For the primary time, a rustic which the EU Parliament has categorised as ‘undemocratic’, and which calls itself an ‘intolerant democracy’, will lead the Union.
In Brussels, many are enthusiastic regarding what the following six months will convey. Maybe particularly if Hungary desires to decelerate processes in coverage areas with which they disagree.
So just like the help for Ukraine.
Went towards the present
Because the EU chairmanship, it’s Hungary’s process to place points on the agenda and hammer out proposals for compromises. However in different phrases to drive the EU’s agenda ahead – and never block it, as Hungary appears to have used each alternative for a very long time.
Lately, Hungary has nearly made a sport of going towards the stream, for instance on the subject of Ukraine and the EU’s relations with Russia and China.
For Ukraine, this has meant that Hungary has blocked billions of euros in army help.
Prime Minister Viktor Orban can also be the one EU chief to congratulate Russian President Vladimir Putin on his election victory earlier this yr.
Many an eyebrow was additionally raised when Hungary introduced the slogan for its presidency: Make Europe Nice Once more, as a nod to the US’s Donald Trump and his previous slogan “Make America Nice Once more”.
On the verge of the EU
Whether or not Hungary will use its proper of veto as actively within the subsequent six months was one of many questions the Hungarian EU ambassador Balint Odor didn’t wish to reply when he met the press in Brussels lately.
– We have to be an sincere mediator, he repeated as a substitute a number of occasions.
Since they final held the presidency in 2011, Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s more and more authoritarian hand has introduced Hungary nearer and nearer to the EU.
The Fee has for a very long time withheld not less than 20 billion euros in help as a result of Orban, amongst different issues, prevents an impartial judiciary and a free press.
As well as, a so-called Article 7 course of continues to be ongoing towards Hungary, which within the excessive may result in the nation dropping its proper to vote within the EU.
– Cannot do a lot injury
Nonetheless, Hungary appear to have tried to clear away troublesome bumps within the highway earlier than taking on the chairmanship membership.
Final week they agreed to each new sanctions towards Russia and to begin membership negotiations with Ukraine.
As well as, they lastly authorised the brand new settlement on the EEA funds – following months of tug-of-war.
Nonetheless, it might be tough for Hungary to achieve the belief of the opposite EU nations, believes researcher Dorka Takacsy on the Heart for Euro-Atlantic Integration and Democracy.
– However six months isn’t lengthy. Which means that Hungary will be unable to take action a lot injury in any case, she tells the AP information company.
Different analysts additionally consider that Hungary’s affect might also be lower than anticipated. This isn’t least attributable to the truth that a big a part of the following six months might be spent on getting a brand new fee in place.
– Attention-grabbing place
Among the many seven matters that Hungary says it’s going to prioritize within the subsequent six months are the membership negotiations with the nations within the Western Balkans.
Hungary may also step up the struggle towards unlawful immigration.
Nevertheless, local weather isn’t talked regarding on the listing.
On the identical time, Belgium, which has held the chairmanship for the previous six months, is giving Hungary recommendation alongside the best way.
– The chairmanship means that you’re the one who has to make the compromises. It is an fascinating place to be in, not less than as soon as in a lifetime, so it is one thing I can undoubtedly suggest to Mr. Orban, says Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo.
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2024-07-02 06:40:23
