As of July 1st, Hungary assumed the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union, a term that will run until December 31st. The presidency rotates every six months among EU member states, organized in groups of three, or “trios.” These trios establish long-term objectives and prepare a common agenda that will guide the Council’s priorities and key issues over an 18-month period.
However, this transition was not as smooth as expected. Belgium’s departure was marked by a pointed remark from Prime Minister Alexander De Croo to Hungary’s leader, Viktor Orbán: “The presidency does not mean you are the boss of Europe.”
Even before Hungary assumed the presidency, it faced controversy. Some questioned whether the country should take on this role due to concerns raised under Article 7 of the EU Treaty, which allows the Union to act when a member state is deemed to be violating core EU values. In addition, Viktor Orbán’s decision to travel to Ukraine, Russia, and China, prominently displaying EU flags and using the Hungarian presidency logo, was met with backlash. Some of these countries even reported that Orbán’s trips were framed as being on behalf of the EU—a move that infuriated several European leaders.
This rocky start is not the only unusual aspect of Hungary’s presidency. Ironically, one of the key issues the Council will address during this period is the launch of a new case against the Hungarian government. Facing potential losses of billions of forints in EU funding, Hungary will need to cooperate with the Council’s assessment of its compliance with the Rule of Law requirements. Additionally, Hungary — alongside other EU governments — has come under fire for excessive spending and could face penalties from the Council.
The paradox doesn’t end there. Hungary might also take legal action against the very institution it is currently presiding over.
Despite these contradictions, Hungary appears determined to act, in its own words, 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,” according to János Bóka, Hungary’s Minister for EU Affairs.
In its programme, Hungary has outlined its main priorities: addressing the war in Europe’s neighborhood, the EU’s declining global competitiveness, security vulnerabilities, illegal migration, natural disasters, climate change, and demographic challenges. These issues are, of course, EU-wide concerns but also align with Hungary’s national interests.
While the Fidesz-led government has often been criticized for pushing through constitutional and legal changes to its own advantage, it’s unlikely that its presidency will bring about significant policy shifts. The six-month term is brief, and most EU regulations or directives take between one year and 18 months to be fully developed. Furthermore, the Hungarian presidency will be cut even shorter due to the August summer break, December holidays, and the institutional changes that follow the European Parliamentary elections.
Ultimately, we will have to wait and see whether Hungary’s actions during its presidency will demonstrate a genuine commitment to the Union’s path and values.
Fortunately, I am right at the heart of the action and will continue to follow developments closely.
Mafalda Braga Peixoto
Europe XXI 