Europe Minister Karoline Edtstadler (ÖVP) has again criticized the EU Parliament’s planned resolution on Hungary’s suitability to take over the presidency of the EU Council in 2024. It is “not appropriate to deny a country the presidency of the EU Council,” Edtstadler said in Brussels on Tuesday. The resolution, which will be voted on on Thursday, casts doubt on Hungary’s fitness to deal with the EU country’s rule of law violations.
“The rule of law is something that cannot be compromised. But we have to deal with the issue objectively and see where there is progress,” the minister stressed. Europe is built on the rule of law: “I see it as an opportunity if Hungary during the Council presidency gives priority to European interests and should prepare accordingly We have clear rules: there is no provision in the EU treaty about revoking a presidency of the Council.”
EU funds frozen
Hungary still has some time to prepare: “We have to evaluate that fairly. EU funds are still frozen because Hungary has strayed from the path of the rule of law,” said Edtstadler. But she sees progress. Her German counterpart Anna Lührmann on the other hand, expressed “doubts about the extent to which Hungary can handle a successful Presidency of the Council”.
Hungarian minister: “Complete nonsense”
Hungarian Justice Minister Judit Varga described the discussion as “complete nonsense”, which she says is not “political pressure from the European Parliament, which does not respect European values, democracy and the rule of law”. plays no role here. EU law determines the order of Council presidencies.” Hungary has almost 20 years of EU experience and is therefore well prepared, she stressed in Brussels on Tuesday.
To prepare the EU for the future and for even more member states, ministers discussed the principle of unanimity for decisions during an informal dinner on Monday evening. According to Edtstadler, there was discussion about whether treaty changes would be necessary if Ukraine joined: “But that would require a unanimous decision, and I think there will be a lot of discussion.”
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
