(non-official translation)
(8) Act LXII on Hungarians Living in Neighbouring Countries
Parliament
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In order to comply with its responsibilities for Hungarians living abroad and to promote the preservation and development of their manifold relations with Hungary prescribed in paragraph (3) of Article 6 of the Constitution of the Republic of Hungary,
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Considering the European integration endeavours of the Republic of Hungary and in-keeping with the basic principles espoused by international organisations, and in particular by the Council of Europe and by the European Union, regarding the respect of human rights and the protection of minority rights;
(...)
- Having regard to the
development of bilateral and multilateral relations of good neighbourhood
and regional co-operation in the Central European area and to the strengthening
of the stabilising role of Hungary;
- In order to ensure
that Hungarians living in neighbouring countries form part of the Hungarian
nation as a whole and to promote and preserve their well-being and awareness
of national identity within their home country;
(...)
GENERAL
PROVISIONS
Scope of the Act
Article 1
(1) This Act shall apply to persons declaring themselves to be of Hungarian
nationality who are not Hungarian citizens and who have their residence
in the Republic of Croatia, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Romania,
the Republic of Slovenia, the Slovak Republic or the Ukraine (…)
Article 3
The Republic of Hungary, in order to
a. ensure the maintenance of permanent contacts,
(...)
c. ensure undisturbed cultural, economic and family relations,
(…)
Education, Culture, Science
Article 4
(1) In the field of culture, persons falling within the scope of this Act
shall be entitled in Hungary to rights identical to those of Hungarian citizens.
Accordingly, the Republic of Hungary shall ensure for them in particular:
a. the right to use public cultural institutions and the opportunity to use the services they offer,
(...)
Student Benefits
Article 10
(1) Registered students of a public education institution in a neighbouring
country who are pursuing their studies in Hungarian language, or students
of any higher education institution who are subject to this Act are entitled
to benefits available under the relevant regulations to Hungarian citizens
with student identification documents.
(…)
Further Training for Hungarian Teachers Living Abroad
Article 11
(1) Hungarian teachers living abroad, teaching in Hungarian in neighbouring
countries and falling within the scope of this Act (hereinafter referred
to as "Hungarian teachers living abroad") shall be entitled to
participate in regular further training in Hungary, as well as to receive
the benefits specified in paragraph (2).
(…)
Education Abroad in Affiliated Departments
Article 13
(1) The Republic of Hungary shall promote the preservation of the mother
tongue, culture and national identity of Hungarians living abroad also by
supporting the establishment, organisation and operation of affiliated Departments
of accredited Hungarian higher education institutions in neighbouring countries.
(…)
(2) The Republic of Hungary supports the establishment, operation and development of higher education institutions (faculties, study programmes, etc.) teaching in Hungarian and seeking accreditation in neighbouring countries. Financial resources required for the realisation of these goals may be applied for at the public benefit organisation established for this purpose.
Educational Assistance Available in the Native Country
Article 14
(1) Parents falling within the scope of this Act and bringing up at least
two children of minor age in their own household may apply for educational
assistance for each of their children if:
a. the child attends an education institution according to his/her age and
receives training or education in Hungarian (...)
(2) Parents falling within the scope of this Act may receive assistance for books and learning materials (hereinafter referred to as "assistance for learning materials") if the child of minor age living in their own household attends an educational institution in the neighbouring country of residence of the parents and receives education in Hungarian.
Duties of the Public Service Media
Article 17
(1) Public service media in Hungary shall provide, on a regular basis, for
the gathering and transmission of information on Hungarians living abroad
and shall transmit information on Hungary and the Hungarian nation to Hungarians
living abroad. The purpose of this information shall be:
(...)
c) the preservation of the awareness of national identity, of the mother
tongue and culture of the Hungarian minority communities.
(2) The Republic of Hungary shall provide for the production and broadcasting of public service television programmes for the Hungarian communities living abroad through the establishment and operation of an organisation devoted to such purposes. The financial resources necessary for such programmes shall be provided by the state budget.
Assistance to Organisations Operating Abroad
Article 18
(1) The Republic of Hungary shall support organisations operating in neighbouring
countries and promoting the goals of the Hungarian national communities
living in neighbouring countries.
(2) The organisations specified in paragraph (1) may apply to the public
benefit organisation established for this purpose and operating in a lawful
manner if their goals include, in particular, the following:
(…)
b) the preservation and fostering of the Hungarian language, literature,
culture and folk arts, (...)