Hungary takes over EU presidency

A new era has begun in the European Union (EU). As of today, Hungary has taken over the rotating EU presidency from Belgium. The presidency will grant Hungary, which has clashed with Brussels on key issues such as the war in Ukraine and migration, significant authority in setting the EU's agenda priorities.

The rotating presidency is held for a 6-month term and will be handed over to Poland on January 1, 2025.

WE WANT TO END THE WAR

Announcing Hungary's presidency agenda, Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated that the most important agenda item is the urgent end to the war in Ukraine. Emphasizing that the war in Ukraine casts a shadow over all developments in the European Union, Orban said, "We want to end the war."

Hungary's Minister for European Union Affairs Janos Boka stated that another important agenda item is the enlargement of the union. Janos announced that during the Hungarian presidency, the aim is to gain momentum in the membership processes of the 5 candidate countries in the Western Balkans: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Montenegro. In the agenda announced by Janos, Hungary's priorities also include strengthening the union's external borders, combating irregular migration, taking steps to solve demographic problems in Europe, adopting an agricultural policy that centers on farmers, strengthening Europe's defense policy, and signing a New European Competitiveness Deal to boost the EU's competitiveness.

According to the agenda, in order to achieve its presidency goals, Hungary will organize official and informal European Council meetings, projects, and conferences, and will invite EU leaders to Hungary.

MAKE EUROPE GREAT AGAIN

The complex situation in relations between Budapest and Brussels is also reflected in Hungary's EU presidency slogan. Referencing former US President Donald Trump's "Make America Great Again" slogan, Hungary chose the slogan "Make Europe Great Again." In a statement made by the European Council on social media regarding Hungary taking over the presidency, the phrase "It will be an exciting 6 months" was used.

Hungary previously held the EU presidency between January 1 and June 30, 2011. Hungary's slogan at that time was "A Strong Europe."

News Source: İHA