MEPs want to deprive Hungary of EU presidency in 2024 – Euractiv

Numerous violations of EU law by Hungary make it unsuitable for the rotating EU presidency in 2024

This assessment is contained in a draft resolution that will be considered by MEPs next week, Euractiv reported.

According to the publication, the draft document was supported by the main parties of the European Parliament.

The Hungarian government is to lead the EU Council of Ministers for six months from July 2024, less than a month after the next European Parliament elections.

The publication notes that although the rotating presidency has much less political influence on shaping debates since the Lisbon Treaty introduced the post of permanent president of the European Council, it is responsible for shaping negotiations on EU laws.

The draft resolution "questions how Hungary will be able to fulfil this task in 2024 credibly, given its non-compliance with EU law and the values enshrined in Article 2 TEU, as well as the principle of sincere cooperation."

The draft resolution calls on EU governments to "find a proper solution as soon as possible."

Hungarian authorities condemned the position of MEPs. Hungarian government spokesman Zoltan Kovacs said that the "real reason" for the initiative is that " they dislike Hungary’s pro-peace stance and seek to drive us into conflict."

"We will not let them take such an opportunity away from Hungary," Justice Minister Judit Varga added.