Hungarian Presidency Outlines Ambitious Agenda Amid Scrutiny in European Parliament Committees

Hungarian Presidency Updates EP Committees on Key Goals

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Ministers are conducting a series of discussions with parliamentary committees to outline the main objectives of the Hungarian Presidency of the Council.

Hungary will preside over the Council until the end of December 2024. This document will be periodically revised as the hearings are conducted.

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During a session on September 19, János Bóka, the European Union Affairs Minister, emphasized the necessity of reforming the EU in preparation for future expansions. Addressing Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), he outlined the Presidency's plan to hold two high-level ministerial discussions focused on Europe's future. Bóka expressed concerns about preserving the balance between EU institutions while amending the Framework Agreement between the European Parliament and the European Commission. He also identified other key issues, such as the transparency of lobbying activities, the EU's accession to the European Court of Human Rights, and the establishment of an EU Ethics Body.

Members of the European Parliament discussed a range of topics, such as the Hungarian government's position on EU principles and its adherence to rulings by the EU Court of Justice. Numerous participants expressed worries over the Hungarian Prime Minister's recent trips to Moscow and Beijing. Meanwhile, some argued for a greater involvement of national authorities in EU decisions. The debate also touched on Hungary's declaration to pursue an exemption from EU migration regulations and its national assembly’s suggestion to eliminate European elections.

Environmental, Public Health, and Food Safety Concerns

On September 23, Anikó Raisz, who serves as the Secretary of State for Environmental Affairs and Circular Economy, announced that the Presidency aims to enhance Europe's competitiveness while tackling three major issues: cutting down pollution, combating climate change, and conserving biodiversity. Members of the European Parliament questioned the Minister on various topics including the EU's greenhouse gas reduction goals for 2040, the Clean Industrial Deal, the upcoming COP29 conference, recent flooding events in Europe, the circular economy, pollution, advancements in genomic techniques, chemical regulations, and the importance of forests and soil monitoring.

Péter Takács, the Secretary of State for Health, outlined key priorities, including the adoption of Council conclusions on cardiovascular diseases and the renewal of EU collaboration on organ donation and transplants. Additionally, the Presidency aims to adopt the revised Council recommendation on smoke-free environments and make progress on the pharmaceutical package. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) questioned the Presidency about planned actions regarding rare diseases, equitable access to medications, healthcare workforce shortages, the competitiveness of the EU pharmaceutical sector, and mRNA vaccines.

Adv

On September 26, State Secretary Tristan Azbej, responsible for Aid to Persecuted Christians, announced that the Presidency would focus on the interconnected areas of humanitarian efforts, peace, and development, with an emphasis on the Sahel region. Azbej highlighted several key priorities, including the execution of the EU’s Samoa Agreement with the Africa, Caribbean, and Pacific regions, addressing the fundamental causes of migration in partner countries, and endorsing the Global Gateway initiative along with the Team Europe development strategy.

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) expressed doubts about the Presidency's assertions regarding its support for human rights and democracy. Their skepticism stems from existing rule of law issues within the government and its connections with China and Russia. Additionally, MEPs highlighted the need to tackle the worldwide persecution of Christians and discussed strategies for enhancing collaboration with partner nations and countries of origin concerning the return and readmission of individuals.

Contacts:

Federico De Girolamo

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