Hungary, under the leadership of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, assumed the rotating presidency of the European Union (EU) on Monday. The motto for Hungary’s presidency is “Let’s make Europe great again.” Orbán took over the presidency from the Belgian Prime Minister in Brussels, where he met with Alexander De Croo, the head of the Belgian government, which previously held the rotating presidency of the EU for the last six months.
Hungarian European Affairs Minister János Bóka stated that the central objective of Hungary’s EU presidency is to strengthen European competitiveness. The Hungarian presidency aims to sign a new European pact for competitiveness during its term, focusing on identifying areas for decision-making to enhance competitiveness.
In addition to competitiveness, Hungary’s presidency priorities include common defense, defense of external borders, expansion of the EU, promotion of cohesion and agricultural policies, and addressing demographic issues. Budapest also plans to promote integration processes in Western Balkan countries and deepen relations with China. However, achieving unanimous votes on foreign policy decisions is challenging within the EU.
The slogan chosen for Hungary’s presidency has raised eyebrows as it echoes the slogan used by former US President Donald Trump. Orbán also announced the formation of a new right-wing nationalist and Eurosceptic group in the European Parliament called Patriots for Europe in collaboration with parties from Austria and Czech Republic.
Orbán’s actions have received mixed responses with some viewing them as provocations but it clearly shows Hungary’s commitment to its nationalist and Euroskeptic agenda. His presidency is likely to be marked by his efforts to uphold Hungary’s interests and push for a stronger more competitive Europe.