Hungarian Presidency Outlines Ambitious Agenda to EP Committees Amidst Scrutiny on EU Values and International Relations

Hungarian leaders brief European Parliament on upcoming goals

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Government officials are conducting multiple sessions with European Parliament committees to outline the main objectives of Hungary's Council Presidency.

Hungary will preside over the Council until the end of December 2024. This document will be continually revised as the hearings occur.

Matters Related to

On September 19, János Bóka, the Minister for European Union Affairs, emphasized the necessity for EU reforms in preparation for future expansions. Addressing Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), he noted that the Presidency plans to hold two high-level ministerial talks regarding Europe's future. Bóka also expressed worries about preserving the balance between EU institutions while updating the Framework Agreement between the European Parliament and the European Commission. Additionally, he pointed out other key priorities, including 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 several topics, such as the Hungarian government's position on European Union values and its adherence to rulings from the EU Court of Justice. Numerous participants expressed worries about the Prime Minister's recent trips to Moscow and Beijing, whereas some supported increasing the influence of national authorities in EU decisions. Additionally, Hungary's declaration to pursue an exemption from migration regulations and its national assembly's stance that European elections should be eliminated were subjects of conversation.

Ecology, Community Health, and Food Security

On September 23, Anikó Raisz, who serves as the Secretary of State for Environmental Affairs and Circular Economy, announced that the Presidency would advocate for a more competitive Europe by tackling three primary 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 2040 greenhouse gas reduction goal, the Clean Industrial Deal, the upcoming COP29 conference, recent European floods, the circular economy, pollution levels, advancements in genomic techniques, chemical regulations, and the importance of forests and soil monitoring.

Péter Takács, the Secretary of State for Health, emphasized key priorities such as passing Council conclusions about cardiovascular conditions and revamping EU collaboration on organ donations and transplants. The Presidency also plans to endorse the revised Council recommendation for smoke-free spaces and make progress on the pharmaceutical package. Members of the European Parliament questioned the Presidency about planned actions on rare diseases, equitable access to medications, healthcare workforce shortages, the competitiveness of the EU's pharmaceutical sector, and mRNA vaccines.

Progress

On September 26, Tristan Azbej, who serves as the State Secretary for the Aid of Persecuted Christians, announced that the Presidency would focus notably on the intersection of humanitarian aid, peace, and development, particularly in the Sahel region. Azbej highlighted several key priorities, including the execution of the EU’s Samoa Agreement with countries in Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. Additionally, he emphasized addressing the fundamental causes of migration in partner nations and endorsing the Global Gateway initiative along with the Team Europe development strategy.

Members of the European Parliament questioned the Presidency's assertions of supporting human rights and democracy, citing concerns about the rule of law within its administration and its connections with China and Russia. They also emphasized the need to tackle worldwide Christian persecution and discussed strategies for enhanced collaboration with partner nations and countries of origin regarding the return and readmission of individuals.

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Federico De Girolamo

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