The future of Europe: Strategic perspectives of the incoming Hungarian EU Presidency

In conversation with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, Péter Szijjártó. Europe is at a crossroads. The war in Ukraine continues with no end apparent as yet. Important European Parliament elections are taking place in June with the Bloc’s political future uncertain. Further afield, Israel’s conflict in Gaza and tension in the Middle East has also had wider global repercussions. And with 2024 dubbed, ‘the year of elections’, much of the world anxious as to the viability of democracies worldwide, with a firm eye on the United States in November. On July 1st 2024, Hungary will assume the presidency of the European Council. With a multitude of challenges in Hungary, Europe and around the world, there is plenty to occupy Budapest during its 6-month term. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, Péter Szijjártó, will discuss how Hungary intends to utilise its presidency, as well as the wider perspectives from Hungary on the ever fragmenting global order. Key questions to discuss include: What will Hungary prioritise during its EU presidency? How has Budapest responding to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza? How should Europe respond to the rise of China? What should Europe’s relationship with America look like?