Energy minister urges adoption of European competitiveness pact

Lantos called 2024 “a year of transition”, when the Hungarian presidency must shepherd through the European Council’s operations and “serve as a bridge between the former and the incoming European Parliament, while working with both the incumbent and the incoming European Commission.”

The Hungarian presidency will also start implementing the EU’s strategy for the next five years, setting long-term directions for the community, he added.

“Europe needs to be kept on the right track, so it’s of key importance that the bloc’s and its members’ competitiveness is improved and growth promoted, while ensuring a level playing field for each member state and region,” he said.

The minister said the informal meeting of EU environment ministers provided a chance to discuss how environmental protection and efficient waste management may contribute to a competitive Europe.

Lantos said the EU must preserve its leading role internationally, noting that those gathered would represent the EU’s position at the upcoming UN climate change conference (COP29).

Reinforcing Europe’s defence strategy, pursuing a consistent enlargement policy, curbing illegal migration, shaping the future of cohesion policy, building a competitive and “crisis-proof” agricultural policy and tackling demographic challenges will be among the highest priorities in the next six months, Lantos said.