Szijjarto: Hungary successfully completed first phase of protection

Hungary has successfully completed the first phase of implementing protection measures against the novel coronavirus epidemic, concentrating on health care, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said on Monday. Szijjarto told parliament the crisis had revealed areas where Europe must make progress and introduce changes, such as making sure that it is not dependent on external players in strategic areas. He added that Hungary had taken timely steps, acquiring protective gear from China while also establishing domestic production capacities. Hungary will turn the tough economic situation to its benefit, he said. Amid a deluge of bad news about the global economy, 806 companies in Hungary will carry out developments worth 377 billion forints (EUR 1.1bn) throughout the country with government support, he added.