BUDAPEST: Hungary took over the European Union’s rotating presidency on Monday, despite widespread concerns over its Russia-friendly government.
Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has been the leader of the central European country since 2010 promised to transform it into an illiberal democracy. The country frequently clashes with Brussels over rule-of-law and human rights issues.
He is the only EU leader who has kept ties with Russia despite its war with Ukraine. He has refused to send weapons to Kyiv and repeatedly condemned sanctions against Moscow over the war.
Hungary is taking over the six-month rotating presidency from Belgium with the slogan: “Make Europe Great Again”.
The European Parliament last year, adopted a non-binding resolution highlighting the backsliding of Hungary on democratic values. Budapest insists it is ready to take on the responsibilities of steering the bloc of 27 countries.
Hungary’s EU Affairs Minister Janos Boka has said his country wants to work closely with all member states and institutions of the European bloc.
He said Hungary has a strong mandate to pursue a strong European policy adding that Europe is not heading in the right direction.
Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Sunday, announced he wanted to form his own group, with Austria’s far-right Freedom Party (FPOe) and the centrist ANO party of Czech ex-premier Andrej Babis.
Hungary’s main priorities for its EU presidency are stopping illegal migration and bringing the Western Balkans countries closer to EU membership.
Last week, the European Union adopted a fresh sanction package against Russia and formally initiated historic accession talks with Ukraine.
