-united-kingdom-brexit-migration-refugee/

UK: Prime Minister's Office: Speech, 07.01.16: PM statement in Hungary, 7 January 2016 https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/pm-statement-in-hungary-7-january-2016

ESO: In Focus: Brexit - The United Kingdom and the European Union http://www.europeansources.info/record/brexit-the-united-kingdom-and-the-european-union/

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