Hungary assumes its second presidency as part of the Spanish-Belgian-Hungarian trio similarly to its first presidency in 2011. The programme of the trio adopted by the Council on 27 June 2023 is the joint programme of Spain, Belgium and Hungary holding the presidency from 1 July 2023 to 31 December 2024. The eighteen-month programme has been serving as a basis for the priorities of the six-month-long presidencies of Spain, Belgium and Hungary.
The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine combined with increasing global uncertainty require the presidential trio to focus on enhancing the EU’s resilience and strategic autonomy. The main directions set out in the programme are the following:
- reinforcing the EU’s global competitiveness by strengthening our industrial base in line with the accelerated twin green and digital transitions and making use of innovation;
- ensuring the twin transitions are fair, just and inclusive by enhancing the social dimension of Europe, including by addressing the demographic challenge the EU is facing;
- strengthening international partnerships, multilateral cooperation, security and defence, an ambitious trade policy, protection of EU interests.
The work of the Spanish-Belgian-Hungarian trio has been significantly influenced by the changes in the EU's institutional cycle. The European Parliament elections (6-9 June 2024) take place in the course of the Belgian presidency, while the mandate of the current European Commission (31 October 2024) and the President of the European Council (30 November 2024) expires during the Hungarian presidency. The trio has been therefore placing particular emphasis on ensuring a seamless transition to the next institutional cycle. The trio has been also focusing on contributing to the development, adoption and implementation of the strategic agenda for the period of 2024-2029.
