Hungarian EU Presidency Watch

Hungary held the EU Presidency in the second half of 2024, creating opportunities to significantly influence both policymaking and public discourse in the EU and, more broadly, on the international stage. Political Capital monitored the presidency and published regular reports entitled Hungarian EU Presidency Watch.

Given the Hungarian government’s controversial rhetoric on the EU and its position on EU (and partly NATO) policies, including but not limited to supporting Ukraine and sanctioning Russia for its aggression, it is important to understand and raise awareness of Hungary's policies and communication activities that may indirectly advance conflicting geopolitical interests in European societies at such critical times.

• The Hungarian presidency was characterized by a mix of "honest broker" and "trolling" approaches. The duplicitous tactics of the presidency were illustrated by the fact that while it tried to maintain its role as an honest broker at the policy level, with lower-level ministry leaders, officials and experts working hard to achieve results, at the political level the top leadership sought to troll and clash with the European mainstream, including the European Commission and most member state governments.
• The EU Presidency was not at the forefront of the government's domestic communication, but it was used as a reference point or proof of success when needed. The Hungarian government made it clear that it intended to use the attention and symbolic power of the presidency to troll and provoke the European mainstream, punch above its weight, amplify its messages internationally, make gestures to its authoritarian partners and illiberal allies, and present the prime minister as a successful and respected European leader and global peacemaker. Among others, this was evident in the MEGA slogan ("Make Europe Great Again"), Viktor Orbán's July diplomatic tour, which he described as a "peace mission," and the quick trip to Georgia following the controversial October election.

Our reports aimed to promote a more informed and resilient political environment in the North Atlantic through data-driven research, public awareness and advocacy. These analyses should help navigate the complexities of the Hungarian EU Presidency.

Reports

Final summary analysis based on the six-month monitoring of the presidency:  Hungary's EU presidency in review: remembered more for its unorthodoxy than its policy achievements (22 January 2025).

Regular analyses published throughout the presidency:

• Achievements overshadowed by diplomatic tensions – Hungarian EU Presidency Watch - 14 January 2025
• The final act: new peace offensive, budget passed, Schengen to be extended - 11 December 2024
• Proceedings against Hungary continue as Schengen deal nears for Bulgaria and Romania - 27 November 2024
• A Volatile Unity: Hungary's Leadership Amid Geopolitical Shift and EU Challenges - 13 November 2024
• Gearing up for the big show amid a "peace mission" 2.0 and new levels of anti-EU rhetoric – 30 October 2024
• In the shadow of the “Strasbourg Battle” – 16 October 2024
• Prioritizing politics over policy? – A review of the Hungarian EU Presidency’s first three months – 2 October 2024
• Trolling to weaken the EU while winking at Trump: the first week of Hungary's rotating EU presidency – 10 July 2024

The project is funded by the Open Information Partnership.