Hungary will hold the rotating presidency of the European Union (EU) for 6 months.
As of today, Hungary took over from Belgium, which has held the presidency since January 1, 2024.
The rotating presidency, which rotates every 6 months among EU member states, will be held by Hungary until January 1, 2025.
Hungary announced its priorities as “a farmer-oriented EU agricultural policy, a coherent and merit-based enlargement policy, addressing demographic challenges, preventing illegal migration, strengthening European defense policy, shaping the future of cohesion policy among member states and adopting the New European Competitiveness Agreement”
Hungary, which set the slogan of its presidency as “Make Europe Great Again”, stated that this symbolizes “an active and proactive presidency; member states are stronger together, Europe can be an independent global player”.
Hungary’s presidency, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orban, coincided with the reshaping of the EU governance following the European Parliament elections held on June 6-9. Therefore, although there will not be a dynamic legislative process, it is expected to be a period in which Budapest’s political vision will be on the agenda.
The Hungarian government has been in tension with the EU leadership over what it sees as a decline in democratic principles in the country in recent years.
A legal process is being carried out against Hungary on the grounds that it violates the Union’s law, and a significant portion of the amount Hungary will receive from EU funds is blocked for this reason.
Hungary will hand over the mandate to Poland on January 1, 2025.
