Activists with huge egyballs on their heads warned that "Europe is watching Hungary," and called for a 30-percent cut in greenhouse gas emissions, a focus on renewable energy sources, legislation to promote efficiency with energy, special treatment for radioactive waste, a deep-reaching analysis of the pros and cons of bio-fuels, and tighter controls over genetically modified crops.

Gyori, who greeted the Greenpeace activists outside the Foreign Ministry, told the gathering that the environment was a top priority for the Hungarian presidency and a strong Europe.

She said sustainable development was in everybody's interests and Hungary was open to consultations.

Greenpeace EU policy advisor Marta Vetier urged the government to take all possible measures to promote sustainability, and offered the organization's assistance in achieving green goals during the Hungarian EU presidency.