Hungary has taken over the presidency of the Council of the European Union. Why this is controversial – and what the right-wing nationalist government is planning.
Table of contents
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What is it about?
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How did that happen?
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What is Orban’s government planning?
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How much power will Hungary get?
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Why is the Hungarian Presidency controversial?
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How do MEPs view this?
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What else does Orban have planned?
What is it about?
Hungary took over the EU Council Presidency on Monday, and the country will now chair the European Council until the end of December. Government representatives from Hungary will chair numerous ministerial meetings and mediate in disagreements between EU states. Hungary will also represent the European Council to the other EU institutions, such as the European Parliament.
How did that happen?
The EU Council Presidency rotates every six months between the 27 member states. Previously, it was Belgium’s turn.
What is Orban’s government planning?
The right-wing nationalist Hungarian government has given its Council Presidency the motto “Make Europe Great Again” – a modified election campaign slogan of the controversial American ex-president Donald Trump. Hungary has set itself the goal of using the Presidency to promote the economic competitiveness of the EU. Prime Minister Orban has also announced that migration will be a focus of the EU Council Presidency.
How much power will Hungary get?
The power of the Council Presidency is limited: legislative proposals come from the EU Commission. The wording of the legal texts is then finally negotiated by the EU states and Parliament. In addition, now – three weeks after the European elections – neither the Commission nor the Parliament are fully operational. Numerous important positions still have to be filled. Many new legislative initiatives are therefore not to be expected in this phase.
Why is the Hungarian Presidency controversial?
The right-wing populist Orban is known for his critical stance towards the EU. He has also been criticized for years for undermining democracy in his country. Hungary is at odds with Brussels on a number of issues, such as migration policy or relations with Russia and support for Ukraine. With a view to the Hungarian Council Presidency, fears have recently been raised that Orban could use the six months to delay Ukraine’s EU accession process, for example.
How do MEPs view this?
A year ago, several MEPs criticised Hungary’s impending takeover of the Council Presidency. MEPs from the conservative EPP group, the social democratic S&D, the liberal Renew Europe group, the Greens and the Left doubted that Hungary would be able to “fulfill this task credibly in 2024” because the country “does not comply” with EU law and values. Hungary, in turn, denounced this as an “anti-Hungarian initiative”.
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What else does Orban have planned?
Viktor Orban also wants to expand his influence in the EU Parliament. One day before taking over the Council Presidency, he announced the formation of a new right-wing faction in Parliament. The “Patriots for Europe” group includes the Hungarian governing party Fidesz, the right-wing Austrian FPÖ and the liberal-populist Czech ANO. The alliance is open to other parties that support the “Patriotic Manifesto” signed by the three party leaders in Vienna on Sunday.
