Hungary’s EU Presidency to Prioritize Key Issues
Hungary is gearing up for its upcoming EU presidency, with cohesion policy, including issues around demographics, set to be a top priority. Tibor Navracsics, the minister of public administration and regional development, highlighted the importance of cohesion policy in addressing regional differences, promoting sustainable development, and strengthening economic and social cohesion within the EU community.
Navracsics emphasized the need for cohesion policy to be fine-tuned rather than radically reformed after 2027, with changes being made voluntarily. He stressed the importance of taking into account country-specific recommendations from the European Commission as well as proposals from EU members based on local needs.
Per-capita GDP was suggested by Navracsics as the benchmark for shaping overall cohesion policy and distributing community funding. Oliver Ropke, the head of the European Economic and Social Committee, echoed the sentiment that EU cohesion policy plays a crucial role in reducing economic and social inequalities, thereby reinforcing Europeans’ confidence in the European project.
János Bóka, the minister of European Union affairs, outlined the extensive preparations Hungary has undertaken for its EU presidency, including over 250 meetings with EU member states, candidate states, institutions, and European umbrella groups. Bóka highlighted the unprecedented scale of preparations, with plans in place for 122 extended legislative dossiers, 1,500 council working group meetings, and numerous presidency events to be held in Hungary.
As Hungary’s EU presidency draws near, the focus on cohesion policy and addressing demographic challenges remains at the forefront. The country is diligently preparing to take on the responsibilities that come with leading the EU, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and ensuring a successful presidency.
