Hungary takes on EU Presidency

On July 1, 2024, Hungary took over the EU Council Presidency from Belgium. During the coming six months, Hungary will guide EU policy discussions and decisions.

As a tribute to former US President Donald Trump, Hungary’s presidency´s slogan is “Make Europe Great Again”. The Presidency is unfortunately marred by Prime Minister Orban’s and his Fidesz party’s authoritarian tendencies to undermine the independence of the judiciary and the media, as well as the freedom of NGOs and universities.

In terms of content, Hungary has set itself seven key priorities:

1. New European Competitiveness Deal: Enhancing productivity, supporting SMEs, and promoting green and digital transitions.

2. Defence Policy: Strengthening European defence capabilities.

3. Western Balkans Enlargement: Promoting EU enlargement in the Western Balkans.

4. Illegal Migration: Implementing cohesive measures to combat illegal migration.

5. Labour Market Activation: Tackling labour shortages by mobilizing internal reserves and increasing employment.

6. Work-Life Balance and Gender Equality: Promoting policies that support these issues alongside integrating different demographic groups into the labour market.

7. Social Integration and Poverty Reduction: Focusing on economic empowerment for persons with disabilities and advancing efforts to reduce poverty.