European panel: Peter Langh

MEET THE PANEL Name: Peter Langh Age: 48 Lives: Budapest, Hungary Works: Art gallery manager The EU to me in 10 words or less: "I have failed to see any benefits from our accession" Watch message

Bulgaria and Romania cannot be treated as second-class EU members.

The EU has to be a two-way street between older and newer members.

The opening of borders will dramatically increase competition, bring more investments and know-how for the benefit of all involved.

In the short term, it will certainly put more pressure on the economies of existing member states but in the long term, I am convinced that the economic success of Ireland, for example, can be replicated by new member states.

The price paid by Bulgaria and Romania to meet the criteria set out by the EU in order to join should be rewarded by being granted the right to send their workers abroad.

Of course there needs to be limited restrictions, but not at the risk of alienating workers from these new states.

EUROPEAN PANEL Viktorija Spurina Peter Langh Gerry Harris Marcel De Vries Tom O' Sullivan Joachim Korte-Bernard

Hungarians are taking advantage of being able to work abroad within the EU, but it is quite limited compared with other newer member states.

Most of those leaving are planning to return. It is also mostly qualified professionals like doctors or nurses who either plan to work abroad for a couple of years or travel between London or Dublin and Hungary.

For those choosing to work abroad temporarily, it represents an opportunity to make more money, gain international experience and learn a language.

The key for us is the speed at which Hungary can reach the standards of living of the older members. The sooner things get better, these workers will come back.

Just look at what the Irish achieved in 20 years. It's possible and this should be our common objective.

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