Under the leadership of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Hungary takes over the presidency amid much controversy and international attention. Orbán, known for his eurosceptic and autocratic tendencies, says he aims to "make the EU great again."
Hungary has indicated that it will pay special attention to the importance of farmers in European agricultural policy. Minister of Agriculture István Nagy emphasized that EU policy should focus more on the needs of farmers and that Hungary will strive for policies that better support the agricultural sector.
The Hungarian government has already made several proposals aimed at improving conditions for farmers. One such proposal is to increase direct subsidies to farmers, a move that many member states can support. However, implementing these measures might face resistance from member states favoring more market-oriented reforms.
Furthermore, few significant EU decisions on agriculture are expected in the coming eighteen months, as preparations are already underway for a new common agricultural policy starting in 2026. Additionally, the multiannual financial framework is expected to provide less rather than more EU funding.
Besides agricultural policy, the Hungarian presidency will also have to address other urgent issues such as migration, energy policy, and strengthening the rule of law within the EU. Particularly on the rule of law, Hungary itself will be under close scrutiny, as the country is regularly criticized for breaches of democratic norms and values.
The controversy around Orbán's domestic policies, such as restrictions on press freedom and independent judiciary, casts a shadow over expectations for the Hungarian presidency.
Given that first the 27 heads of government must agree on the composition of a new Commission at an EU summit, then the European Parliament must approve it, and only then new policy plans can be discussed and developed, it is unlikely that Hungary will be able to set any new EU policy in motion within the upcoming six months.