Hungary, under the leadership of controversial Prime Minister Viktor Orban, will hold the presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) from Monday until the end of December under the slogan “Make Europe Great Again.”
At a time when the EU is undergoing changes in its institutions due to a new post-European electoral mandate and when member states are faced with challenges such as competitiveness, defense and migration, Hungary succeeds Belgium in the rotating presidency of the Council.
“Make Europe Great Again” is the motto of this rotating European presidency, similar to the North American slogan and political movement popularized by Donald Trump during his successful 2016 presidential campaign.
The choice comes just months before the US presidential election scheduled for November, and when Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban had good relations with Donald Trump, who could again become president of the United States.
However, the Hungarian government has already rejected any similarities, instead favoring “the idea that Europe is capable of becoming a global player” as part of this “active presidency” of Hungary.
The chosen logo contains a Rubik’s cube with the colors of the EU (blue and yellow, from the stars on the flag) and the Hungarian flag (red, white and green).
The program for the Hungarian Presidency states that “Hungary assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in times of extraordinary circumstances and challenges.”
“Our continent faces common challenges from a war in our neighborhood, the EU’s growing lag behind its global competitors, a fragile security situation, illegal migration, the vulnerability of international supply chains, natural disasters, the effects of climate change and the impact of demographic trends,” it lists document Budapest.
In addition, since 2024 is a transition year, “the Hungarian Presidency will have to ensure the continuity of the Council in cooperation with the newly created European Parliament and the European Commission, and begin the implementation of the Strategic Program for 2024-2029.” , which sets out the long-term guidelines for the future work of the Union,” he adds.
For this reason, “the Hungarian Presidency and Europe must be prepared for the fact that wars, armed conflicts, humanitarian crises in the world and their consequences will continue to challenge the continent in the second half of 2024,” he emphasizes.
Hungary also promises in information on its new website to “act as an honest broker in good faith cooperation with member states to achieve peace, security and prosperity in Europe during a difficult period.”
Priorities include a new European Competitiveness Pact, strengthening European defence policy, combating illegal migration, defining the future of cohesion policy, and an EU agricultural policy focused on the economy and demography.
After Hungary, Poland will hold the biannual EU presidency in the first half of 2025, followed by Denmark in the second half of the same year.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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