Memorandum to the Hungarian Presidency of the EU

The Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, that takes over from the Belgian Council Presidency on the 1 July 2024, will bridge the transition period between the Ursula von der Leyen Commission and the ninth European Parliament (with elected presidents David Sassoli and Roberta Metsola) and the new Commission and Parliament. This will be the second time Hungary has the responsibility of holding the Council Presidency, the first being in 2011. Hungary joined the EU in 2004 following the 12 April 2003 referendum where 84% of the valid votes supported EU membership. The workload during the Hungarian Presidency on climate and environmental files will be lighter than for those of their trio partners, Belgium and Spain. Trilogues will be on hold until the next Parliament and Commission are in place, but the Council can still advance on their position across a range of files that not finalised under the Belgian Council Presidency and of course, explore their own priorities. The Hungarian Presidency has a responsibility to help complete the European Green Deal, reflect on the Strategic Agenda set by Heads of State on the 27-28 June 2024 and in light of this, the EP elections, the state of environment and climate, explore the needs and priorities for the next legislative cycle and its own Presidency contributions.