Hungary will be the rotating president of the European Union for the next six months. Decisions must be made during those six months on the appointment of new European Commissioners, and the possible reappointment of Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. It must also be clear who will be the new Agriculture Commissioner.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Hungary takes over that presidency amid much controversy and international attention. Orbán, known for his Eurosceptic and autocratic tendencies, says he will “make the EU great again.”
Hungary has indicated that it will pay special attention to the importance of farmers in European agricultural policy. Agriculture Minister István Nagy emphasized that the EU policy should be more focused on the needs of farmers and that Hungary will strive for a policy that better supports the agricultural sector.
The Hungarian government has already made several proposals aimed at improving conditions for farmers. One of these proposals is to increase direct subsidies to farmers, something that many Member States agree with. However, the implementation of such measures may encounter resistance from Member States that favor more market-oriented reforms.
Moreover, few drastic EU decisions in the field of agriculture are expected in the next year and a half, because preparations are already being made for a new common agricultural policy from 2026. In addition, it is expected that less rather than more EU money will be available in the multi-year budget.
In addition to agricultural policy, the Hungarian presidency will also have to address other pressing issues such as migration, energy policy and the strengthening of the rule of law within the EU. Hungary itself will be under a magnifying glass, especially in the area of the rule of law, as the country itself is regularly criticized for violations of democratic norms and values.
The controversy surrounding Orbán's domestic policies, such as restrictions on press freedom and independent judiciary, casts a shadow over expectations for the Hungarian presidency.
Given the fact that the 27 heads of government must first agree at a EU summit on the composition of a new Commission, that the European Parliament must then approve this and then new policy plans must be discussed and drawn up, it is not expected that in the next six months, Hungary will be able to put whatever new EU policy on track.