Avatar photo

Greg Dorey

Diplomat

7th December 2010

Avatar photo

by Greg Dorey

Diplomat

Gift of Life, Tolerance without Boundaries

I am just travelling slowly back to Budapest through driving snow, having spent the afternoon in the West Hungarian city of Győr. I had discussions with the Mayor (recently made Head of the Hungarian Olympic Committee); the Chairman of the County Council; the “Kisalfold” newspaper, a British investment (who also interviewed me for their next […]

Read more on Gift of Life, Tolerance without Boundaries | Reply

29th November 2010

Avatar photo

by Greg Dorey

Diplomat

Girding up our loins

Last week the National School of Government came to Budapest for an extremely useful training session for a group of Embassy staff on what to expect under the Hungarian EU Presidency. They covered for example the EU decision making process; the challenges we will face; how the rotating Presidency fits into the new EU architecture; […]

Read more on Girding up our loins | Reply

27th November 2010

Avatar photo

by Greg Dorey

Diplomat

Innovation and democracy

The Lord Mayor of London and Speaker of  the House of Commons have now left Budapest! The Lord Mayor’s programme today included a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Navracsics, who is also Minister for Justice (to talk about proposed EU economic regulation). And a speech to British Chamber of Commerce members (including Hungarian companies) to […]

Read more on Innovation and democracy | Reply

26th November 2010

Avatar photo

by Greg Dorey

Diplomat

A Bear Market?

The 683rd Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Michael Bear, is currently in Budapest with a party from the City. Rushing back from meetings in Brussels, I narrowly made it back to Ferihegy Airport just in time to greet him on arrival. The Lord Mayor tries to visit all countries taking on the EU Presidency just […]

Read more on A Bear Market? | Reply

24th November 2010

Avatar photo

by Greg Dorey

Diplomat

Focus on climate change

This week we have been focusing on Climate Change again. The subject has gone quieter since the Copenhagen Summit, around this time last year. But the problem is as big – and getting bigger. And the issue is about to be addressed again at the Cancun meeting and will feature prominently on the agendas of […]

Read more on Focus on climate change | Reply

24th November 2010

Avatar photo

by Greg Dorey

Diplomat

A little help from my friends

Although preparations for the Hungarian EU Presidency are now gathering pace, ordinary life does not stop. And we know how accidents, natural disasters or international events can throw out the best laid plans. When I saw the moving reports of the Hungarian red sludge accident on 4 October, I was shocked by the acute hardship […]

Read more on A little help from my friends | Reply

17th November 2010

Avatar photo

by Greg Dorey

Diplomat

Sharing best practice

Taking on the rotating EU Presidency for the first time is a huge challenge (even with the reduced Presidency role following the Lisbon Treaty). And it’s a massive learning opportunity too. Thankfully there are many friends standing by to help out at this difficult time and the UK is one of the foremost. On previous […]

Read more on Sharing best practice | Reply

15th November 2010

Avatar photo

by Greg Dorey

Diplomat

Lest we forget

For the last couple of weeks I and colleagues from the British Embassy have been wearing artificial poppies in our lapels or pinned to our clothes. And lots of Hungarian friends and acquaintances have been asking me why we do this. So I have been pleased to have the chance to explain to them that […]

Read more on Lest we forget | Reply

14th November 2010

Avatar photo

by Greg Dorey

Diplomat

Africa comes to Hungary

It was a real delight to be able to host a reception at the British Residence tonight so that our contacts interested in environmental issues could come and meet Doctor (and Dame) Jane Goodall. I’m sure I don’t need to explain in detail to most readers of this blog who Jane is – but in […]

Read more on Africa comes to Hungary | Reply

12th November 2010

Avatar photo

by Greg Dorey

Diplomat

New route to jobs, growth and competitiveness?

When the current Hungarian government came to power, they made clear that creating more jobs and growth would be their key priority. That fits neatly with the EU’s own priorities – when Hungary takes over the Presidency in January, it can be in the driving seat on this vital issue. National and EU goals will […]

Read more on New route to jobs, growth and competitiveness? | Reply