Hungary's European Presidency Draws to a Close Amid Controversy
The conclusion of Hungary's presidency of the European Union Council on December 31 has been met with relief among EU leaders and officials. Initially marked by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's unilateral visit to Moscow, which drew widespread condemnation, the presidency has been scrutinized for its impact on European unity against Russia.
Despite concerns, Hungary's leadership yielded some notable achievements. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, acknowledged progress on key issues during the last summit of EU leaders held under Hungary's presidency on December 19. She highlighted advancements in support for Ukraine, including the adoption of the 15th sanctions package and a framework agreement for a $50 billion loan from the G-7.
This recognition came as a surprise, given Orbán's longstanding pro-Russian stance and his resistance to EU support for Ukraine, which included his blocking of a proposed EUR6.6 billion military aid package for Ukraine for over a year.
Von der Leyen's acknowledgment contrasted sharply with her earlier criticisms of Hungary's presidency, which she had described as lacking in alignment with the EU's foreign policy objectives. She had previously confronted Orbán in the European Parliament, questioning the narrative that blamed Ukraine for the conflict instead of the aggressor.
Despite some successes, critics point out that Hungary concluded considerably fewer legislative procedures than previous presidencies. While Belgium and Spain wrapped up 69 and 68 procedures respectively, Hungary managed only eight, a stark contrast that reflects the challenges faced during this term.
On the final day of Hungary's presidency, the government further strained relations with Brussels by granting political asylum to former Polish Deputy Minister of Justice Marcel Romanowski, who faces charges of embezzlement and corruption. This decision was met with swift backlash from the newly elected Polish government and the European Commission, which emphasized the rarity of asylum grants among EU states.
As Hungary's term concludes, the country's contentious relationship with the EU remains evident. Orbán's early actions, including his Moscow visit, were viewed as undermining EU solidarity in facing Russian aggression. His so-called 'peace mission' also included meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and former U.S. President Donald Trump, positioning Hungary in a unique diplomatic stance that raised eyebrows in Brussels.
The European Commission's decision to freeze approximately EUR22 billion in European funds allocated to Hungary underscores the ongoing tensions related to rule of law and governance issues within the country.
As Hungary hands over the presidency to Portugal, the EU hopes for a more cohesive and less contentious leadership period.
