Orbán's EU Presidency, full of controversies, concludes

Redacción Aquí Europa The Hungarian presidency of the Council of the European Union, which took place from 1 July to 31 December 2024, closes a chapter full of contrasts and controversies. In terms of achievements, Hungary has prioritised key areas such as economic competitiveness, the expansion of Schengen and the accession of new members to the Union. However, these initiatives have been accompanied by significant tensions with other European institutions, especially on issues related to respect for the rule of law and democratic governance. This presidency, assumed by the government of Viktor Orbán, has been seen both as an opportunity to show Hungary's commitment to the European project and as a period in which the internal and external challenges facing the country in its relationship with Brussels have been reflected. One of the main milestones of the Hungarian presidency was the adoption of the Budapest Declaration, a document that sets out twelve strategic priorities to strengthen the competitiveness of the European Union in the coming years. This agreement seeks to boost areas such as the single market, industrial policy, technological innovation and access to finance. With these measures, Hungary has attempted to project an image of leadership in the EU's economic recovery after recent crises. In addition, this declaration establishes a framework for cooperation that could benefit all Member States, emphasizing the need to adapt to global changes and strengthen Europe's strategic autonomy in key sectors. Bulgaria and Romania in the Schengen area In the area of migration policy, Hungary has promoted the enlargement of the Schengen area, achieving the incorporation of Bulgaria and Romania as of January 2025. This progress represents a significant step in the integration of the Member States of Eastern Europe, a region traditionally marginalized in terms of political and economic benefits within the EU. During this semester, negotiations for the accession of the Western Balkans have also been intensified, particularly with Montenegro, Serbia and Albania. This reinforces the EU's commitment to the stability and development of this region, although the process still faces important obstacles, such as the need for internal reforms in the candidate countries. In the agricultural sector, the Hungarian presidency promoted the adoption of Council Conclusions on the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post-2027. This approach seeks to ensure food security within the Union, adapting to the challenges of climate change and fluctuations in international markets. In addition, demography has been another central theme, with discussions on strategies to counteract population ageing and low birth rates in key countries, such as Spain and Italy. Hungary has put forward ambitious proposals to encourage population growth, although these ideas have generated debates on their viability in the current context. Numerous controversies Despite progress, the Hungarian presidency has been marked by constant criticism related to respect for the rule of law. The European Parliament has repeatedly denounced Viktor Orbán's policies, which reportedly erode judicial independence, press freedom and minority rights. This conflict has generated tensions not only between Budapest and Brussels, but also within the member states themselves, which are debating how to deal with the actions of a country that, although an integral part of the EU, challenges some of its fundamental values. Another source of controversy has been the sanction imposed by the EU on Hungary, which lost access to €200 million in community funds. The sanction was the result of violations of migration legislation, particularly the elimination of the right to asylum for people seeking international protection. This financial punishment underlines the seriousness of the disputes between Hungary and the European Commission, and highlights the need to resolve the discrepancies over the interpretation and application of common rules. In addition, Hungary's relationship with Russia during this semester has raised concerns. The issuance of “national cards” to Russian and Belarusian citizens, allowing them to work and reside in Hungary, has been perceived as a contradictory move to the EU’s sanctions policies following the invasion of Ukraine. This measure has been criticised by several Member States who fear that the Hungarian stance could compromise European unity in the face of external geopolitical threats. In conclusion, the Hungarian presidency has been a period of light and shadow. On the one hand, it has achieved tangible progress in areas such as the expansion of Schengen, support for European competitiveness and strengthening agricultural policies. On the other, political tensions and controversies around democratic values have left a mixed legacy that raises questions about the future of the relationship between Hungary and the European Union. With the Polish presidency about to start in January 2025, it will be interesting to see how Hungary’s priorities and challenges unfold.

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