EU members, institutions need to be in balance, says Martonyi

Budapest, May 9 (MTI) - Members of the European Union, its institutions and bodies should find a balance in practice, Foreign Minister Janos Martonyi said on Thursday.

Speaking at a celebration marking Europe Day, Martonyi said that the balance he was referring to was stipulated in the EU s treaties, but "it is yet to be seen if it is really there in practice".

Martonyi argued that the EU should have the powers delegated to the community in its basic treaties, but anything else should remain a national competency. Equality between members and the national identity of each must be respected, he added.

European integration is based on institutions and legal norms, rather than on "political fights or accusations". If those institutions are given powers they are not entitled to the system will be compromised, the minister said.

At the ceremony, Martonyi handed over awards in recognition of personal achievements which have contributed to Hungary s European integration.