Photo by Dan Freeman on Unsplash
Hungary has taken up the rotating presidency at a sensitive time for Europe, a time of political transition within the institutions and extraordinary challenges for the Union.
Serious concern has been voiced in some quarters about its suitability for the post at such a time. This is due to the repeated issues the EU has had with Hungary and its prime minister Viktor Orban over the years.
On Thursday, French MEP Valerie Hayer, leader of Renew Europe group in the EU parliament, reportedly said that “the Hungarian prime minister is undermining positions adopted by the European Union and acting contrary to our interests and it has to stop. It is time to rein in Viktor Orbán’s rogue presidency of the Council.” RE won 75 seats in the recent EU elections.
However, support has been expressed by others, including the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC).
At this week’s July plenary session of the EESC, Committee president Oliver Röpke hosted a debate with the Hungarian Minister for European Union Affairs, János Bóka, who presented the main priorities of the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the EU for the next 6 months.
Speaking at the session on 10 July, Bóka, a key minister in Orban’s government who will play an important role for the EU until the end of the year, stressed the critical role that Hungary intends to play.
He said, “The 2024 Hungarian Presidency of the Council comes at a time of multiple crises.”
“We are witnessing war in our neighbourhood, declining European competitiveness, increasing tensions in the EU’s trade relations, demographic challenges, uncontrolled migration and decreasing prospects for European farmers.”
Bóka added that the adoption of a New European Competitiveness Deal was a key priority for the Hungarian Presidency.
They were keen to create the conditions for sustainable growth, deepen the internal market, focus on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, promote the green and digital transition in partnership with European economic stakeholders and individuals, foster international cooperation, and ensure the stability and sustainability of good quality jobs.
Pointing out that the Committee has a long-standing history of working well with Council presidencies, Oliver Röpke spoke about the institution’s role as a guardian of European values.
He noted, “Our Committee is committed to working closely together with the Hungarian Presidency to ensure that the EU is taking action on what Europeans feel are the most urgent priorities.”
He added, “We will be invaluable partners, but also outspoken and constructive critics. Civil society has a strong voice, and we will ensure that it is heard.”
During the ensuing debate, the President of the EESC’s Employers’ Group, Stefano Mallia, pointed out that ‘we need to create the conditions to make sure that the greatness of the EU is not only protected but also allowed to grow in the right regulatory environment.
“Too many businesses and too many young people are leaving Europe. We need to tackle the issue of declining competitiveness: a healthy business community is only possible with better designed regulation.”
Further contribution came from Lucie Studničná, President of the EESC’s Workers’ Group.
She recognised that ‘we are witnessing in general a rise in political extremism, fuelled by difficult living conditions and the lack of opportunities.
“A Europe dotted with queues for food banks and people who might not have heating this winter, if they have a home at all. A Europe surrounded by the dead who tried to reach safety there, fleeing war and persecution. Europe, hiding behind walls, figurative and real, cannot be great again”.
