Journalists say that despite the decision, the European Parliament can do little to prevent Hungary from taking over the bloc.
On 1 June, Members of the European Parliament adopted a non-binding resolution raising the question of whether Hungary could hold the rotating EU presidency in the second half of 2024. He writes the Euobserver post about it.
It was reported that it received support from parties extending from the center right to the extreme left, and it was accepted with 144 votes against 442, with 33 deputies abstaining. Thereupon, the parliamentarians questioned Hungary’s EU term presidency because of “incompatibility” with the rules and values of the European Union.
The publication writes that Hungary has been under the close attention of the EU since 2018. Its financing within the union was suspended due to problems with the rule of law and corruption.
Journalists said the European Parliament urged EU governments to find the “right decision” on the presidency as soon as possible and warned that if the council did not act, parliament could take “appropriate action”.
“If this country takes over the presidency and Orban advances his own agenda, it would be a disaster,” Dutch centre-left politician Thijs Reuthen told reporters on Wednesday.
Also, Liberal Member of the European Parliament Moritz Kerner said it should be understood that in this case we are not talking about a normal, democratic EU member state.
“If the council does not do anything, we will take the necessary measures,” he said.
Hungary’s response
Balažs Hidwegi, a deputy of Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s Fidesz party, reportedly said that MPs were violating EU law by trying to delay the EU presidency. According to him, Hungary is under pressure because of the migration crisis, the war in Ukraine and family politics.
But as journalists write, there is really little that parliament can do to prevent Orban from taking over the bloc. The order of the Presidency is determined by the member states and not by the European Parliament. Politically and legally, it will be very difficult for EU governments to delay Hungary’s EU presidency.
Recall that on May 23, Hungarian Prime Minister Orban stipulated the end of the war in Ukraine. According to him, the war can only be stopped when Russia reaches an agreement with the United States. He also said he hopes Donald Trump wins next year’s re-election, and while he disagrees with President Joe Biden, “criticizing the United States is bad for business.”
Source: Focus
Alfred Hart is an accomplished journalist known for his expert analysis and commentary on global affairs. He currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker, where he provides readers with in-depth coverage of the most pressing issues affecting the world today. With a keen insight and a deep understanding of international politics and economics, Alfred’s writing is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the world we live in.