Approval of European competitiveness deal priority of Hungarian presidency

A new European competitiveness deal could put the EU’s economy on a stable growth path, by supporting SMEs, advancing the green and digital transitions, promoting international trade and cooperation, and ensuring the stability and sustainability of workplaces, Mr Boka said. He proposed a debate of the Draghi report on EU competitiveness published on Monday, followed by the establishment of a common position and appropriate action.

Hungary’s EU presidency is also working to strengthen Europe’s defence policy in light of the need to improve the continent’s defence capability and capacity to respond to international crisis management, he added.

He said Hungary’s presidency would advocate a “consistent and merit-based” enlargement policy. He added that the case of Ukraine was extraordinary in that the EU was supporting the country in its fight against Russian aggression even amid the accession process.

He said the Hungarian presidency would participate in the rapid management of related matters, including expediting proposed credit for Ukraine.

He highlighted the importance of the accession of countries in the Western Balkans and said advisors to the prime ministers of the countries seeking to join the EU in the region had been invited to Szeged (SE Hungary) to discuss opportunities for cooperation.

He said migration was another focus of the Hungarian presidency, adding that EU funding need to be channeled to the protection of the frontier.

Hungary seeks “honest cooperation” with EU member states and institutions during its presidency and will work as a “fair mediator” for Europe’s peace, security and welfare, he added.

Janos Latorcai, deputy speaker of Hungary’s parliament, acknowledged increased defence spending among a number of EU member states, but said the defence industry needed to be developed and expanded to produce results in the mid-term.

Lajos Kosa, who chairs parliament’s defence committee, pointed to the importance of “hearing out” other member states even though they might not see eye to eye.

David McAllister, who chairs the European Parliament’s foreign affairs committee, outlined the priorities of the EU’s common foreign and defence policy: acting against Russian aggression, taking a common stand for European defence, establishing strategic alliances and strengthening the methods of EU decision-making.