Hungary performed well in utilization of funds

Hungary has performed well in the utilization of funds and established a well-functioning system of institutions, EU commissioner for regional policy Danuta Hubner told the press in Budapest on Friday. Hubner arrived in Budapest for talks with government officials on the experiences gained from the first national development plan and preparations to the second national development plan. She noted that Hungary is expected to get ten times as much development support between 2007 and 2013 as in the current 2.5-year period. Several projects have already been prepared to utilize funds available in the next budget period, she added. During the implementation of projects, it is important to find the correct balance between central control and decentralization, she said. Minister in charge of EU Affairs Etele Baráth said Hungary is looking for ways to involve EU funds in the planned construction of metro line 4 in Budapest. In the case of large projects, Hungary would like to get exemption from the requirement that development projects receiving EU funding must be completed in two years, he said.