MEPs debate Hungarian presidency results with Prime Minister

Irrespective of their political persuasion, group leaders praised the policy achievements of the Hungarian Presidency. At the same time, the effect of certain Hungarian domestic controversies on the success of the presidency split the political groups.

Hungarian Prime Minster Viktor Orbán² evaluated his country's rotating presidency in the plenary today, a few days after he had passed the baton to the Polish government for the upcoming six months. Referring to the Hungarian presidency's slogan "strong Europe", he said "Europe is stronger today than it was half a year ago."

The conclusion of Croatia's EU accession negotiations, the adoption of a new Roma strategy, progress on the economic governance package, the creation of the Danube strategy, and the agreement on a European patent system were all mentioned by MEPs as important achievements of the Hungarian presidency.

At the same time, speakers from the left of the House brought up the subject of the Hungarian media law and the new constitution, expressing their regret that such domestic issues had cast a shadow over the presidency's performance.

You can watch the recording of the debate via the Video on Demand service (link below).

• 1. 

  The European Parliament is the EU's law-making body. It is directly elected by EU voters every 5 years.
  What does the Parliament do?
  The Parliament has 3 main roles:
  Legislative
   
• 2. 

  Viktor Orbán (1963) is sinds 29 mei 2010 minister-president van Hongarije. Hij is leider van de centrumrechtse/christendemocratische partij Fidesz. Orbán speelde een belangrijke rol bij de overgang van Hongarije van het communisme naar de democratie. Hij was oprichter van Fidesz, aanvankelijk een liberale jongerenbeweging. In 1990 werd hij lid van het Hongaarse parlement. Als leider van Fidesz-Hongaarse Volksparij werd hij in 1998 premier, tot 2002. Daarna was hij tot 2010 oppositieleider.