Hungary: Social contract on national strategy

The Hungarian Economic and Social Council (HESC) is a recently established
consultative forum dealing with long-term strategic economic and social
issues in Hungary. One of the primary objectives of HESC is to prepare a
social contract. The aim of this document would be to reflect the view of
society on the future of Hungary in the European Union and advise on
national strategies. On the 25 May, 2006 meeting of the HESC in the
Hungarian Parliament, the issue of a social contract was discussed in the
presence of Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsány who stressed that the
formulation and adaptation of a social contract could assist the economic,
social and public administration reforms Hungary faces.

Civil Society representatives (11 persons) of the HESC have tabled a common
position regarding the social contract and pointed out the necessity that
the dialogue and process should be open, inclusive and available for all
interested parties. Although the concrete date of the adoption of a social
contract is not yet foreseeable the process leading to it would be a real
proof and test of state-business-third sector partnership.

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About the Hungarian Economic and Social Council

The HESC was established and held its first meeting on 24 August, 2004. Its
aim is to discuss and advise on the long-term economic and social strategies
of Hungary. There are 43 members of this consultative body who form a
representative cross-section of society: employers, trade unions, academia
and civil society representatives. The HESC is the national partner of the
European Economic and Social Committee.

www.europeanhouse.hu/e/