HCC: Hungary Assumes the E.U. Presidency: What To Expect

By Alex Lingerfelt

July 15th, 2024

What are the first things to come to mind when you hear the words “Hungary” and “EU.” Cooperation? Conflict? Rivalry? Viktor Orban? Many words can be put next to each other to effectively describe the complicated relationship between the nation-state of Hungary and the supranational organization of the European Union. One day Hungary is protesting some of the European Union’s policies that Hungary deems to be overreaching, another day Hungary is delaying aid shipments to Ukraine. Through Viktor Orban, Hungary has taken a unique position on the world stage. A country that is part of both the EU and NATO yet still enjoys friendly ties with Russia. A country that has a great relationship with Donald Trump–to which the respect is mutual–yet also a country that has a close connection with China. When it comes to countries in Geopolitics, none are in such an interesting yet quixotic position as Hungary. And with Hungary taking the seat of the EU presidency pretty soon, the only guarantee is that much drama on the geopolitical stage will arise. Here at the Hungarian Culture Chronicle, we seek to explain the EU’s complicated presidential system, and Hungary’s goal in the EU presidency, and list some conflicts that are bound to arise between the nation-state and supranational organization.

E.U. System

On July 1st, Hungary is set to take control of the EU’s rotating presidential system. This will perhaps lead to some exciting events…depending on what your version of the word “exciting” is. But before we get into all the conflict and drama that will characterize Hungary’s six-month term in the EU, we must first try to explain the very complicated EU presidency. The EU has a rotating presidential council of three member states. These states work together in groups of three to set long-term goals and agendas that will be addressed over 18 months. Each of these member states will gain even more control of the presidency to set a more detailed plan for the European Union every 6 months. So the trio’s total term is 18 months with each state in the trio personally directing a more detailed plan for 6 months at a time. Currently, Hungary is the last of the EU presidential council of itself, Spain, and Belgium.

Hungary's EU Presidency Logo

Hungary's Goal 

Hungary’s goals include enhancing the competitiveness of the EU, boosting defense, making policy more merit-based, preventing illegal immigration, permitting agrarian policies, and addressing demographic challenges. The last three issues will probably see more conflict and protest among other European Union member states. On their presidential website which can be seen here (Hungary's presidency), Hungary states “The Hungarian presidency and Europe must be prepared for the fact that wars, armed conflicts, humanitarian crises in the world, and their aftermath will continue to challenge the continent in the second half of 2024. Hungary 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.” On the website there is a link to o forty-page detailed programme which includes the following table of contents:

Summary

Though some of the initiatives are non-controversial, others are bound to cause controversy. The Hungarian Culture Chronicle tried to list all the important issues from an objective point of view–not giving our opinions. If you want to learn much more about the drama to come, the HCC recommends simply typing “Hungary’s EU presidency” and reading plenty of articles on the subject. Already, news outlets are speculating that Brussels should be afraid of Orban, while many draw attention to Hungary’s slogan of “Make Europe Great Again.” For better or for worse (hopefully for the better), this situation truly captures the Hungarian proverb “Who knows what tomorrow will bring.”