Today, the European Parliament held a debate with the Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orbán on the priorities of the Hungarian Presidency of the EU Council. In her opening remarks, the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola said that Parliament's focus remains on delivering for people on the issues that matter to them, on strengthening competitiveness, ensuring security, and supporting Ukraine.
Dear colleagues,
On the 1st of July, Hungary assumed the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Today, we have the Prime Minister Orbán in the European Parliament for a debate with Members.
The Hungarian Presidency is the first of this new legislature, and has a particular role and responsibility in delivering on what our citizens want and expect from our European Union.
We are having this debate in the shadow of the devastating floods that raged across different Member States two weeks ago. Let me use this opportunity to reiterate this Parliament’s support for all the victims of this tragedy and our commitment to help all those impacted in re-building and getting people back on their feet. That is Europe in action. That is European solidarity.
The Hungarian Presidency arrives at an important moment of institutional change. A new mandate brings new challenges and opportunities, which we must jointly, all together, embrace.
This summer, we witnessed the highest voter turnout in the European Elections in 30 years. Electing this House as the voice of Europe’s democracy. In the next weeks, we will vote in a new College of Commissioners to start working on addressing the priorities that matter to people. These decisions will shape the future of Europe.
There are many other significant steps forward for our Union, that we will take together over the coming weeks, months and years. Including supporting Ukraine. Strengthening European competitiveness. And building a more stable, secure Europe in a world of increasing uncertainty. A Union of democracy, prosperity and security that protects our values everywhere. Europe may not be perfect, it is after all a work in progress, and while we must be honest about where we can do better, we should also not shy away from celebrating our successes.
Today, we are here to discuss the Hungarian Presidency’s priorities that I hope will lead to more European success stories.
Prime Minister, many of us recall the lively debate six years ago. I expect no less today. Because in this House of democracy, as in Europe, where the rule of law and freedom of expression are sacrosanct, we may not always agree, but we will always give space for the respectful sharing of views.
There is a saying in Hungarian: Sok kicsi sokra megy. Lots of small will amount to a lot. That is the power of Europe: that together as Europeans, we can achieve so much more than we could alone.
Dear Prime Minister, the floor is yours.
You can read the President's speech in Hungarian here.