Hungary’s Rubik’s Cube Presidency: Balancing Unity and Strength While Prioritizing Economic, Agricultural and Immigration Policies

Hungary is set to take over the European Union Council Presidency for the next six months. As it prepares to lead, the country has chosen a Rubik’s Cube as its symbol, emphasizing the need for concentration in keeping all 27 states on track. Hungarian architect Ernö Rubik invented the famous cube with colored squares, adding a unique touch to the upcoming presidency.

Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s government has chosen the motto “Make Europe great again”, abbreviated as Mega, to accompany the presidency. This emphasizes the importance of unity and strength, while Minister for European Affairs Janos Boka highlighted Hungary’s active role in Europe as an independent global actor in a changing world.

With priorities in economic and agricultural policy, Hungary aims to set new impulses during its presidency. The government plans to focus on a “new deal for European competitiveness” and a “farmer-oriented agricultural policy”. Additionally, curbing illegal migration stands as a key priority, along with strengthening common defense policy and addressing demographic challenges.

Despite not supporting the new EU pact on asylum and migration, Hungary has indicated that it will prioritize enlargement of the Western Balkans over supporting Ukraine’s accession negotiations. While some concerns have been raised about potential obstruction of crucial EU decisions during its presidency, hopes are high that Orban will prove to be a bridge builder despite differences in viewpoints. Skipping Hungary in the order of Council Presidencies was considered but deemed too politically risky. It is expected that Hungary’s presidency will bring unique perspectives and contribute positively to ongoing challenges and developments within the EU.