Hungary promises to 'Make Europe Great Again' during EU Council presidency

Hungary has unveiled its slogan for its six-month presidency of the EU. Janos Boka, Hungary's EU Affairs minister, said the country would "make Europe great again", in a clear reference to former US president Donald Trump's election campaign.

Like Trump, Hungarian president Viktor Orban has a reputation for going against the grain, often vetoing major European decisions, such as on Ukraine. According to Lithuanian minister Gabrielius Lansbergis, 41 per cent of all EU resolutions on Ukraine have been blocked by Hungary.

Orban has gone so far that Article 7 was invoked against his country, a procedure that can lead to the suspension of voting rights for serious violations of the EU's fundamental values. Earlier this month, Belgian Foreign minister Hadja Lahbib said Europe should "have the courage" to invoke Article 7 and override Hungary's veto.

'Real solutions to real problems'

But according to Boka, the slogan points to a proactive presidency and symbolises the idea that "we are stronger together than apart". "The Hungarian presidency will seek real solutions to Europe's real problems," he said.

Boka asserts that Hungary wants to play the role of an "honest broker" and cooperate with other member states and EU institutions. But Budapest's European policy also represents a "very clear alternative" and "this vision of Europe will also be represented in our work", he says.

Hungary takes over the presidency from Belgium on 1 July for six months. Its priorities include strengthening European competitiveness, enlargement to the Western Balkans, migration policy and demographic challenges.

^{© PHOTO NICK GAMMON / AFP}