The Hungarian Government assumed the six-month presidency of the European Union on January 1, 2011. Spain, Belgium and Hungary have agreed on a joint 18-month EU presidencies programme, also beginning in January 2010. These countries are the first to work under the rules of the Lisbon Treaty and will thus be responsible to define a working method to ensure a smooth transition without impeding the treaty's political progress. The Hungarian Presidency of the EU is building its political agenda around the human factor, focusing on four main topics: growth and employment for preserving the European social model; an economically stronger Europe; a citizen-friendly Union; and a policy of enlargement and neighborhood. and Martin Kašpárek.
We highlight an interwiew with Svatopluk Halada from the Eureka secretariat. Eureka was founded to challenge the increasing migration to Asian and North American countries of R&D and industrial innovation. Eureka now unites 38 member countries. Working together, they promote international, market-oriented research and innovation thorugh the support they offer to small and medium-sized enterprises, large industry, universities and research institutes. Through Eureka, these organizations introduce new products, processes and services to the market, helping make Europe economically strong and socially sound. and Martin Kašpárek.