Brussels's playbook for blocking Hungary's EU presidency

The European Parliament is working towards blocking Hungary and Poland from taking over the EU presidency in 2024, with guidance from the Dutch Meijers Committee. On the basis of a proposal from the expert group, the EP's left-wing majority is expected to shortly draft a resolution setting out the conditions under which a member state could be excluded from exercising the rotating presidency.

FRANCE-EU-PARLIAMENT-ENVIRONMENT Fotó: FREDERICK FLORIN

At yesterday's press briefing, Gergely Gulyas, minister heading the prime minister's office, made clear that

it is unrealistic that Hungary will not hold the EU's presidency.

Meanwhile, John Morijn , a member of the Meijers Committee, revealed that Brussels fears and tries to block Hungary's rotating presidency because the Hungarian government's stance on migration is different from Brussels's position, and Hungary could therefore steer related regulations in the opposite direction.

Hungary cannot be trusted not to take the regulation in the opposite direction to what would be in the interests of Brussels. I’m afraid Hungary is looking after its own interests rather than those of the community,

the advisor told Klubradio. In response to a question, Mr Morijn touched on the status of EU funds due to Hungary, saying that no progress is seen regarding the fulfillment of the rule of law conditions. No change is seen in combating corruption or in reforming the judicial system, which all indicate that the moment for disbursing money has not yet come.

Cover photo: One of the committee's absurd proposals has won the approval of MEPs, but taking away the opportunity from Hungary is unrealistic  (Photo: Europress/AFP)