Page 44 - bne_July 2024_20240709

44 I Central Europe bne July 2024
Minister for European Union Affairs Janos Boka presenting Hungary's priorities for its EU presidency. / bne IntelliNews
Hungary wants to 'Make Europe Great Again' during its EU presidency
engagement with Russia in areas like energy and technology.
"As a president of the Council, we will
be honest brokers who will work loyally with all member states and institutions," Boka said in the press conference.
He also recalled that Hungary has been a member of the EU for 20 years and chaired the EU Council 13 years ago
for the first time since joining the EU in 2024.
Hungary has determined seven priorities for the presidency. It plans
to adopt a new competitiveness agreement, support the strengthening of the European defence industry
and innovation, and member states' cooperation in procurement, he
said. Hungary is also aiming to sign partnership agreements to protect the EU's external borders and to handle the root causes of migration, as well as to further the integration of membership candidates, he added.
Hungary will launch a "strategic debate on the future of cohesion policy" and support a pro-farmer agricultural policy. Demographic issues will also be tabled at every council formation, he added.
Hungary plans to hold 37 formal council meetings and 1,500 meetings of various council working groups, as well as
16 informal meetings, an informal meeting of the European Council, and
a summit of the European Political Community, he said.
The presidency also unveiled the Rubik's Cube as its logo, which Boka described as "the essence of Hungarian genius". Hungary is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the famous 3x3 colour cube, initially designed as a teaching tool, becoming the world’s best-selling puzzle or toy.
Tamas Csonka in Budapest
Hungary unveiled "Make Europe Great Again" as the slogan for its upcoming six-month presidency of the Council of the EU from July 1, mirroring the famous campaign catchphrase of former US president Donald Trump.
The motto points to a proactive presidency and symbolises the notion that "we are stronger together than apart", Minister for European Union Affairs Janos Boka said at a press conference presenting the official priorities of the presidency.
When asked about the slogan, Boka downplayed the evident connection, saying he was not aware that the former US president has ever wanted to make Europe great.
Hungary’s radical rightwing leader forged friendly relations with Trump during his term in the White House and Orban is the only EU head of state who has openly endorsed the Republican presidential nominee again.
www.bne.eu
The former president had praised
the hardline stance of the Hungarian premier on immigration and national sovereignty and compared Orban to having a twin brother during his visit to Washington in May 2019.
This alignment with Trump contrasts sharply with the more critical approach of the Joe Biden administration over the Orban’s illiberal shift and the country's democratic backsliding.
Hungary is also seen as a potential weak link in the transatlantic alliance, highlighted by the delay in the ratification of Sweden’s Nato membership. Washington has also voiced concern about the country's
“Hungary is also seen as a potential weak link in the transatlantic alliance, highlighted by the delay in the ratification of Sweden’s Nato membership”