Hungary is set to take over the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU on 1 July 2024. During this six-month period, the presidency chair meetings at every level in the Council, helping to ensure the continuity of the EU’s work in the Council.
Although Hungary is inheriting a number of ongoing legislative files from the current Belgian Presidency, the term is expected to be quieter when it comes to new files. The Hungarian presidency programme has set out the priorities and main directions of the Hungarian presidency of the Council of the EU.
They have chosen the slogan “Make Europe Great Again” and ensured they will “work as an honest broker, in the spirit of sincere cooperation between member states and institutions, for the peace, security and prosperity of a truly strong Europe”.
The main priorities of the council are as follows:
New European Competitiveness Deal
This is a key priority in order to restore economic development within Europe, create conditions for sustainable growth, deepen the internal market, promote the green and digital transition and ensure the stability and sustainability of jobs.
The reinforcement of European defence policy
This is a key priority due to ongoing and emerging conflicts on the continent and in the world at large. Hungary have voiced that there is a need to significantly improve its defence capabilities, international crisis management responsiveness and capacities.
A consistent and merit-based enlargement policy
To preserve enlargement policy, the Presidency will look to further broaden and deepen cooperation with the Western Balkans.
Stemming illegal migration
The Hungarian Presidency have vowed to pay particular attention to the external dimension of migration, including efficient cooperation with relevant third countries, more effective returns, and innovative solutions for rule on asylum.
Shaping the future of cohesion policy
The Hungarians have voiced that a well-structured and balanced cohesion policy is the key instrument to ensure harmonious and balanced development in the Union. The Hungarian presidency plans to have a high-level strategic debate on the future of cohesion policy to include its role in promoting competitiveness and employment, as well as addressing demographic changes.
A farmer-oriented EU agricultural policy
The Hungarian Presidency plans to encourage the Agriculture and Fisheries Council to take advantage of the institutional transition period to guide the new Commission in formulating the rules of the Union’s post-2027 agricultural policy for a competitive, crisis-proof and farmer-friendly agriculture.
Addressing demographic challenges
The Hungarian Presidency wishes to draw attention to demographic challenges such as the accelerated ageing of European societies, unsustainable social welfare systems and labour shortages, stating that they need to be addressed urgently and effectively.
