Will Hungary’s Presidency Rock the EU?

Summary:

The Council of the EU’s rotating presidency is often described as ‘responsibility without power’. Whichever member-state is at the helm drives the EU’s legislative agenda and represents the Council in negotiations with the EU’s other law-making institutions. The presidency lacks hard powers, however, and given the complicated and consensual nature of EU decision-making, its priorities often get watered down or subsumed by crises and unexpected developments.

The 2024 Hungarian presidency was worrying. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s years-long, consistent policy of undermining EU unity on Ukraine and other issues prompted many to question whether Hungary should should take on the role. The Hungarians held the presidency immediately after the EU elections and when key positions in the Commission were still being negotiated. This, and the technical nature of the presidency’s responsibilities, including planning and chairing meetings, was expected to  limit major policy-level damage. The main risks were to day-to-day functioning and the EU’s reputation.

An EU beset by wayward leadership could have a harder time navigating challenges, especially in a geopolitically uncertain period. Hungary could undermine unity in the face of foreign policy challenges, such as a potential Trump presidency, Russian advances in Ukraine or further instability in the Middle East. While Hungarian diplomats reassured critics that it would be “a presidency as usual,” the provocative motto of ‘Make Europe Great Again’ complementing its priorities cast doubt on that.

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ESO Records

European Information Hub: Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, July to December 2024 https://www.europeansources.info/record/hungarian-presidency-of-the-council-of-the-european-union-july-to-december-2024/

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