Eurosceptic Viktor Orban takes over the reins of the European Union

After Belgium, unpredictable Hungary: Viktor Orbán’s country takes over the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union from today for six months, and has pledged, to allay Brussels’ fears, to act with “neutrality”.

Anti-democratic transformations and relations with the Kremlin, despite the Russian invasion of Ukraine: The European Parliament and many member states view the Hungarian presidency with unease.

In Budapest, the government is seeking to reassure those worried, saying it is ready to assume the “obligations and responsibilities” of its mission, which continues until December.

“We will act as a neutral mediator, with full loyalty to all member states,” Hungarian European Affairs Minister János Bucca said in mid-June, while presenting his country’s programme.

“At the same time,” he added, Hungary would benefit from the spotlight to advance its “vision of Europe.”

On the rule of law, migration and the war in Ukraine, Budapest intends to listen to its differences, which have repeatedly brought it into conflict with its EU partners and cost it billions in frozen European resources.

After Hungary’s last presidency in 2011, Orbán commented with relief that he had given “friendly jabs, slaps and handcuffs” to the “zealous executioners” of the European Parliament, a den of what he described as “liberals and leftists.”

This time the 61-year-old veteran prime minister appears more aggressive, denigrating the “technocratic elite” in Brussels and using a series of vetoes in recent months to block military aid to Kiev.

He had promised to “take control of Brussels” after the European elections, which he described as “historic,” but despite the rise of the extreme right on June 9, he did not achieve an impressive victory.

Viktor Orbán has also failed to influence the choice of people for key EU posts: despite his opposition, Ursula von der Leyen will remain as Commission President.

The Hungarian prime minister ultimately failed to win the European Parliament: he lost MEPs, and his Fidesz party MEPs were among those who did not join any Eurogroup.

However, he continues operations with other parties in Central Europe.

Yesterday, Sunday, from Vienna, Orban announced his intention to form the Eurogroup “Patriots for Europe” with the Austrian Nationalist Freedom Party, led by Herbert Kickl, and the populist Anu Party, led by former Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis.

It needs the support of four other countries to succeed in forming the Eurogroup.

Hungary’s presidency will be based on seven priorities, including strengthening the EU’s “economic competitiveness”, better tackling “illegal migration” and advancing the Western Balkan accession process.

Orbán will undoubtedly try to put up obstacles on some key issues and ease restrictions on respect for the rule of law so that his country can access European funds, but “his room for manoeuvre is limited,” says Daniel Hegedus, a researcher at the German Marshall Fund.

The rotating presidency, which allows one country to control the agenda of the 27-nation meetings, gives it significant power, but not absolute, according to many diplomats.

What’s more, Belgian and European institutions have put in place safeguards so that serious decisions can be taken and “volatility is reduced,” explains Hegindos.

New EU sanctions against Russia were approved and “historic” accession negotiations with Ukraine began: two decisions to which Hungary did not agree.

Despite its limited capacity for disruption, Budapest will not hesitate to indulge in “communications challenges,” the same analyst predicts.

The Hungarian presidential slogan speaks volumes: “Make Europe Great Again,” a slogan borrowed from former US President Donald Trump.